Programs

Tools That Get You There

The Alliance offers four core programs — each designed to remove a specific obstacle in the manufacturing journey.

Program A

RFQ Matching

The CPA's Request for Quote (RFQ) system connects brands directly to qualified contract manufacturers within the CPA member network. Submit your product specifications and the system automatically routes your RFQ to manufacturers with matching capabilities.

No cold calls. No directory browsing. Qualified manufacturers who can actually make your product reach out directly.

  • Submit once, reach multiple qualified manufacturers
  • Automated capability matching by product category
  • CPA member network — vetted, established manufacturers
  • Direct contact from manufacturers interested in your project
Submit RFQ via contractpackaging.org
How It Works
1
Fill out the RFQ form
Product type, volume, packaging specs, and timeline.
2
Automated matching
The CPA system routes your RFQ to members with matching capabilities.
3
Manufacturers respond
Interested and qualified manufacturers contact you directly.
4
You evaluate and choose
Compare responses, request samples, select your partner.
Program C

White-Label Incubation

The Alliance offers turnkey incubation programs for accelerators, economic development organizations, universities, and regional business development groups.

The model is simple: you bring the brands and the cohort; the Alliance provides the manufacturing infrastructure, supplier network, and expert guidance. We white-label the program under your organization's brand.

For Accelerators
Add manufacturing guidance to your program without building in-house expertise.
For EDOs
Support local food entrepreneurs with vetted manufacturing resources and connections.
For Universities
Extend entrepreneurship programs with a practical manufacturing track.
Discuss Incubation Partnership
What the Program Includes
  • Alliance manufacturing network access
  • Supplier and co-packer matching
  • Expert-led workshops and curriculum
  • Branded program for your organization
  • Ongoing cohort support and mentorship
  • Connection to the 8 Alliance arms
What We Manage
  • Co-packer search and vetting
  • RFQ coordination
  • Negotiations and contract review
  • Production run management
  • Quality control oversight
  • Timeline and milestone tracking
  • Multi-manufacturer coordination
Start the Conversation
Program D

Project Management

The Alliance can manage the entire manufacturing process on your behalf — from initial co-packer search through production runs and ongoing relationship management.

For brands without internal operations resources, or brands entering a new product category, having the Alliance team manage the process removes risk and accelerates timelines.

We can work with one manufacturer or coordinate across multiple — whatever the product and scale requires.

Powered by the Network

Every Program Connects to the Alliance

Alliance programs draw on the full network of manufacturing verticals. Here are the key resources behind our programs.

Co-Packer Network

The RFQ matching program connects you directly to CPA member manufacturers across the co-packing network.

Co-Packing

Commercial Kitchens

The county search tool is powered by the commercialkitchens.org database of licensed shared-use facilities.

Commercial Kitchens

Food Innovation Centers

Incubation programs tap into university R&D facilities and food science expertise across the country.

Food Innovation Centers

Which Program Is Right for You?

Tell us about your brand and we'll point you to the right program — or help you directly.