SBE: IFB for Purchase of IL Local Ground Beef

The State of Illinois, acting through the Illinois State Board of Education, awarded a contract to Chicago Flavas LTD for the procurement of locally sourced ground beef under Invitation for Bid No. 51138. The contract, valued at $2,571,840.00, represents the largest award among three vendors selected through competitive sealed bidding based on lowest price per pound. The contract term is three months, commencing upon final execution and extending through June 30, 2026. All beef must be sourced from cattle raised on Illinois farms and processed at United States Department of Agriculture-inspected facilities within Illinois, meeting specifications of 100 percent pure beef at 85/15 fat ratio or leaner, United States Department of Agriculture Choice or Prime grade, wet-aged, hormone-free, and frozen in 40-pound cases.

Chicago Flavas LTD is responsible for delivering the full quantity of ground beef by June 15, 2026, to a designated warehouse in Granite City, Illinois, with advance coordination of deliveries required at least five business days prior. The vendor must submit preliminary and final source disclosure reports identifying all farms, processors, and distributors involved in the supply chain and comply with all federal and state food safety and labeling requirements. Pricing was submitted on a per-pound basis inclusive of all costs including processing, packaging, storage, and delivery. The contract is funded entirely by federal sources and incorporates applicable federal requirements, including the Stevens Amendment, as well as compliance obligations under the Illinois Procurement Code and prevailing wage standards.