K-12 School Nutrition Products

The Massachusetts Statewide Contract GRO42 for K-12 School Nutrition Products provides a comprehensive procurement solution for eligible entities, specifically targeting K-12 school districts across the state. The contract encompasses three primary product categories: Produce (fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs), Groceries (high-volume commercial nutrition products), and Locally Sourced Foods (including products from local food hubs, processors, farmers, fisheries, and meat producers). Designed to support school nutrition programs, the vehicle emphasizes the USDA "Buy American" provision, requiring over 51% of food products to be domestically produced, and prioritizes environmentally preferable and locally sourced products.

The contract is managed by the Massachusetts Operational Services Division (OSD) and will operate from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2027, with potential extensions up to two additional three-year periods through 2033. Prime contractors include A Simos & Co Inc, Banks Square Market Corp, F Nasiff Co Inc, Ring Bros of Harwich, Thomsen Buyer LLC, and Thurston Foods Inc. The statewide contract covers the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is structured with fixed pricing or ceiling/not-to-exceed pricing mechanisms. The estimated total contract value is approximately $64 million, with $6.8 million allocated for produce purchases and $51.2 million for grocery items, supporting procurement through the COMMBUYS electronic platform.