011-DW-0325_NRBA.pdf

This is a Notice of Recommended Bid Award issued by The School Board of Polk County, Florida Purchasing Department for Bid File Number 011-DW-0225, titled Commodity Processing Foods. The solicitation seeks vendors to process USDA commodity products into approved end products for delivery to the district's central warehouse in Bartow, Florida. The products include applesauce cups (cinnamon and banana strawberry varieties) and beef products such as fully cooked meatballs and beef patties that must meet USDA Child Nutrition Program standards. The initial contract period begins July 1, 2025, with potential extensions for four additional one-year periods. The bid posting period ran from February 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM through February 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM, with a bid deadline of February 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM (ET). The Notice of Recommended Bid Award is scheduled for presentation to the school board on March 25, 2025, pending board approval.

Three vendors have been recommended for award based on lowest total composite bid price by category: Tyson Prepared Foods, Inc. (Springdale, Arkansas) for Items 1-4, JTM Provisions Co., Inc. (Harrison, Ohio) for Items 5-6, and Peterson Farms Fresh LLC (Shelby, Michigan) for Items 7-8. The estimated annual contract value is $1,500,000, though this represents a non-guaranteed purchase amount. Vendors must maintain $1,000,000 per occurrence Commercial General Liability insurance, comply with Buy American provisions requiring at least 51 percent domestic agricultural commodities in final processed products, and meet E-Verify and federal debarment requirements. Price adjustments for contract extensions will be based on the Producer Price Index-Commodities. All vendors must be approved processors by the Department of Agriculture and provide required documentation including processor certification, non-collusion affidavits, and price determination certifications. Bid protests must comply with Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, with failure to file within the prescribed timeframe constituting waiver of protest rights. Questions regarding this recommendation should be directed to denise.whitaker@polk-fl.net in the Purchasing Department.