Certificate_Regarding_Lobbying_USDA.pdf

This is a Certification Regarding Lobbying form for USDA-funded contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements submitted by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) in Florida for a food service sanitation program under Request for Proposals 25614-RFP-DST. The procurement encompasses a comprehensive sanitation and cleaning supply program serving approximately 212 self-operating Student Nutrition Services kitchens across the district. The solicitation requires twelve line items of sanitation products including anti-bacterial hand soap, disinfectants, degreasers, quaternary sanitizers, pot and pan detergent, freezer cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, descaler, sanitizer buckets, thermometer probe wipes, and sanitizer test strips in specified annual quantities. The contractor must provide monthly site visits on a 20 school-day rotation, initial and ongoing training on safe food handling and OSHA compliance, bilingual English and Spanish safety data sheets and instructional materials, computerized monthly service reports, and emergency re-supply within 24 business hours. Proposals must be received by March 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET, with technical questions due by February 20, 2026. A Phase 1 public meeting is scheduled for April 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams, with an estimated award date of June 2, 2026. The contract term begins July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with automatic renewal options for up to four additional one-year periods plus temporary renewal extensions not to exceed 180 days.

The estimated annual contract value is $400,000, funded 100 percent by the United States Department of Agriculture with no state, local, or non-federal funding sources. All pricing must remain firm for the initial contract term, with price increase requests requiring 120 days' advance notice and supporting documentation such as Producer Price Index information or manufacturer price lists. Qualified proposers must demonstrate three years of experience providing similar commodities and services, authorization to do business in Florida, E-Verify compliance, proof of insurance with specified coverage limits, three business references, and compliance with all applicable federal funding requirements under USDA 2 CFR Part 200 standards. Proposers must complete multiple compliance certifications including drug-free workplace certification, non-collusion affidavits, debarment and suspension certifications, compliance with the Buy American provision for domestic product preference, and certifications regarding foreign entities of concern as mandated by Florida Statute 287.138. The certification form itself certifies that no federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to influence officers or employees of Congress in connection with this federal transaction, and requires disclosure on Standard Form-LLL if any non-federal funds are used for lobbying purposes. The contract replaces an expiring agreement with historical consumption patterns documented in the HCPS Usage Report for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.