IFB 26036TC Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Specifications Summary

This is an Invitation for Bid specifications document for Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) in Virginia to procure frozen and refrigerated food products for the 2026-2027 school year. The procurement encompasses 18 distinct food line items across protein, vegetable, dairy, and grain categories, with estimated annual usage quantities ranging from 35 to 1,200 cases per item. Products requested include specialty items such as fajita chicken strips, roasted turkey breast, pollack fish fillets, southern fish strips, ham (sliced and diced), beef hotdogs, plant-based nuggets and burgers, empanadas, chicken dumplings, frozen vegetables (broccoli, corn, edamame, and mixed vegetable blends), pepperjack cheese slices, yogurt fruit smoothies, egg bites, pancake puffs, and whole grain sub rolls. The bidding process includes two major delivery windows in mid-August and early September, with subsequent deliveries occurring either "as needed" or on specified recurring schedules (every four to six weeks). All awarded vendors will receive one blanket purchase order per line item with distribution dates and a minimum of four weeks' notice prior to initial delivery. All deliveries will be consolidated at a single warehouse location in Norfolk, Virginia.

Bidders must provide commercial pricing with commodity processing fees listed separately if they are manufacturers, as Virginia commodity rebates and pricing will be used for cost comparison and potential future commodity diversion consideration. All products must comply with USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements, Child and Adult Care Food Program standards, whole grain-rich guidelines where applicable, and facility manufacturing standards including FSMA and Good Manufacturing Practices certification. Products must be free of trans fats, meet current sodium and saturated fat guidelines, and be produced in the USA or be Buy American compliant whenever possible. Vendors must provide Child Nutrition labels or Product Formulation Statements for verification. Minimum shelf life requirements range from 90 days to 18 months depending on the product category. Preferred delivery methods include direct shipments from manufacturers, though distributors are acceptable if minimum weight or quantity requirements are identified in their bids. Even layer and full pallet purchasing is required to the greatest extent possible.