Notice_of_Meeting_03262026.pdf

This is a Notice of Public Meeting issued by the Procurement Services Department of Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) in Tampa, Florida, regarding Solicitation 25533-RFP-DST for Paper Products serving Student Nutrition Services. The solicitation seeks qualified vendors to establish an annual cost-plus fixed delivery fee contract for paper product delivery to approximately 219 school sites supporting the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs. Products encompass food storage bags, containers, trays, cups, lids, wraps, utensils, gloves, cleaning supplies, hairnets, and related items, with estimated annual quantities ranging from 10 units for specialized items to 52,500 units for lunch trays across 114 line items. The RFP was broadcast on January 16, 2026, with a technical question deadline of January 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM and proposals due February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM via www.myvendorlink.com. A Phase 1 public meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM via Microsoft Teams, with review of proposals occurring March 2, 2026. The estimated award date is June 2, 2026, with contract commencement on July 1, 2026. The initial contract term extends through the end of the first anniversary month with options for up to four automatic one-year renewals contingent upon appropriations, performance, and continued need, with a potential 180-day temporary renewal period.

The contract is entirely funded by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) federal funds with an estimated annual budget of $5,800,000 and zero percent state or local funding. Initial cost prices remain firm through December 30, 2026, with potential adjustments every six months thereafter effective July 1 and January 1, subject to SNS District Office approval. Payment terms are net 45 days under Florida's Prompt Payment Act with a 120-day deadline for final invoice submission. The incumbent contract (RFP 20126-DST-IV) expires June 30, 2026, with no renewal options available. All proposers must comply with extensive federal requirements including USDA certifications, drug-free workplace verification, debarment checks, and Buy American provisions mandating domestic product preference with non-domestic food purchases capped at ten percent beginning fiscal year 2025-26. The vendor must provide weekly deliveries Monday through Friday with inside delivery, electronic ordering capability, and monthly price and usage reports. Small business enterprises, minority-owned businesses, and service-disabled veterans are encouraged to apply and may qualify for enhanced payment terms of net 45 days or "pay upon approval" options. The contractor must maintain at least two delivery drivers with permanent MacDill Air Force Base passes for the Tinker K-8 School location with all associated pass fees covered by the contractor.