Notice_of_Meeting_04.15.2026.pdf

This is a Notice of Public Meeting issued by the Hillsborough County Public Schools Procurement Services Department in Tampa, Florida, regarding solicitation 26039-RFP-DST for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program - Student Nutrition Services. The solicitation seeks proposals from qualified vendors to deliver fresh, high-quality specialty fruits and vegetables to approximately 18 elementary school sites participating in the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, with potential expansion to 20 schools in the 2026-2027 school year. The program distributes free fresh produce to kindergarten through fifth-grade students two days per week outside of regular meal service. The RFP was broadcast on February 11, 2026, with technical questions due by February 25, 2026, an addendum issued on February 26, 2026, and proposals due by March 11, 2026 via www.myvendorlink.com. A public meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams videoconference, with a proposal review date of March 12, 2026 and an estimated award date of August 4, 2026. The initial contract term runs from September 1, 2026, through May 1, 2027, with automatic renewal for up to four additional one-year periods subject to appropriation and performance.

The contract utilizes a cost-plus "fixed fee per case" pricing model where vendors submit a firm fixed delivery fee covering inside delivery and freight to all participating schools, with actual produce pricing determined by open-market costs subject to district office approval two weeks prior to each month's menu. Qualified vendors must have a minimum of three years of produce distribution experience, a current Florida business license, GAP certification, and the capability to deliver Monday and Tuesday between 6:00 AM and 2:30 PM. The estimated annual budget is $600,000, funded entirely by USDA grant awards with zero non-federal financing. All vendors must comply with extensive federal and state requirements, including USDA drug-free workplace certification, Buy American provisions with phased non-domestic food purchase caps, and designation of two drivers with permanent MacDill Air Force Base passes for delivery to Tinker K-8 School. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are identified, though the district encourages affirmative contracting with small and minority-owned businesses as a federal funding requirement under 2 CFR Part 200. Contractors exceeding the $100,000 contract threshold are subject to Davis-Bacon Act wage standards and must comply with civil rights, clean air and water pollution, and contract work hours and safety standards.