011-SNS-2027 small equipment

The Dougherty County Board of Education School Nutrition Program is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the procurement of small equipment necessary to support school nutrition operations across the district for the 2026-2027 school year. The solicitation encompasses 89 line items of food service equipment and utensils, including baking pans, knives, measuring tools, mixing bowls, serving utensils, steamtable pans, thermometers, storage containers, and various small kitchen implements, with quantities per item ranging from 5 to 50 units depending on equipment type. All specifications include preferred brand names with corresponding model numbers and "or Equivalent" language to allow vendor flexibility in meeting requirements. Sealed bids must be submitted by 11:15 a.m. on May 28, 2026, to the Dougherty County School System Logistical Services department at 601 Flint Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701, with virtual attendance available via Zoom. A questions and answers deadline has been established for May 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to allow bidders to seek clarifications. All bid pricing must remain firm for the entire contract period and include all charges for packing and transportation to the 24 school nutrition sites identified in the bid documents. Deliveries must be made on an F.O.B. destination basis in well-maintained refrigerated trucks with no partial deliveries accepted, and the contract does not allow for fuel surcharges.

The contract is subject to standard federal compliance requirements applicable to school nutrition programs, including Buy American provisions (7 CFR 210.21), debarment and suspension verifications for bids exceeding $25,000, lobbying certifications for bids over $100,000, and equal employment opportunity compliance statements for bids exceeding $10,000. All awarded vendors must comply with Georgia's Security and Immigration Compliance Act and provide E-Verify affidavits. The initial contract term commences July 1, 2026, and terminates June 30, 2027, with the option to renew for up to two additional one-year terms by mutual written agreement of both parties. Award of the contract is contingent upon available budget funds and Board approval, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder within approximately 60 days of bid opening. Prices will exclude Federal Excise Tax and State Sales Tax, with payment to be made within 30 days of invoice receipt following product inspection and acceptance. The bid documents do not specify set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises, incumbent vendors, or budget range values for this procurement.