10812-20241212095316 DCS

DeSoto County School District is seeking sealed bids for a produce and child nutrition procurement contract (Bid #336-PROD-DCS252) covering fresh fruits and vegetables to be delivered to 40 school locations throughout DeSoto County, Mississippi. The contract period will run from January 23, 2025 through June 30, 2025, with potential extensions not exceeding three years total. Bidders must provide weekly deliveries during a 10-month period with a required 97% fill rate on scheduled delivery days and the remaining 3% delivered within 24 hours. The procurement follows a Type 2 Bi-Annual Fixed Fees Plus Reimbursable Costs pricing structure, with produce invoiced at the distributor's cost plus a fixed service fee. Prices must remain firm for one calendar month, and the total procurement includes over 60,000 full cartons and approximately 10,000 broken cartons. The bid responses are due by January 13, 2025 at 9:00am CST, with board approval scheduled for January 23, 2025. Contractors must comply with Buy American provisions, provide domestic commodities where practical, and meet USDA grade standards for various fresh fruits and vegetables.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The contractor will serve as the produce buyer for the district, requiring capabilities to assist with product selection, maturity timing, and maintaining optimal product conditions. Local products are preferred where indicated, which may provide opportunities for regional vendors. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the documentation, the contract involves substantial produce volume across 40 school locations. The procurement requires comprehensive capabilities in produce sourcing, quality management, and logistical delivery, with strict performance expectations including the 97% fill rate requirement. Vendors must demonstrate expertise in child nutrition product procurement, adherence to USDA standards, and the ability to manage complex multi-site delivery logistics throughout DeSoto County's school system.