26-001 ITB milk

The Houston County School District is seeking bids for a milk and dairy products contract through Invitation to Bid (ITB) #26-001, targeting the district's School Nutrition Program. The procurement covers a comprehensive range of dairy products including various milk types such as chocolate, plain, skim, 1%, and strawberry in half-pint cartons, half-gallons, and gallon containers, with additional specialty items like lactose-free and shelf-stable milk. The bid requires vendors to deliver to 39 school locations at least twice per week between 6:30 AM and 1:30 PM, with deliveries made from the award date through June 30, 2026 and potential contract extensions up to a total of 60 months. Vendors must meet strict requirements including Grade "A" pasteurization, temperature controls (35-41 degrees Fahrenheit), USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture compliance, and Buy American provisions mandating over 51% domestic agricultural components. The bid response is due on May 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST, to be submitted to the Purchasing Department at 200 Jerry Barker Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088, with potential for sample product requests prior to bid award.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The district maintains flexibility in vendor selection, reserving the right to award to one or multiple vendors based on responsiveness and best interests, with payment terms of net 30 days and no minimum order requirements. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the documentation, the estimated annual product volumes are substantial, with projected quantities including 1,500,000 half-pints of chocolate skim milk and 500,000 half-pints of 1% milk. Vendors must provide comprehensive product information, including manufacturer details and nutritional specifications, and comply with HACCP requirements. The district is tax-exempt and seeks competitive pricing, with the ability to reject bids, waive technicalities, and make awards on individual items or a lump-sum basis. Successful vendors must be prepared to provide replacement or credit for damaged or unsatisfactory products, ensuring high-quality dairy offerings for the school nutrition program.