77-20260528095913 DCS

DeSoto County School District is requesting sealed bids on fresh produce distribution for child nutrition programs across 41 school sites, with bids due June 22, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. CST at the district office in Hernando, Mississippi. The procurement carries a Buy American requirement under 7 CFR 210.21(d), mandating that contractors source domestic commodities to the maximum extent practicable and supply product catalogs identifying country of origin for all items.

The scope covers full cartons (estimated quantities exceeding 60,000 units) and broken cartons (approximately 10,000+ units) of fresh fruits and vegetables on a bi-annual fixed-fee plus reimbursable-cost basis. The contractor assumes the role of produce buyer for the district and is liable for cost differences resulting from supply failures or substitutions. Weekly deliveries are required to all sites between 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for ten months per year, with a mandatory 97% service level on scheduled delivery days; remaining orders must be delivered within 24 hours. Qualified bidders must demonstrate adequate financial capacity with three written references, maintain clean and refrigerated warehouse and delivery facilities, and provide proof of accurate accounting practices with computer-generated invoicing.

The contract term runs from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, with potential extensions not exceeding three years total. Pricing follows a cost-plus-fee model: all produce is invoiced at the distributor's cost delivered to the warehouse plus a fixed service fee. Product costs remain firm for one calendar month; fixed fees remain firm for the duration of the contract. Payment terms are NET 45 upon receipt and inspection of products. The School Board is scheduled to approve the award on July 2, 2026. Questions were due June 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. CST.