A La Carte Beverage

Fayette County School Food Authority is requesting bids for a la carte beverage supply to 28 school locations during the 2026-2027 school year under IFB 2026-07-06, with bids due August 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and questions due July 20, 2026. All beverages must comply with USDA Smart Snack standards and federal nutrition guidelines.

The scope covers water, juices, bottled waters, electrolyte sports drinks, carbonated and uncarbonated beverages, canned sodas, lemonades, and fruit drinks in sizes from 8 ounces to 52 ounces. Beverages must be packaged in clear plastic bottles (except diet carbonated beverages, which may be plastic bottles only) with specified nutritional content requirements. Brand preferences include Minute Maid, Powerade, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Gold Peak, with "approved equal" alternatives permitted. Expiration dates must be at least six months from delivery for most beverages and at least two months for diet carbonated beverages. Products are subject to taste testing evaluation, though sample submission is not mandatory.

The contract runs August 8, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with options to extend up to six months at the same bid pricing or renew for additional one-year terms based on vendor performance. Bid prices must remain firm for the initial contract period and include all packing and transportation charges to designated schools with no separate fuel surcharges permitted. The SFA will award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and reserves the right to award to multiple vendors.

Bidders must provide pricing for both Fee for Service (FFS) and Net Off Invoice (NOI) methods, with the SFA selecting the method used. All bidders must submit certificates of debarment and suspension status, E-Verify affidavits, and proof of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 general liability and $1,000,000 automobile liability. Bids exceeding $100,000 require lobbying certifications. Award notification is expected by August 7, 2026.