Charter School Institute - Fresh Fruit and Vegetables SoCo

The Colorado Charter School Institute is requesting proposals for fresh fruit and vegetable supply to the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program serving Southern Colorado schools, with proposals due October 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. MST. The contract period runs October 26, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewal periods.

The scope covers fresh produce (apples, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cantaloupes, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, chile peppers, honeydew, mushrooms, peaches, pears, plums, radishes, raspberries, tomatoes, spinach, summer squash, watermelon, and winter squash) and pre-packaged individually wrapped items (baby carrot and celery combos, beet chips, bell pepper slices, broccoli and cauliflower mixes, prepared fruits in 50-count 2-ounce servings) supplied weekly to approximately 200 students at Kwiyagat Community School in Towaoc and Pagosa Peak Open School in Pagosa Springs, with potential expansion to additional qualifying schools. Usage projections are finalized monthly through CSI meetings with participating schools based on seasonal availability.

Vendors must provide proof of minimum $1 million liability insurance, maintain an On-Farm Food Safety and/or HACCP Plan with documentation submitted at bid, and comply with Buy American Act requirements (domestic products prioritized; exceptions allowed when items are unavailable or costs are 25 percent or more higher). Locally grown products, defined as unprocessed agricultural commodities from Colorado harvested within two weeks of delivery, must be documented on purchase orders and invoices. Pricing must separate raw food cost and delivery cost, with delivery FOB Destination at payment terms of no less than 30 days from receipt.

Award criteria weight proposed pricing (21 points), vendor performance and industry reputation (20 points), delivery capability (20 points), financial responsibility (20 points), and ability to meet bid requirements including food safety plans (19 points). CSI and schools reserve the right to purchase from Colorado State Bid Contracts, RPS bid contracts, or other sources during the contract term. Questions must be submitted by email to IleneAgustin@csi.state.co.us by October 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. MST.