Commodity Chicken

The state of Georgia, specifically through the Fayette County School Nutrition Program, is seeking vendors to provide commodity chicken products for the 2025-2026 school year via Invitation for Bid (IFB) #2025-07-03. The procurement covers a comprehensive range of chicken products including popcorn chicken, chicken patties, chicken nuggets, chicken wings, chicken tenders, bone-in chicken, Asian-style chicken, and premium artisan chicken products. The solicitation requires vendors to provide detailed documentation including nutritional information, HACCP plans, and food recall procedures, with a focus on meeting Child Nutrition (CN) meal pattern requirements. Bid evaluation will be based on lowest price among responsive and responsible bidders, with additional consideration for product quality through taste testing. Key dates include written questions due by July 17, 2025, and bid submissions due on August 4, 2025 at 10:00 am, with the contract period running from August 8, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The contract includes potential extension options of up to six months and possible renewals for up to four additional one-year terms based on vendor performance.

The procurement allows for piggybacking by multiple school districts and includes comprehensive compliance requirements such as Buy American provisions and E-Verify documentation. Vendors must demonstrate compliance with federal and state regulatory standards, with products emphasizing attributes like no artificial ingredients, no trans fats, and specific nutritional parameters. Potential manufacturers include Tyson, ProView, Gold Creek, Rich Chicks, and Yang's, with products designed to meet specific serving sizes, nutritional standards, and packaging requirements. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the bid includes extensive documentation requirements that may naturally limit participation to experienced food service vendors. The solicitation covers delivery to 22 different school locations within Fayette County, suggesting a potentially significant annual contract value, though exact budget ranges are not specified in the provided documentation. Pricing is set to remain firm for the first year, with potential market-based adjustments in subsequent contract periods.