Commodity Processing

Bartow County School Nutrition Program is requesting bids on commodity processing services, including beef, chicken, cheese, pork, turkey, peanuts, and bread flour, with sealed bids due April 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. and public opening at 2:00 p.m. the same day at 65 Gilreath Road, Cartersville, Georgia.

The scope comprises processed food commodities for school meal preparation. Beef includes coarse ground frozen at 9,833.5 pounds (355 cases); chicken products range from 4,467 to 19,008 pounds; cheese products (cheddar barrels and processed mozzarella) range from 551.48 to 7,350 pounds; and additional line items cover pork, turkey thighs, raw shelled peanuts, and bulk bread flour. All items must meet USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements with CN ID documentation, specified portion sizes, case weights, and shelf-life specifications (365–730 days for frozen products). Preferred manufacturers are JTM and Gold Creek brands, with equivalent quality alternatives accepted. All products must be fully cooked and ready-to-serve, with nutritional information and authorized FNS logo statements demonstrating compliance with Child Nutrition Meal Pattern Requirements.

The contract period runs July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, with options to extend up to three additional months at the same pricing or renew for up to four additional one-year terms by mutual agreement. All bid prices must remain firm throughout the contract period; escalation or de-escalation clauses based on documented market-condition changes are permitted only with director approval and limited to requests every six months. Prices must include packing and transportation to Atlantic Distributors Incorporated in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Payment is due within 30 days of invoice receipt.

Vendors must comply with Buy American requirements, maintain HACCP plans with recall procedures, carry specified insurance, and demonstrate financial capability. Bids over $100,000 require lobbying certification; bids over $25,000 require debarment and suspension verification. The Bartow County School System will award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and reserves the right to award to one or multiple vendors and reject any or all bids. Questions are due April 11, 2022. The anticipated award date is May 20, 2022.