Commodity Processing Foods

The School Board of Polk County, Florida has issued a competitive solicitation (Bid Number 011-DW-0325) for Commodity Processing Foods, seeking vendors to process USDA commodity products into approved end products for delivery to the district's central warehouse in Bartow, Florida. The procurement targets specific food processing requirements, including applesauce cups (cinnamon and banana strawberry) and beef products like fully cooked meatballs and beef patties, which must meet USDA Child Nutrition Program standards. Vendors must be approved processors by the Department of Agriculture and submit comprehensive documentation including processor certification, non-collusion affidavits, and price determination certifications. The initial contract period is one year, beginning July 1, 2025, with potential extensions for four additional one-year periods, and the bid deadline is February 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM (ET), with electronic submissions required through www.myvendorlink.com. Award will be based on the lowest total composite bid price by category, with the district reserving the right to reject any or all bids. Bidders must maintain specific insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 per occurrence Commercial General Liability, and comply with federal and state regulations such as Buy American provisions and E-Verify requirements.

The solicitation includes several set-aside and compliance provisions that restrict and guide potential respondents, including mandatory civil rights compliance, drug-free workplace certification, and debarment exclusions. Vendors must affirm commitment to non-discrimination across race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability, and provide documentation proving they are not suspended or debarred from federal transactions. Three vendors have been recommended for award: Tyson Prepared Foods, Inc. (Items 1-4), JTM Provisions Co., Inc. (Items 5-6), and Peterson Farms Fresh LLC (Items 7-8), indicating a multi-vendor approach to the procurement. The estimated annual contract value is $1,500,000, though the district emphasizes this is not a guaranteed purchase amount. Price adjustments for contract extensions will be based on the Producer Price Index-Commodities, and vendors must prioritize domestic agricultural products, with at least 51% of the final processed product consisting of domestically grown agricultural commodities. Additional requirements include adherence to USDA Child Nutrition Program guidelines, strict nutritional standards, and specific packaging and labeling specifications.