Dairy products to school cafeterias

St. Lucie Public Schools has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) #26-03 for dairy products to school cafeterias, targeting approximately 98 schools across St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Indian River, and Martin Counties in Florida. The procurement seeks to establish a term contract for delivering milk and miscellaneous dairy products, with an estimated total usage of 11,340,974 units. The initial contract period will be one year, with potential renewals for three additional one-year periods. Pricing will be determined based on the Monthly Florida Cooperative Price Announcement for milk fat cost, requiring vendors to submit fixed costs per unit for products including 1% white and chocolate milk, skim milk, strawberry milk, cottage cheese, and buttermilk. Delivery frequencies will range between 2-5 days per week across different school locations, with strict temperature and packaging requirements. Key submission dates include written inquiries due by October 14, 2025, and bid responses due on October 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM during a public bid opening at 9461 Brandywine Lane, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.

The procurement includes specific compliance requirements, notably the Buy American provision mandating that over 51% of the final processed product consists of domestically grown agricultural commodities. Vendors must meet comprehensive quality standards and adhere to federal and state regulations. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, vendors will need to demonstrate robust capabilities in large-scale food product distribution to educational institutions. The estimated contract value is not precisely defined, but the substantial volume of 11,340,974 units suggests a significant potential annual contract value. Vendors must provide detailed pricing structures, demonstrate ability to meet consistent delivery schedules, and maintain strict food safety and quality control protocols. The multi-county scope suggests an opportunity for vendors with extensive distribution networks and experience in large-scale institutional food service procurement.