Distribution of USDA Foods for the National School Lunch Program – Service Area 1, Region 1

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is soliciting competitive bids for the distribution of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) foods to Recipient Agencies (RA) in Service Area 1, Region 1, which encompasses counties including Escambia, Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington. The contract, anticipated to be effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with potential for three one-year renewals, requires a contractor to provide comprehensive storage, handling, and distribution services for USDA food items. Estimated contract volumes include 24,155 dry cases, 2,000 dry special care cases, 2,000 refrigerated cases, and 26,489 frozen cases. The contractor will be responsible for receiving, storing, and delivering various food products such as canned fruits, vegetables, meats, juices, peanut butter, frozen meats and fruits, potato flakes, non-fat dry milk, pasta, rice, and cheese. Evaluation and award will be based on the lowest Case Price Grand Total, with vendors required to meet specific federal and state regulations, maintain proper storage conditions, temperature logs, and possess a current food establishment permit. Key procurement dates include a bid release on May 28, 2025, bid submission deadline of June 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM, and a public bid opening on June 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The document does not reference incumbent vendors or outline specific integration requirements with existing infrastructure or technology. While the ITB provides detailed pricing structures based on per-case rates for receipt, handling, and storage of different food types, it does not specify a precise budget range or total contract value. Prospective bidders must demonstrate the capability to handle and distribute a diverse range of USDA food products across multiple counties in the designated service area. The contractor will be expected to comply with stringent food safety standards, maintain appropriate storage temperatures, and provide accurate documentation throughout the contract period. Successful vendors must have the logistical infrastructure to manage complex food distribution requirements, including different case types and delivery frequencies, while adhering to all relevant regulatory guidelines.