Distribution of USDA Foods For the National School Lunch Program-Service Area 2

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is soliciting competitive bids for distribution of USDA foods to Recipient Agencies in Service Area 2 of the National School Lunch Program, with bids due June 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET and public bid opening on June 11 via teleconference.

The contractor will provide receipt, handling, storage, and delivery services for USDA Foods including dry goods, special dry items (beans, pasta, grains, powdered milk and eggs), refrigerated items, and frozen foods to school lunch programs throughout the designated service area. The contractor must begin distribution immediately upon contract execution and maintain daily temperature monitoring and monthly inventory reporting. The contractor bears financial responsibility for any shortages, losses, or damages to products.

Bidders must provide three references from similar projects completed within the last five years, possess a current food establishment permit from FDACS or equivalent state agency, and maintain a $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy with $500,000 per occurrence limits and $300,000 automobile liability coverage. A $50,000 performance bond is due within 15 days of award. The contractor must comply with federal civil rights requirements, debarment and suspension certifications, and drug-free workplace standards.

Compensation is on a fixed price per case basis for receipt, handling, and storage of dry cases, special dry cases, refrigerated cases, and frozen cases, with separate pricing for weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly delivery schedules, lump sum deliveries, and recipient agency pick-ups. Evaluation is based on the Case Price Grand Total from the price sheet.

The contract is effective upon execution through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of three one-year renewal options at the Department's sole discretion. A one percent MyFloridaMarketPlace transaction fee will be deducted from all state payments. Vendor questions are due May 21, 2026.