Distribution of USDA Foods For The National School Lunch Program-Service Area1, Region 2

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is requesting sealed bids for distribution of USDA foods to Recipient Agencies in Service Area 1, Region 2 under the National School Lunch Program, with bids due June 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time at the Mayo Building in Tallahassee.

The scope encompasses receipt, handling, storage, and delivery of USDA Foods across four categories: dry items, special dry items, refrigerated items, and frozen items. The contractor manages inbound freight, warehouse and storage operations, outbound deliveries to schools, inventory reporting, and loss control. The contractor must hold a current food establishment permit from FDACS Division of Food Safety or equivalent from another state and maintain general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability insurance of $300,000, and workers' compensation insurance. A $50,000 performance bond is required within 15 days of award.

Pricing is submitted on a fixed price per case basis for each of the four item categories, with separate pricing for delivery frequencies (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly), lump sum deliveries, and pickup options. Fuel surcharges are permitted as separate line items indexed to the U.S. Department of Energy's Weekly Petroleum Status Report. Price adjustments are allowed based on Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) with a maximum allowable change matching the percentage change in the Annual Average Index.

The contract is effective upon execution through June 30, 2027, with the contractor required to begin distribution immediately. FDACS reserves the right to renew for three additional one-year periods at its sole discretion. The contractor bears financial responsibility for shortages, losses, and damages to USDA Foods and must comply with USDA regulations, federal civil rights laws, 2 CFR Part 200, clean air and water requirements, and debarment/suspension certifications. Vendor questions are due May 21, 2026, with written responses posted May 22, 2026. Public bid opening is scheduled June 11, 2026 at 9:15 AM via teleconference.