Food Bid

Ben Hill County Schools School Nutrition Program is requesting sealed bids for food products and related items under IFB #26271, with bids due June 15, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. and opening at 9:00 a.m. on May 20, 2026 at 509 W. Palm Street, Fitzgerald, Georgia. The Buy American Act applies — all food products must contain over 51 percent domestically grown agricultural components.

The scope encompasses multiple categories: fresh and frozen produce, meat and seafood, milk and dairy products, seasonings and condiments, bread, ice cream, kitchen supplies, paper and chemical products, and cafeteria furnishings. Vendors must price hundreds of line items organized by product category with case-quantity specifications; several items require monthly pricing quotes rather than fixed annual rates. Whole grain and low-sodium options are specified throughout. Casey Cross, Director of Nutrition, manages this procurement.

Deliveries must reach four school locations: Ben Hill Primary School, Ben Hill Elementary School, Ben Hill Middle School, and Fitzgerald High School/College and Career Academy. All pricing must include packing and transportation. The contract period runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with options to extend up to three months at bid pricing or renew through mutual written agreement.

Vendors with bids exceeding $25,000 must provide debarment and suspension certifications; those exceeding $100,000 must submit lobbying certifications. All vendors must maintain comprehensive general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 aggregate, implement HACCP plans with 24/7 recall accessibility, and comply with federal and state regulations including civil rights requirements and E-Verify employment authorization. Bid prices must remain firm for 30 days from award, with quarterly escalation or de-escalation permitted thereafter based on verified third-party market data (USDA Agricultural Marketing Service or Consumer Price Index). The School Food Authority reserves the right to award to a single or multiple vendors and will select the lowest responsive and responsible bidder within approximately 60 days of bid opening. Questions are due June 1, 2026. Payment is due within 30 days of invoice upon inspection and acceptance.