Food Items for NC Farm School Program 2024-2025 (2nd Qtr. )

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking vendors to supply food items for the NC Farm School Program's 2024-2025 second quarter cycle through an Invitation for Bid (IFB). The procurement targets a comprehensive range of fresh and frozen agricultural products, including apple slices, apples, rice, collards, sweetpotato fries, diced sweetpotatoes, kale, frozen berry medley, frozen blueberries, frozen ground beef, and frozen ground beef patties. Vendors must deliver products Free-On-Board (FOB) Destination to two warehouse locations in Salisbury and Creedmoor, NC, with all transportation costs included in the total bid price. The bid opening is scheduled for January 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, with product deliveries planned between February 4, 2025, and March 21, 2025. Mandatory vendor qualifications include registration in the NC Electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), with preference given to members of "NC Goodness Grows." All fresh produce must meet USDA Grade US No. 1 standards and undergo USDA fruit and vegetable inspection prior to shipment.

Vendors must adhere to specific product grading, packaging specifications, temperature control, and farm identification labeling requirements. While no explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the solicitation encourages local agricultural participation through the "NC Goodness Grows" program. The contract term extends from execution through March 25, 2025, with the state reserving the right to extend beyond the initial period. Quantities listed are estimates and not guaranteed, with specific delivery dates and amounts to be determined throughout the contract period. Although precise budget ranges are not specified, the comprehensive nature of the procurement suggests a substantial contract value spanning multiple product categories. The procurement supports the broader NC Farm to School Program's objectives of connecting local agricultural producers with school nutrition programs, potentially benefiting small and mid-sized North Carolina farmers.