Food Service Supplies

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. 25029-ITB-DST for comprehensive Food Service Supplies to support 220 self-operating School Nutrition Services (SNS) cafeterias. The procurement seeks qualified vendors to provide a wide range of food service supplies, including kitchen tools, utensils, equipment, and related items, with an extensive price sheet listing 155 specific items across multiple categories. Vendors must demonstrate three years of experience in food service supply, possess proper business registration, necessary licenses, and comply with federal requirements including E-Verify and the Jessica Lunsford Act. Technical questions were due by February 5, 2025, with final bids required by February 18, 2025, at 3:30 PM via www.myvendorlink.com. The initial contract term is approximately one year, beginning May 6, 2025, with potential renewals for two additional one-year periods. Bidders must provide firm, fixed pricing inclusive of delivery costs, with deliveries required within 30 days of order receipt and inside delivery to individual school sites mandated.

The solicitation emphasizes supplier diversity and includes opportunities for various business classifications, with the W-9 form encouraging vendors to self-identify as minority-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, or small/local business enterprises. Potential vendors can represent multiple minority classifications, including African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American businesses. The procurement supports USDA funding guidelines and includes multiple federal compliance requirements, such as buy American provisions, equal employment opportunity standards, and civil rights compliance. While no specific maximum spend was indicated, the solicitation is supported by $150,000.00 in USDA financial assistance and allows for potential purchases by other public agencies within Hillsborough County. The procurement process permits vendors to respond to pricing and contractual terms competitively, with the ultimate goal of establishing a comprehensive supply contract for school nutrition services. Vendors must also complete various federal forms including debarment certifications, lobbying disclosures, and drug-free workplace certifications to be considered for award.