Fresh Produce for Bristol BOE Dining Services

The City of Bristol, Connecticut Purchasing Department is issuing Invitation to Bid (ITB) number 2A26-020 for the provision of fresh produce to the Bristol Board of Education (BOE) Dining Services. The procurement seeks qualified vendors to supply fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and eggs on an as-needed basis across six school locations: Bristol Central High School, Bristol Eastern High School, Northeast Middle School, Chippens Hill Middle School, Greene-Hills School, and West Bristol School. Specific produce items include broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, various apple varieties, bananas, oranges, and eggs, with estimated quantities based on historical consumption data provided for each location. Bidders must submit proposals on all items across all three product groups, though the City reserves the right to award based on individual items, groups, or the total bid. Delivery is required weekly during specified operating hours for each school location, with times ranging from 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and all pricing must be quoted as FOB Destination including loading, delivery, and inside delivery costs. The contract period runs from October 15, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with an option to renew for an additional school year through June 30, 2027 with mutual consent. The bid submission deadline is 11:00 a.m. EDT on October 21, 2025, with proposals accepted via email to Purchasing@bristolct.gov or physical delivery to the City Purchasing Department at 111 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010, and inquiries should be directed to Nancy Haynes at 860-584-6195.

The solicitation does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting response to particular organization types or disadvantaged enterprises. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information is provided in the available documentation. Bidders must provide a certificate of insurance naming the City of Bristol as additional insured with minimum General Liability coverage of $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate coverage, along with evidence of workers' compensation insurance. Contractors must also complete a Non-Collusion Certification and an Employment Information Form for Workplace Analysis Affirmative Action reporting, and provide references for similar schools or institutions. Pricing may be updated monthly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs. The City of Bristol is exempt from federal excise taxes and Connecticut sales taxes, which must not be included in bid prices, and payment terms are net 30 days after receipt of goods or properly executed invoice. No specific budget range or estimated contract value is disclosed in the solicitation documents.