Fresh Produce for Student Nutrition Services

Rochester Public Schools, Independent School District No. 535, through its Student Nutrition Services Department, is soliciting sealed bids from qualified vendors to furnish and deliver fresh produce to support multiple nutrition programs including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), summer feeding programs, and other authorized Student Nutrition Services operations. The District intends to award a contract to a single prime vendor responsible for supplying all fresh produce items specified in the Invitation for Bid (IFB). This procurement will be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Minnesota Statutes governing public procurement, 2 CFR Part 200, 7 CFR Part 210, and guidance from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The procurement will provide full and open competition, with the District maintaining records documenting the procurement history in compliance with federal requirements. The prime vendor model selected by the District emphasizes centralized ordering, standardized delivery, reduced administrative burden, and consolidated distribution to achieve the most efficient and cost-effective procurement method. The bid was posted on April 16, 2026, with a due date of May 12, 2026. The District reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive informalities or irregularities, and make awards in whole or in part as determined to be in the best interest of the District and consistent with applicable law.

The solicitation document does not specify set-aside designations, restrictions on types of organizations eligible to respond, or preferences for disadvantaged enterprises. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure or technology integration requirements are identified in the provided documentation. Similarly, no award values, budget ranges, or contract value estimates are disclosed in the available information. Potential bidders should refer to the complete IFB for additional details regarding evaluation criteria, qualification requirements, specific produce item specifications, delivery schedules, service locations within the District, and any other terms and conditions governing this procurement opportunity.