Frozen treats

Richmond County Board of Education in Augusta, Georgia is requesting quotes for frozen treats to supply schools throughout Richmond County under RFQ#23-146, with sealed bids due May 24, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. EST at the Richmond County School System Business Office, 864 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Augusta, Georgia 30901. This is a re-bid; the initial procurement did not result in award.

The scope covers nine frozen treat product categories: vanilla ice cream sandwiches, cookies and cream sandwiches or bars, push-ups, dream bars, fudge bars, twist cones, ice cream cups in 3-ounce portions, specialty twister cups in 3-ounce portions, and specialty bars in 36-count packs. All products must comply with USDA Smart Snacks standards and include nutritional information. Weekly deliveries to individual schools are required as ordered by School Nutrition Managers, with products delivered frozen solid in full-case quantities, marked for easy identification. Pricing must remain firm for the entire contract period and include all packing and transportation charges to individual schools, excluding federal and state taxes. All freight and delivery costs must be included in the unit price per box of twenty-four units unless otherwise specified.

The contract runs from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025, with an option to renew for two additional one-year terms at the same terms and conditions upon mutual agreement. The Richmond County School System is tax-exempt. The successful bidder must provide each school with a frost-free display freezer appropriately sized for that school's needs and accept 100 percent of the school system's frozen treat requirements.

Award is based on the lowest responsible and responsive bidder meeting all specifications, evaluated on total price multiplied by approximate annual usage rates. The vendor must comply with Buy American provisions under the National School Lunch Program, E-Verify employment authorization, criminal background checks for sex offenders, debarment certification, and nondiscrimination provisions. A one-week warranty on defective items is required; the vendor is responsible for all costs associated with rejected or defective shipments.