Furnish and Deliver Fresh Poi to Various HIDOE Cafeterias

The Hawaii State Department of Education is requesting bids for fresh poi in pre-cupped four-ounce individual servings to supply school cafeterias across Hawaii, Maui, and Molokai islands under IFB D27-014, with bids due September 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Compliance with Hawaii Act 175 is mandatory: at least 51% of the poi's primary agricultural product must be grown and processed in Hawaii.

Bidders must be manufacturer-authorized distributors maintaining a Hawaii-based wholesale or retail business with permanent office facilities and warehouse operations on each specified island (or arrange third-party warehouse services). A two-step pre-approval process requires documentation submission by August 5, 2026 and sample delivery to Kalani High School by August 26, 2026. All poi must be produced from locally grown taro with only taro and water as ingredients, without added sulfides or preservatives. Five pre-approved products are acceptable without additional qualification; other products require sample approval. Delivery vehicles must be refrigerated and comply with Title II, Chapter 50 of Hawaii Administrative Rules. Offerors must carry minimum liability insurance of $2 million aggregate and $1 million combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage, maintain current Hawaii Department of Health food safety inspection certificates and active food establishment permits, and demonstrate HACCP and Good Manufacturing Practices compliance. A dedicated point of contact available 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. HST, Monday through Friday, must manage orders and provide sales support.

The estimated annual volume is 262,992 servings distributed across four geographic groups: Hawaii East (91,008 units), Hawaii West (65,904 units), Maui (98,736 units), and Molokai (7,344 units). Pricing must be all-inclusive and based on unit delivery to individual school cafeterias on Hawaii and Maui, and to dock or airport on Molokai. No price increases are permitted during the first six months; thereafter, adjustments are limited to the inflation rate published by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics and require state approval. The contract period runs through June 30, 2027, with optional renewal for two additional twelve-month periods at the same or lower pricing. Bids must be submitted electronically through the State of Hawaii eProcurement System (HIePRO). Hard copies must be received within five working days after the electronic closing date.