GRO42 K-12 School Nutrition Products - Reopen

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance Operational Services Division is reopening Contract GRO42 for K-12 School Nutrition Products through a World Trade Organization (WTO) announcement. This procurement encompasses the supply of food products across three categories: Category 1 Produce, Category 2 Groceries, and the newly added Category 3 Locally Sourced Foods, intended to support school nutrition programs throughout Massachusetts. Prospective vendors must submit all bids through the COMMBUYS platform and are required to monitor that system regularly for any amendments or updates to the solicitation. The Commonwealth anticipates posting the formal solicitation in July 2026, with a web-based bidders' conference scheduled for August 2026 to provide prospective bidders with general solicitation information and guidance. All bids are due by August 26, 2026, though bidders should note that posting, closing, and conference dates are subject to change. Prior to solicitation posting, interested vendors may direct questions to Michael Barry or Kelly Minichello through the Operational Services Division; after posting, all inquiries must be submitted through COMMBUYS Q&A or to the OSD Help Desk for technical support. Bidders are advised to register for email notifications and select relevant UNSPSC commodity codes related to prepared and preserved foods, fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry products, fish and seafood products, dairy products and eggs, and seasonings and preservatives.

The solicitation encourages participation from suppliers meeting environmentally preferable product standards and supports supplier diversity programs through the Operational Services Division's educational resources available to prospective bidders. While the notice does not specify explicit set-asides or restrictions limiting bidder eligibility, the inclusion of a Locally Sourced Foods category suggests preference or consideration for vendors providing regionally sourced products. No incumbent vendors, current contractor information, or specific award values or budget ranges are disclosed in this notice of intent. Vendors should anticipate that contract awards will be made based on evaluation criteria that will be detailed in the formal solicitation posting, which will be the authoritative source for all bidding requirements, specifications, and award determinations.