Ice Cream

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (CMBE) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 163-03282025TB) for an agency-specific term contract to supply ice cream and frozen fruit products for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' student cafeterias. The procurement seeks qualified vendors to provide a comprehensive range of frozen dessert products, including ice cream cups, sandwiches, bars, cones, fruit cups, and push-ups in various flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cotton candy, and rainbow. The contract will cover the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with the potential for up to three additional one-year renewals. Bidders must provide detailed product specifications, nutritional analysis, and comply with strict nutritional guidelines, including calorie limits, fat content restrictions, and specific ingredient requirements. The solicitation follows a best value procurement method, evaluating bids based on pricing, vendor qualifications, technical approach, vendor experience, and proposal completeness. Electronic bid submissions are due on April 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST, with vendors required to submit comprehensive documentation including product labels, ingredient lists, and allergen information.

The procurement emphasizes participation by Minority, Women, Small Business Enterprises (M/W/SBE), with prime suppliers required to make efforts to engage minority, women, and small businesses as subcontractors. Bidders must complete an M/W/SBE Utilization Form, certifying the percentage of contract dollars to be spent with various demographic business groups, including Black, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American Indian, Female, Small, and Socially/Economically Disadvantaged businesses. Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) certified by the North Carolina Department of Administration are encouraged to indicate their status. The contract includes additional compliance requirements, such as the NC Lunsford Act mandating criminal background checks for vendor employees working on school properties and a certification of a nut-free facility. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the solicitation indicates estimated quantities ranging from 20,000 to 72,000 units per item type. Vendors must also comply with USDA Civil Rights regulations, Buy American provisions, and federal grant guidelines, with price adjustments potentially considered once during the contract period.