IFB - Food SY26-27

The Liberty County Board of Education, School Nutrition Program is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the purchase and distribution of food products on an annual fixed price contract with prospective price redetermination for the 2026-2027 school year (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027). The procurement encompasses over 400 food items across multiple categories including fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, canned goods, dairy products, proteins, grains, condiments, sauces, beverages, and prepared foods to supply 13 school delivery points consisting of elementary, middle, and high schools, a pre-K center, and a nutrition department facility. All food products must comply with strict specifications including Buy American requirements (domestic commodities or products processed in the United States using at least 51% domestic agricultural commodities), whole grain rich requirements per USDA National School Lunch and Breakfast Program guidelines, and nutritional standards limiting calories from total fat to 35% or below, added sugar to below 10%, and saturated fat to below 10%. Products must also be free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives with minimal ingredients and processing. Weekly delivery to all 13 school sites is required between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a service level requirement of 98% or above on scheduled delivery days and remaining items delivered within 24 hours. Sealed bids are due by April 29, 2026, at 9:00 AM, with public bid opening scheduled for 10:00 AM the same day at the Liberty County School Nutrition Department, 200 Bradwell Street, Hinesville, Georgia 31313. Written questions must be submitted by April 3, 2026, to Margaret Floyd, School Nutrition Director, at floydm@liberty.k12.ga.us or via fax at 912-876-6097, with no telephone inquiries accepted. The Board/SNP anticipates awarding the contract within approximately 60 days of bid opening, contingent upon available budget funds and approval of the Liberty County Board of Education.

The contract includes a renewal option for up to four one-year terms by mutual written agreement, with any price changes limited to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Southeast region consumer price index percentage change annual average for the previous 12 months, and the contract may be extended for up to three months at the same bid pricing to prevent lapse in coverage. All prices must remain firm for the entire contract period with a prospective price redetermination occurring in January 2026, and prices shall include all charges for packing and transportation to individual schools with separate fuel charges not added to invoices and prices excluding Federal Excise Tax and State Sales Tax. The Board/SNP employs a demand usage contract structure, meaning estimated quantities listed in the proposal are approximate and based on current-year usage; actual quantities may increase or decrease as menu needs change. The Liberty County Board of Education reserves the right to award the contract to a single or multiple vendors based on line item pricing and reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids in whole or in part. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, incumbent vendors, or budget ranges are identified in the available solicitation documents. The Liberty County Board of Education also reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in the bidding process.