IFB Produce SY26-27

The Liberty County Board of Education School Nutrition Program is soliciting sealed bids through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the purchase and distribution of produce and food products to supply the district's National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program across 13 school sites for the contract period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The successful vendor must provide comprehensive produce offerings including fruits (apples, bananas, oranges, grapefruits, melons, berries, grapes, stone fruits, and pineapples), vegetables (cabbage, lettuce varieties, salad mixes, celery, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes), and eggs in various pack sizes and quantities as specified in the detailed specification sheet. Sealed bids must be submitted by April 29, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Liberty County School Nutrition Department located at 200 Bradwell Street, Hinesville, Georgia 31313, with bid opening occurring at 10:00 AM the same day; written questions must be submitted by April 3, 2026, to Margaret Floyd at floydm@liberty.k12.ga.us or via fax at 912-876-6097. The vendor must provide weekly deliveries to all 13 school sites between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM Monday through Friday, maintain HACCP plans with traceability systems and 24/7 recall accessibility, carry specified insurance coverage including general liability and workers' compensation, and comply with Buy American provisions requiring domestic commodity purchases to the maximum extent practicable. Award determination will be based on the lowest responsive and responsible bidder pricing on a line-item basis, with selections expected within approximately 60 days of bid opening. The contract features an annual fixed price with prospective price redetermination scheduled for January 2027, allowing cost adjustments only after that date based on documented market conditions verified through USDA Agricultural Marketing Service reports or U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index data. The school district discourages products containing monosodium glutamate, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners, preferring natural products free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, with all grain products required to meet USDA Whole Grain Rich requirements.

No set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or other organization type restrictions are identified in the procurement documents. The solicitation does not reference any incumbent vendors or current contractors. Vendor performance is subject to a "three strikes rule" whereby documented violations for sub-par quality, late delivery, or poor customer service result in termination after the third offense, ensuring accountability and quality standards. The contract includes provisions for renewal for up to four additional one-year terms at the same terms and conditions by mutual written agreement, and may be extended for up to three months to prevent coverage lapses. Specific budget ranges or award values are not disclosed in the available procurement documents; pricing shall be based on submitted bids with estimated annual quantities noted as approximate only and subject to increase or decrease based on menu changes and operational needs.