Invitation for Bid: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Orange County Schools, through the National Cooperative Purchasing Alliance (NCPA), is seeking distributors to provide a comprehensive food service solution for its Child Nutrition Programs, with a specific Invitation for Bid (IFB) focused on fresh fruits, vegetables, groceries, supplies, and beverages. The contract, effective from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026, covers multiple lots including Lot 1 (Groceries), Lot 3 (Supplies), Lot 4 (Produce), and Lot 6 (Beverages), with potential for four one-year renewals. Distributors must meet stringent requirements including compliance with federal regulations (7 CFR Parts 210, 220, 225, 250), adherence to the Buy American provision, and demonstration of comprehensive food safety practices through HACCP certification. The bid requires detailed documentation including product origin, pricing structures, and proof of capability to serve 13 schools across Hillsborough, Efland, and Chapel Hill. The bid opening is scheduled for May 13, 2025, at the McKimmon Center on NC State University Campus, with distributors submitting both hard and digital copies of their proposals, and a digital master copy of bid sheet pricing due by 10:00 AM ET on the same day.

The procurement encourages participation from Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) and requires vendors to complete several certifications, including the NC Lunsford Act Certification and Debarment and Suspension Certification. Potential distributors must provide evidence of insurance, criminal background check procedures, and a comprehensive food recall policy. The contract includes provisions for storage and delivery of USDA commodity foods, with vendors expected to handle Net-Off Invoice recordkeeping and potentially participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) across five schools. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the documents suggest estimated combined purchases could exceed $160 million across over 100 member school districts. The pricing mechanism is a firm fixed-fee model, with distributors charging a per-case fee that encompasses storage, distribution, financing, profit, and transportation, with limited mid-term price adjustments primarily related to fuel costs.