Invitation for Bids Milk Products

Head Start of Greater Dallas, Inc. has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB No. 26-MK) for milk products to be supplied to all agency locations in Dallas County, Texas. The procurement seeks bids for fluid milk products including whole milk, 1% milk, fat-free milk, and lactose-free milk in pint cartons and gallon sizes, along with plain and Greek yogurt in various container sizes. Annual usage is approximately 1,926 gallons of whole milk and 16,177 gallons of skim milk across multiple sites. A pre-bid conference is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., with sealed bids due by 9:30 a.m. on June 24, 2026. The contract will run for an initial one-year period with four optional one-year renewal periods, potentially extending to five years total. Evaluation criteria will include pricing as the primary factor, but also consider product quality, delivery and service capabilities, specification compliance, and small business or minority/woman-owned business status. Contractors must provide weekly minimum deliveries to designated Head Start sites, accommodate emergency deliveries, and meet special dietary needs.

The solicitation encourages participation from small businesses and minority/woman-owned enterprises, with these characteristics potentially factoring into bid evaluations. Contractors must maintain a 95% monthly fill rate and provide proof of delivery documentation. Insurance requirements include general liability insurance with a minimum $1 million aggregate coverage and workers' compensation insurance. The agency is exempt from state and federal excise taxes and will use net 30-day payment terms with FOB destination and inside delivery. Bidders are encouraged to contribute in-kind donations or special pricing to help meet the 25% non-federal matching fund requirement, though this is not mandatory. Head Start reserves the right to award multiple contracts, potentially selecting up to three suppliers (primary, secondary, and tertiary), and maintains full discretion to reject bids, request modifications, or terminate the contract with 30 days' written notice. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement covers milk product needs for multiple agency locations in Dallas County, suggesting a substantial annual procurement value.