Locally Raised Beef for use in National School Lunch Program

Creighton Elementary School District #14, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is seeking competitive sealed bids for locally raised beef to be used in its National School Lunch Program under Invitation for Bid #26-002-30. The procurement is specifically targeting approximately 3,000 pounds of fine ground beef (80/20) and 420 pounds of diced beef strips, to be delivered weekly on school days between 6:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. All beef products must be USDA Certified and sourced exclusively within Arizona, with a total farm-to-point of sale distance not exceeding 400 miles. The district will evaluate bids based on the vendor's ability to provide specified items, competitive pricing, and proximity to the district. This multi-term contract will begin upon award and continue until June 30, 2026, with potential extensions for up to four additional one-year periods. Key dates include November 18, 2025, as the deadline for questions, and November 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. local time as the bid submission deadline, to be submitted via the Bonfire electronic procurement portal.

The procurement encourages participation from Small Businesses, Minority-Owned Firms, and Women's Business Enterprises, with vendors invited to self-certify their business classification and provide supporting documentation. Bidders must complete various mandatory certifications, including non-collusion affidavits, conflict of interest declarations, and USDA debarment certifications. Vendors must also comply with extensive federal regulations, including equal employment opportunity requirements, Davis-Bacon Act compliance, and restrictions on foreign telecommunications equipment. The procurement is part of the Arizona Department of Education's Try It Local program, which aims to support local food supply chains by reimbursing schools for locally produced foods. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the estimated monthly purchase volume is 600 pounds of ground beef and 420 pounds of diced beef strips, to be delivered to the Creighton Warehouse or picked up from a facility within a 25-mile radius of the district warehouse. Vendors must also complete a comprehensive vendor registration form and submit a W-9 to be considered for the contract.