Milk & dairy bid (cooperative)

Ulster BOCES is leading a cooperative milk and dairy products procurement for multiple school districts in Ulster County, New York, including Highland Central Schools, Kingston City Schools, Marlboro Central Schools, New Paltz Central Schools, Onteora Central Schools, Rondout Valley Central Schools, Saugerties Central Schools, and Ulster County BOCES. The solicitation, numbered 26-3, seeks vendors to provide milk and dairy products for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with potential two-year extension options. Required products include half-pint and gallon milk in various fat percentages (1%, skim, whole) and flavors (white, chocolate, strawberry), along with additional dairy items like half & half, cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and orange juice. Vendors must provide Grade "A" pasteurized, homogenized milk in leak-proof containers with a minimum 10-day expiration date, delivered at temperatures between 34-45 degrees Fahrenheit. The sealed bid is due on April 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM, with a Steering Committee reserved to accept or reject bids by item, group, or in total. Key evaluation criteria include compliance with specifications, pricing, delivery capabilities, and adherence to Buy American provisions requiring over 51% of processed food products to be produced in the United States.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but emphasizes a preference for local suppliers. Vendors must complete various certification forms, including non-collusive bidding and Iran Divestment Act certifications, and provide references demonstrating their capability to meet the contract requirements. While specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the cooperative nature of the bid suggests potential economies of scale across the participating school districts. The bid requires vendors to specify whether flavored milk contains corn syrup or natural sugar and mandates that milk be antibiotic-free and from non-bovine growth hormone (BGH) cows. Delivery schedules are precise, with most districts requiring 2x/week deliveries during specific morning hours between 6:30 AM and 10:15 AM. The contract includes an escalator clause allowing price adjustments based on monthly Class I-A milk pricing, providing some flexibility for market fluctuations. Vendors must submit bids with a USB drive or CD containing the item list in Microsoft Excel format, demonstrating a requirement for technological compatibility and precise documentation.