Non-IT IFB or RFQ Agency Goods Sourcing Event Template

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB #10-IFB-1493521837-KMM) for the NC Farm to School Program, seeking vendors to supply fresh and frozen agricultural products for school distribution during the fourth quarter of 2024-2025. The procurement specifically targets Rockingham County and covers 13 product categories including rice, blueberries, broccoli crowns, cabbage, collards, sweetpotato products, kale, strawberries, frozen berry medleys, frozen blueberries, and frozen ground beef. Vendors must provide products meeting specific USDA grade standards, with delivery scheduled between April and May 2025 to two designated warehouse locations in North Carolina. Mandatory qualifications include third-party food safety audits (GAP, HACCP, or HARPC), and all meat products must be harvested and packaged in USDA or state-inspected facilities. The bid was issued on March 10, 2025, with proposals due on March 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, and the contract term running through May 31, 2025.

The solicitation demonstrates a strong preference for local North Carolina vendors, with additional emphasis on "NC Goodness Grows" membership. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the procurement appears designed to support local agricultural producers. Vendors must provide comprehensive pricing, quoting unit and extended prices for each product category, with estimated quantities ranging from 250 to 6,000 units per product type. The total estimated contract value is not directly stated, but the comprehensive nature of the solicitation suggests a significant procurement opportunity for qualified agricultural suppliers. Potential bidders must carefully review detailed specifications around product quality, temperature handling, packaging requirements, and delivery protocols. The procurement aims to support local school nutrition programs by sourcing high-quality, locally produced agricultural products across multiple food categories.