Petite Bananas

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Food & Nutrition Department is seeking bids for Petite Bananas through Request for Bid (RFB) 4151, targeting single petite bananas in 150-count case packs measuring 5"-5.5" in length. The bananas must be between ripeness stages 3.5 and 4.5 on the Chiquita banana color guide, with an estimated weekly order of 45-55 cases. The contract period will run from September 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with deliveries to be made to the Food Production Center in Madison, Wisconsin between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, up to five days per week. Bid evaluation will be comprehensive, with scoring criteria including cost (40%), service and support capabilities (20%), organizational qualifications (15%), diverse-owned business documentation (5%), past performance with MMSD (10%), and references (10%). Vendors must possess a HACCP food safety plan and demonstrate compliance with accessibility guidelines. The bid is due by August 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST, with multiple document submissions required, including a cover page, bid specifications, debarment certification, and affirmative action documentation.

The RFB includes provisions for diverse-owned business participation, with 5% of the evaluation score dedicated to diverse-owned business documentation. The District requires a minimum 98% fill rate for all orders and is exempt from federal excise and state sales taxes. The estimated annual contract value is $78,000, with the potential for multiple vendor engagement depending on bid responses. Vendors must submit comprehensive documentation demonstrating their organizational capacity, food safety protocols, and ability to consistently meet the District's stringent banana procurement requirements. The procurement process allows the District to reserve the right to accept or reject any bids, providing flexibility in vendor selection. Potential bidders should carefully review all documentation and ensure complete compliance with the detailed specifications outlined in the RFB to maximize their chances of successful contract award.