PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FOR Food Service Consultant-ITB-26-041

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB-26-041) for a food service consultant to negotiate pricing, service, and compliance with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services meal programs. The agency seeks a third-party foodservice consultant group or group purchasing organization to help coordinate contracts with mainline foodservice, produce, dairy, and bakery vendors. Qualified respondents must have active service contracts and the ability to summarize available contract options. Evaluation criteria will include location proximity (5 points), Minority and Veteran Business Enterprise participation (10 points), references (15 points), and response pricing (40 points). The procurement timeline includes written questions due by December 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM, with answers published by December 19, 2025, and proposals due January 7, 2026 at 10:45 AM. The bid opening and selection committee review will occur on January 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM, with results notification on January 9, 2026. The contract will require compliance with National School Lunch and Breakfast Program guidelines, including specific requirements for whole grain items, low sodium labeling, and Buy American fresh produce standards.

The procurement allows for broad participation, with a focus on Minority and Veteran Business Enterprises. Contractors must comply with state badging requirements and background screening per House Bill 21 (1012.467 F.S.) and maintain appropriate insurance coverage. All food orders will be processed through the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system, with all vendors required to register. The initial contract term is one year and five months, with potential for up to three additional one-year renewal options. Vendors must accommodate multiple shipment drops on the same delivery day at no extra charge, provide quarterly pricing lists, and invoice upon delivery with immediate discounts applied. The contract amount is not to exceed $500,000, and the successful vendor must be prepared to work with the school's existing food service infrastructure while meeting strict compliance and delivery requirements. The contract is specifically for St. Johns County and will commence on February 1, 2026, following contract execution on January 28, 2026.