Purchase and Delivery of Ice Cream/Frozen Treats

The City of New Bedford Purchasing Department, in collaboration with the New Bedford Public Schools Food Service Department, is seeking bids for the purchase and delivery of ice cream and frozen treats to support the district's meal programs serving approximately 14,000 students. The procurement opportunity, designated as IFB #24300167, aims to establish a three-year contract with two potential one-year renewal options, commencing on July 1, 2024. The comprehensive bid package includes a detailed pricing schedule covering 92 distinct product line items across categories such as novelty single-serve items, novelty cups, tubs, slush and water ice, and snacks from various brands including Blue Bunny, Rich's, and Olde New England. Vendors must comply with HACCP regulations, provide order forms within 30 days of bid award, and ensure deliveries meet specific conditions including F.O.B. destination, minimum $200 delivery per location, and proper handling of refrigerated and frozen products. The sealed bids are due on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. EST, with electronic submissions required through the City of New Bedford Solicitation webpage on Bidnet Direct.

The contract does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though vendors must complete several compliance forms including a Non-Collusion and Tax Compliance Form and a Corporate Authorization Certificate. Bidders must comply with the Buy American Provision, certifying the percentage of U.S. content in their products, and provide references from similar contracts. The City reserves the right to award the contract to the most responsible and responsive vendor offering the lowest total price that meets specifications, with price increases upon renewal limited to 8% of the aggregate total bid price. Vendors must maintain specific insurance coverage and adhere to non-discrimination requirements. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the extensive product list and projected usage quantities suggest a substantial contract value, with most novelty items having a projected usage of 500 units and some items projected at 100 units, indicating a potentially significant financial opportunity for the selected vendor.