Purchase of Milk and Dairy Products

Muscogee County School District (MCSD) in Columbus, Georgia is soliciting sealed bids for the purchase and direct delivery of milk and dairy products for the School Nutrition Program under ITB #23-015, with bids due March 14, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. EST.

The scope covers eleven dairy product line items including whole milk, 1% milk, skim milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, vanilla milk, buttermilk, Dairy Ease (lactose-free), cottage cheese, and sour cream. All products must meet Grade A specifications. Milk products are required in half-pint pack sizes with case configurations of fifty units per case; flavored milk varieties must be fat-free. Buttermilk and sour cream have fat-content specifications (skim or 1% for buttermilk; low or no-fat for sour cream). Cottage cheese must be small-curd creamed. Estimated quantities are substantial, ranging from 300 units for cottage cheese to 2.5 million half-pints for chocolate milk. Delivery must occur via FOB destination to school kitchen receiving points in well-maintained refrigerated trucks, with personnel placing products in walk-in coolers. Delivery timing is at the vendor's quoted frequency.

The contract period runs August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024, with prices firm and fixed throughout the term. The Board may renew the contract in one-year increments not to exceed a total of three years under Georgia O.C.G.A. 20-2-506. Payment terms are Net 30 upon receipt, inspection, and acceptance with proper itemized invoices, processed electronically at the district's discretion.

The award will be made to the responsive and responsible vendor with the largest number of lowest delivered prices. Other government entities—Chattahoochee, Marion, Harris, and Webster Counties—may piggyback off this contract to the extent allowed by their local policies. Vendors must carry comprehensive general liability insurance with minimum limits of $2 million, automobile liability of $1 million, workers' compensation at Georgia statutory levels, and a $5 million umbrella policy. Required certifications include bid signature and certification forms, USDA lobbying certifications, debarred/suspended status forms, civil rights assurances, federal work authorization affidavits, W-9 forms, and business licenses. Bids must remain valid for 60 days following bid opening. Bids are mailed or hand-delivered to MCSD Purchasing Department, 2960 Macon Road, Room 3003, Columbus, GA 31906.