Receipt, handling, storage and distribution of USDA foods – service area 1, region 2

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. ITB FNW 25 26 06 for the receipt, handling, storage, and distribution of USDA Foods for the National School Lunch Program in Service Area 1, Region 2. The procurement covers 21 counties, including Alachua, Duval, Marion, and St. Johns, with an anticipated contract term from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and potential for three one-year renewals. The contractor will be responsible for managing approximately 33,714 dry cases, 2,500 dry special care cases, 2,000 refrigerated cases, and 42,286 frozen cases for various recipient agencies including schools and juvenile detention centers. Key requirements include maintaining specific storage conditions with precise temperature controls, providing detailed inventory and loss reporting, and utilizing the Web Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system for tracking. Bids are due by June 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM, with a public bid opening scheduled for June 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM via teleconference. Evaluation will likely focus on the contractor's ability to meet storage specifications, compliance with federal and state regulations, and cost-effectiveness.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. A performance bond of $50,000 is required, and the contractor must carry appropriate insurance coverage. The payment structure is based on a fixed price per case for different food item types, with the contractor responsible for receiving, storing, and distributing USDA Foods to educational institutions. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documents, the scope suggests a substantial operational contract covering food distribution across a significant geographic region. The contractor must demonstrate capabilities in food handling, temperature-controlled storage, inventory management, and compliance with complex regulatory requirements. Potential bidders will need to show technical expertise in food logistics, strong inventory management systems, and the ability to precisely track and report food distribution activities across multiple counties and recipient agencies.