Request for Proposal - Produce

Catawba County Schools in North Carolina is requesting proposals for fresh produce supply under IFB SY 2026-2027, with quotes due July 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. The contract runs August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027 and may be awarded to a single bidder for all goods and services.

All produce must meet USDA Grade No. 1 standards (when applicable), be free from decay, clean, properly packed, and properly refrigerated. The vendor must hold GAP Certification and GHP Certification or equivalent documentation and maintain traceability, recall procedures, lot identification, and temperature logs. The Buy American requirement applies; domestic agricultural commodities are required unless an allowable exception applies, with country of origin documentation required for non-domestic produce. North Carolina agriculture must be supported whenever practical.

The scope includes fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and locally grown seasonal produce across four bid sections: core produce items (apples, bananas, cucumbers, grapes, lettuce, oranges, tomatoes, and others); supplementary items (specialty apple varieties, blueberries, broccoli florets, melons); snack pack and individually wrapped single-serving formats; and up to 15 bidder-proposed additional items or alternate pack sizes. Historical usage data from fiscal years 2017–18 through 2025–26 is provided for cost estimation. Deliveries are scheduled for Tuesdays or Thursdays between 6:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 29 school sites listed in Appendix B across Catawba County.

Pricing must remain firm for the entire contract period and include all transportation charges, net of taxes. Payment is net 30 days following invoice approval. The vendor must provide references from at least four current customers, conduct criminal background checks on all employees, and comply with the Lunsford Act regarding sex offender registration. The vendor must credit any shortages within 48 hours.