SBE: USDA Food Warehousing and Distribution - JP

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is seeking a vendor to provide warehousing and delivery services for USDA Foods used in the operation of the National School Lunch Program for all School Food Authorities (SFAs) in Illinois. The selected vendor will be responsible for receiving, storing, and delivering an estimated 360,000 cases of dry, cooler, and frozen USDA Foods annually to over 1,500 delivery sites across the state. The vendor must have a minimum of 2 years' experience and demonstrate the organizational and staffing capacity to meet the operational requirements outlined in the Invitation for Bid (IFB). The initial contract term is 2 years from July 1, 2022, with the option to renew for up to 3 additional 1-year periods. Bids are due electronically by May 9, 2022, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder.

The IFB includes firm, fixed pricing for receiving/handling, warehousing/storage, private warehousing/storage, delivery, and custom delivery, with a potential fuel adjustment surcharge. The total potential contract value over the initial 2-year term and three 1-year renewal periods is $15,503,466.00. There are Business Enterprise Program and Veteran Small Business participation requirements specified in the IFB, but no incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified. The contract is subject to the availability of appropriations, and ISBE may terminate the agreement with 60 days' notice.