Supplemental Fresh Produce for Various HIDOE School Cafeterias

The Hawaii State Department of Education is requesting bids for supplemental fresh produce to supply school cafeterias statewide under IFB D27-043, with sealed bids due October 21, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time through the HIePRO eProcurement System.

The solicitation spans eight geographic groups across the Hawaiian islands: Oahu Windward-Honolulu, Oahu Leeward-Central, Hawaii West, Hawaii East, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai. Bidders must supply 58 different fresh fruit and vegetable items across a six-month contract period with quantities varying by geographic area. Pricing is submitted per pound in two categories: locally grown and domestic products. All produce must meet U.S. Grade Number 1 or comparable ratings, be free from defects and decay, and comply with Hawaii Department of Health food safety standards. Hawaii-based supplier farms must hold USDA Good Agricultural Practices or Primus Global Food Safety certification. Processed produce requires HACCP systems; all products must be delivered fresh without added sulfites or preservatives and maintain minimum shelf life of at least five days remaining before expiration at delivery.

Bidders must maintain a Hawaii-based wholesale or retail office with permanent facilities and establish warehouse operations on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kauai. Each warehouse must comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practices and USDA HACCP standards. Refrigerated vehicles must maintain proper temperature conditions under Hawaii Administrative Rules. Bidders must submit State of Hawaii Department of Health Food Safety Inspections, Food Establishment Permits, accredited third-party certifications, Department of Health "Green" Placard certifications, operating HACCP plans, and proof of pest control programs. A designated point of contact must be available during business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. HST, Monday through Friday) for ordering and problem resolution. Rejected products must be replaced within 24 hours or full credit issued.

Questions should be directed to Albert Perry, Procurement and Contracts Support Specialist, at 808-675-0130 or albert.k.perry@k12.hi.us. All bid prices are inclusive of state and local taxes and applicable fees.