Zoo Produce

Dane County, Wisconsin is seeking a prime vendor to supply produce for the Henry Vilas Zoo through Request for Bid #2023-REQ-069-PR. The procurement involves a one-year contract beginning November 1, 2023, with potential for four additional one-year renewals, contingent on mutual agreement. The bid requires vendors to provide a comprehensive range of produce items including apples, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables with varying quantities and delivery frequencies. Vendors must submit base prices and quote a percentage above base price for each item, with monthly price schedule updates. Deliveries are specifically required weekly on Thursdays between 8:00-9:30 am to designated Zoo storage locations, with all prices FOB Destination. Key performance expectations include maintaining a 98% fill rate and furnishing a complete listing of available produce. The bid was released on August 22, 2023, with a vendor question submission deadline of September 11, 2023, and a proposal submission deadline of September 21, 2023, at 2:00 pm.

The County demonstrates a preference for local vendors, potentially offering advantages to businesses based in Dane County, surrounding counties, or Wisconsin. The solicitation encourages the use of recycled materials when technically and economically feasible. Vendors must provide product testing capabilities and nutritional data for the produce. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the bid appears open to various vendors who can meet the comprehensive produce supply requirements. The procurement includes provisions for potential volume discounts and requires vendors to demonstrate robust supply chain capabilities. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the contract appears designed to establish a flexible, long-term produce supply relationship with performance-based expectations. The County will likely evaluate responses based on pricing, product quality, delivery reliability, and local economic impact.