Distribution of USDA Foods For the National School Lunch Program-Service Area 2

The contract governs the distribution of USDA Foods for the National School Lunch Program in Service Area 2 within Florida, issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under solicitation ITB FNW 26 27 02. The Contractor is responsible for receiving, handling, storing, and delivering USDA Foods to Recipient Agencies across the state, adhering to strict requirements outlined in 7 CFR 250.12 and FNS Instructions 709-5. Services are performed on a fixed-price-per-case basis for dry, special dry, refrigerated, and frozen items, with delivery frequency determined by the Recipient Agency and schedules submitted within 30 days of award. The contract term runs through June 30, 2027, and may be renewed for up to three additional one-year periods at the Department’s discretion. All deliveries must occur Monday through Friday, excluding RA holidays or closures, with only one site per program designated for delivery. The Contractor must register on the USDA WBSCM system with a Level 1 eAuthentication ID, maintain USDA Foods separately from non-USDA items, and ensure all storage facilities meet federal, state, and Refrigeration Research Foundation standards. Annual fire safety and health inspections are mandatory, with reports filed with BSFP, and an annual physical inventory must be reconciled with records. The Contractor is required to act as an independent contractor, not as an agent or employee of the Department, and must fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Department against all claims. Subcontracting is prohibited without prior written consent, and all work must be performed solely by the Contractor. The Contractor must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including the Davis-Bacon Act, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Clean Air and Water Pollution Control Acts. A $50,000 performance bond must be furnished within 15 days of award, issued by a Florida-authorized surety and approved in writing by the Department’s contract manager. Insurance requirements include general liability coverage, workers’ compensation as mandated by Chapter 440, F.S., and property insurance for the warehouse structure and contents, with annual proof submitted to BSFP. Mandatory certifications include compliance with the E-Verify system, avoidance of boycotts of Israel, adherence to lobbying and debarment prohibitions under federal funds expenditure thresholds, and drug-free workplace program participation for preference in award. Bids must be submitted in sealed packages