Distribution of USDA Foods For The National School Lunch Program-Service Area1, Region 2

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is soliciting bids for the distribution of USDA Foods to Recipient Agencies in Service Area 1, Region 2 under the National School Lunch Program. The solicitation, identified as ITB FNW 26 27 01, requires vendors to provide comprehensive logistics services including the receipt, handling, storage, and delivery of USDA food commodities, with specific requirements to register and use the Web Based Supply Chain Management system and maintain a Level 1 USDA eAuthentication ID for all users. Bids must be submitted in sealed packages by June 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time to the designated Tallahassee address, with electronic submissions prohibited. The award will be made to the responsive and responsible vendor with the lowest Case Price Grand Total as specified in Attachment C, with preferences applied for certified Business Enterprises, Florida-produced commodities, and vendors with certified drug-free workplace programs. The contract may be renewed for up to three one-year periods at the Department’s discretion and must comply with federal requirements under 7 CFR 250.12, including proper identification and separate storage of USDA Foods. Pricing is based on estimated quantities, and unit prices take precedence over total calculations. Contractors must furnish a $50,000 performance bond within 15 days of award, maintain adequate liability and workers’ compensation insurance as required by Florida law, and comply with federal and state statutes including the Davis-Bacon Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Clean Air Act. All vendors must submit mandatory certifications including the FDACS Acknowledgement Form, the federal Certification Regarding Lobbying and Debarment, and the Florida Vendor Certification, which includes an affidavit affirming no participation in a boycott of Israel and no use of coercive labor practices. Payment will be made by state government warrant upon satisfactory delivery and inspection, subject to a five-day review period, and invoices must be detailed enough for both pre- and post-audit. The contract is governed by Florida law with venue exclusively in Leon County, where the contractor bears expenses if the Department prevails in legal action. The agreement prohibits conflicts of interest, requires adherence to stacking limits of one pallet high for cartons, and allows unilateral termination for cause if the contractor refuses public access. All deliverables must be quantifiable, measurable, and verifiable, with delivery tickets signed off by both contractor personnel and recipient agency representatives, and any damages or shortages documented jointly. Appeals or adjustments require written amendments approved