FRESH PRODUCE - CENTRAL COAST CO-OP

Request for Proposal No. 2627-02 is issued by the Central Coast Cooperative Purchasing Collective, with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District serving as the lead agency, to procure and deliver fresh produce to various cooperative agency members. The contract requires the vendor to furnish produce based on awarded case and item rates, with deliveries made destination, freight prepaid and allowed. The initial term is to be determined, with the possibility of two additional one-year renewals upon mutual agreement. Proposals must be submitted electronically via PlanetBids by September 22, 2026, with mandatory samples due by September 3, 2026. The selection process is based on a 100-point scoring system evaluating a letter of introduction, customer service capabilities, vendor references, a Co-Op questionnaire, and a mandatory HAACP plan. Vendors must adhere to strict quality standards, including USDA NSLP and CDE K-12 nutritional regulations, and ensure all packaging is FDA-approved. Compliance with the Buy American Act and SB 490 is required, prioritizing domestic products unless non-domestic options are significantly cheaper or domestic supplies are insufficient. Additionally, the procurement of raw or processed poultry from the People's Republic of China is strictly prohibited. Administrative requirements include maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage for workers' compensation, automobile liability, and completed operations, with Co-Op members named as additional insureds. Vendors must provide various certifications, including non-collusion, debarment, and drug-free workplace declarations. Invoicing is handled individually for each Co-Op agency member, with payment terms set at 30 days following the acceptance and approval of invoices. Products failing to meet quality standards must be replaced within 24 hours at no cost to the agency.