Invitation For Bids Milk Products 2026

Head Start of Greater Dallas, Inc. is soliciting bids for the delivery of milk and dairy products to over 20 of its facilities across Dallas County, Texas, under solicitations number 26MKb. The contract is structured as a requirements agreement with a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, allowing for a potential five-year term, with the agency retaining the right to extend the contract through written notice issued within 30 days of expiration. Bidders must supply nutritionally compliant dairy products including whole, 1% low fat, and fat-free milk in both flavored and unflavored varieties, offered in half-pint cartons and one-gallon containers, as well as plain or flavored yogurt with no more than 12 grams of total sugar per six-ounce serving. All products must meet Grade A standards, be pasteurized and fortified with vitamins A and D, free from artificial additives, growth hormones, and antibiotics, and fully compliant with Texas CACFP meal pattern requirements. Delivery is required at FOB destination, inside the facility, with the vendor responsible for all freight and handling under strict temperature controls—frozen products must be delivered at or below 0°F with a minimum 45-day remaining shelf life, while chilled products must be maintained between 34°F and 40°F. Packaging must be clean, unblemished, and intact, with clear “Best if Used By” dates and full labeling compliant with FDA and FALCPA regulations, including complete nutritional analysis, ingredient declarations, and manufacturer certification for meal equivalency. Electronic nutritional data must be accessible via the agency’s order-entry system, detailing portion sizes, calories, fats, sodium, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. Vendors must submit comprehensive documentation including product labels, formulation statements signed by a company representative, child nutrition labels, manufacturer certifications, and a Certificate of Insurance naming the agency as certificate holder with a 30-day cancellation provision. Insurance requirements include at least $1,000,000 in general liability, statutory workers’ compensation, and $100,000 per accident employers’ liability coverage. Compliance with OSHA, Davis-Bacon Act (if labor costs exceed $2,000), and the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment is mandatory, and contractors must not be debarred or suspended in the past three years. A local representative with decision-making authority must be designated to resolve customer issues and meet quarterly with agency leadership. Bids are evaluated