Petite Bananas

The Madison Metropolitan School District, Food & Nutrition Department, is seeking bids for Petite Bananas under solicitation number 4162, with proposals due by July 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT. The required product is single petite bananas in 150-count, 40-pound cases, measuring 5 to 5.5 inches in length, delivered at a ripeness stage between 3.5 and 4.5 according to the Chiquita banana color guide, with an internal temperature of at least 55°F upon arrival. All bananas must be first quality, ready-to-eat, clean, and free from defects, used, obsolete, or discontinued items. The contract requires delivery to the Food Production Center at 4711 Pflaum Road, Madison, WI, during a strict 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM window, up to five days per week, though actual deliveries are typically limited to no more than two per week based on menu needs. The District projects a minimum weekly usage of 80 cases during the school year, with a minimum of four orders monthly, and requires the vendor to maintain a 98% fill rate. Unit prices must reflect applicable governmental and educational discounts and govern all contract administration. Bids must be submitted with one hardcopy original and one electronic version on a memory stick, accompanied by a written and verified HACCP plan from the distributor or processor. The vendor must also submit signed attachments including the Bidder Certification, Itemized Bid List, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion, and a completed W-9 form. The District is exempt from federal excise and state sales tax, with tax-exempt number ES42341. Contractors must comply with all Wisconsin Administrative Code and OSHA safety standards and maintain insurance coverage including workers’ compensation as required by law, commercial liability of at least $1 million covering product liability and completed operations, and automotive liability of at least $1 million per occurrence for owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles. The vendor must indemnify, save harmless, and defend the District and its officers, agents, and employees against claims arising from performance under the contract. All items delivered in packaging must be in first-class condition upon removal; defective items must be replaced at no additional cost. The product is warranted against defects for one year from the date of receipt, and the vendor must