State of Arizona Local Foods

Tucson Unified School District is soliciting contracts with Arizona-based businesses to supply locally grown, produced, and distributed food items for its school nutrition programs under solicitation number 27-020-TUSD1, with a deadline for responses on July 6, 2026. The procurement falls under NAICS code 424480 and is classified as a SLED-type acquisition with an estimated annual contract value of $200,000. The scope of work requires consistent and timely delivery of fresh, frozen, or dry food products to the Food Services Central Warehouse in Tucson, Arizona, with all sourcing, production, and processing confined strictly within the state. Products must comply with USDA and FDA standards, and grain-based items must contain creditable whole grains. The contract mandates firm fixed pricing expressed FOB Destination, excluding sales tax, with prices locked for the initial term and any cost increases exceeding ten percent requiring prior written notification. Offerors must submit detailed product specifications, nutrient facts, ingredient lists, and formulation statements as outlined in Attachment A, along with a W-9 form, Certificate of Insurance, Payment Method Form, and a No Cost Proposal via OpenGov. Award will be made to the most advantageous offer based on a weighted evaluation: cost accounts for 35 percent, ability to meet district needs—particularly in quality, compliance, and breadth of Arizona-sourced offerings—for 25 percent, and qualifications—including experience supplying local foods to school districts and submission of three references—for the remainder. No contract will be awarded solely on price. Contractors must comply with numerous federal and Arizona state laws, including E-Verify under A.R.S. §23-214, the Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment, Clean Air and Water Acts, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, and the Buy American provision. Insurance requirements include general liability coverage of $2 million aggregate and naming the district as additional insured, along with workers’ compensation as required by state law. Additional obligations include maintaining current licenses and permits, adhering to OSHA standards, and ensuring employees regularly working at schools hold valid fingerprint clearance cards. Invoicing must include purchase order and solicitation numbers, list items and taxes separately, and be sent to AP@TUSD1.org to be paid net thirty days after receipt. Contractors are responsible for all costs related to non-compliant deliveries and must retain records for five years after contract completion. Title and risk remain with the contractor until delivery at the warehouse, and the district