Statewide Food Items Not Available From Other Mandatory State Term Contracts

This contract establishes a statewide procurement program for food items not available through other mandatory Ohio state term contracts, with an emphasis on fresh produce, reduced salt options, and Ohio-grown products when possible. It is intended to serve Ohio state agencies, higher education institutions, and members of the Cooperative Purchasing Program from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, with options for renewal up to a total of 36 months. The contract mandates compliance with federal and state food safety, labeling, and inspection standards, including USDA, USDC, FDA, and Ohio Department of Agriculture requirements. Suppliers must meet rigorous quality and safety standards, maintain appropriate certifications, and provide documentation such as food safety certifications, inspection seals, and nutritional information upon request. Delivery must be statewide, within seven days of order receipt, during normal business hours, with provisions for emergency deliveries within 24 hours. The contract emphasizes strict packaging, temperature controls, and labeling standards to ensure product integrity and compliance, including proper handling of canned, frozen, and perishable items. Pricing is managed through an OhioBuys-managed item grid, where each product's delivered price includes supplier cost plus a fixed markup, with detailed documentation required for cost verification. Bids are evaluated on a lowest price technically acceptable basis, requiring full participation in the market basket, submission of samples if requested, and comprehensive documentation of costs and certifications. The contract incorporates specific procedures for order acknowledgment, substitutions, returns, recalls, and quality assurance, with a focus on maintaining a 97% or better fill rate. Delivery and performance are governed by detailed schedules and procedures, including FOB destination terms and minimum order values. Additionally, contractors must provide an electronic punchout ordering system, designate a liaison for contract administration, and submit quarterly sales reports with a revenue share remittance of ¾ of 1% of sales. The contract also stipulates special clauses for emergency service, product recalls, and quality monitoring, ensuring reliable, safe, and compliant food supply across Ohio state facilities.