Fresh Produce Delivery

Invitation to Bid (ITB)
Fresh Produce Delivery
ITB 1013-2026
ITB Released May 05, 2026
Deadline for Questions*: May 12, 2026
Bids Due*: 2:00 p.m. on May 26, 2026
Tony Green
Procurement Officer
Leon County Schools
Purchasing Department
3397 West Tharpe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
*Timeline subject to change. Changes will be communicated through an addendum to this ITB (see Section 1.8)

ITB Timeline
Steps in the
Date and Time Location (if applicable)
ITB Process
District Website
https://www.leonschools.net/active-upcoming-bid-
opportunities
DemandStar
Release of ITB May 05, 2026
https://www.demandstar.com/app/agencies/florida/leon-
county-schools-purchasing-department/procurement-
opportunities/ed9224e2-7a4c-4013-91a2-
56aa6ed77478/
Submit to:
Tony Green, Procurement Officer
Written
May 12, 2026
Questions Due Subject: ITB 1013-2026, Fresh Produce Delivery
Email: purchasing@leonschools.net
District Website
https://www.leonschools.net/active-upcoming-bid-
Anticipated Posting opportunities
of Answers to DemandStar
May 15, 2026
Submitted
https://www.demandstar.com/app/agencies/florida/leon-
Questions
county-schools-purchasing-department/procurement-
opportunities/ed9224e2-7a4c-4013-91a2-
56aa6ed77478/
Submit to:
Leon County Schools
Purchasing Department
Sealed Bids Due Attn: Tony Green, Procurement Officer
May 26, 2026
and Opened
ITB 1013-2026, Fresh Produce Delivery
3397 W. Tharpe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32303*
*Also, the location for the Bid Opening
District Website
https://www.leonschools.net/active-upcoming-bid-
Anticipated Date
opportunities
the District will
DemandStar
Advertise its Notice June 9, 2026
of Award https://www.demandstar.com/app/agencies/florida/leon-
Recommendation county-schools-purchasing-department/procurement-
opportunities/ed9224e2-7a4c-4013-91a2-
56aa6ed77478/
Page 2 of 3

Table of Contents
ITB Timeline ..............................................................................................................................................................2
SECTION 1: Key information ...................................................................................................................................6
1.1 Quick Facts ...............................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Bidder Qualifications ...............................................................................................................................6
1.3 How to Contact us (Procurement Rules and Information) ...................................................................6
1.4 Developing Your Bid ................................................................................................................................7
1.5 Submitting Your Bid .................................................................................................................................8
1.6 Bid Opening ..............................................................................................................................................9
1.7 Disposition of Bids ...................................................................................................................................9
1.8 Changes to the ITB ...................................................................................................................................9
1.9 Protest Procedures ..................................................................................................................................9
SECTION 2: Scope of Work .................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1 Background............................................................................................................................................ 10
2.2 Procurement Overview/Requirements ................................................................................................ 10
2.3 Contract Term ........................................................................................................................................ 10
2.4 Scope of Work ....................................................................................................................................... 10
2.4.1 Pricing Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 11
2.4.2 Delivery ................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.4.3 Quality Assurance ................................................................................................................................. 13
2.4.4 Product ................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.5 Item Substitution ................................................................................................................................... 15
2.4.6 Price List, Invoices, Statements, and Payments ................................................................................ 15
2.4.7 Price Increases ...................................................................................................................................... 16
2.4.8 Delivery Tickets/Invoices/Credit Memos ............................................................................................. 16
2.4.9 Rejection Procedures ........................................................................................................................... 16
2.4.10 Contractor Performance ....................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.11 Quantities/Contract Value .................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.12 Food Safety and Recalls ....................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.13 Applicable Laws .................................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.14 Liquidated Damages/Failure to Deliver ............................................................................................... 18
2.4.15 Act of God .............................................................................................................................................. 18
2.4.16 Designated Contact ............................................................................................................................... 18
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2.4.17 Records .................................................................................................................................................. 18
2.4.18 Reports ................................................................................................................................................... 18
2.4.19 Buy American ........................................................................................................................................ 19
2.4.20 Peanuts, Peanut Protein, or Peanut By-Products .............................................................................. 20
2.4.21 U.S. Department of Agriculture Certification (Debarment and Suspension) .................................. 20
2.4.22 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) ........................................................................................ 20
2.4.23 Farm-To-School ..................................................................................................................................... 20
2.4.24 Farm-To-School Pricing ........................................................................................................................ 21
SECTION 3: Procurement Rules and Information .............................................................................................. 22
3.1 Contents and Format of Bid Submittals ............................................................................................. 22
3.2 Basis of Award ...................................................................................................................................... 22
3.3 Advertising Notice of Board Decision ................................................................................................. 22
3.4 No Prior Involvement and Conflicts of Interest .................................................................................. 23
3.5 Confidentiality, Proprietary, or Trade Secret Material ....................................................................... 23
3.6 Florida Preference ................................................................................................................................. 24
3.7 Small Business Participation ............................................................................................................... 24
3.8 Local Business Preference .................................................................................................................. 24
SECTION 4: Contract Terms and Conditions ..................................................................................................... 25
4.1 Contract Modifications ......................................................................................................................... 25
4.2 Cooperative Contracting (Use by Other Public Agencies) ............................................................... 25
4.3 Travel Expenses .................................................................................................................................... 25
4.4 E-Verify ................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.5 Subcontracts ......................................................................................................................................... 25
4.6 Background Screening Requirements/Jessica Lunsford Act .......................................................... 26
4.7 Insurance................................................................................................................................................ 26
4.8 Copyrights, Right to Data, Patents, and Royalties ............................................................................ 27
4.9 Independent Contractor Status............................................................................................................ 28
4.10 Contact with Students .......................................................................................................................... 28
4.11 Assignment ............................................................................................................................................ 28
4.12 Force Majeure ........................................................................................................................................ 28
4.13 Severability ............................................................................................................................................ 29
4.14 Reservation of Rights ........................................................................................................................... 29
4.15 Americans with Disabilities Act ........................................................................................................... 29
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4.16 Employment of District Personnel ...................................................................................................... 29
4.17 Legal Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 29
4.18 Conflict of Law and Controlling Provisions ....................................................................................... 29
4.19 Default .................................................................................................................................................... 29
4.20 Termination ............................................................................................................................................ 30
4.21 Public Records ...................................................................................................................................... 30
4.22 Indemnification ...................................................................................................................................... 31
4.23 Disputes ................................................................................................................................................. 31
4.24 Federal Terms and Conditions............................................................................................................. 32
4.25 Anti-Discrimination ............................................................................................................................... 35
4.26 Discriminatory Vendor List .................................................................................................................. 35
4.27 Public Entity Crime & Convicted Vendor List .................................................................................... 35
4.28 Scrutinized Companies Certification .................................................................................................. 36
SECTION 5: Definitions ......................................................................................................................................... 37
Attachment I ........................................................................................................................................................... 38
Attachment II .......................................................................................................................................................... 43
Attachment III ......................................................................................................................................................... 45
Attachment IV ......................................................................................................................................................... 46
Attachment V .......................................................................................................................................................... 47
Attachment VI ......................................................................................................................................................... 48
Attachment VII ........................................................................................................................................................ 49
Attachment VIII ....................................................................................................................................................... 50
Attachment IX ......................................................................................................................................................... 52
Attachment X .......................................................................................................................................................... 55
Attachment XI ......................................................................................................................................................... 56
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SECTION 1: Key information
1.1 Quick Facts
The School Board of Leon County, Florida (hereinafter referred to as the "District") is requesting
sealed bids for the delivery of fresh produce, as needed.
a. The use of capitalization (such as Bidder) denotes words and phrases with special
meaning as defined in Section 5, Definitions.
b. Unless otherwise indicated, all dates and times reflect Eastern Time (Tallahassee,
Florida).
c. The District reserves the right to perform, or cause to be performed, the services herein
described in any manner it sees fit, including, but not limited to, award of other contracts,
utilization of existing State or governmental contracts, public purchasing cooperatives, or
to perform the work with its own employees.
1.2 Bidder Qualifications
Bidders shall maintain a permanent place of business, have adequate equipment to perform
the requested services, be financially solvent, and maintain enough qualified personnel to
perform the services of this Contract. The Successful Bidder must have:
a. A minimum of two (2) years experience within the last five (5) years as a commercial food
distributer to the food service or retail industry;
b. Access to refrigerated warehouse facilities capable of holding temperatures at 35o, 50o,
and 70o F;
c. Utilize a fleet of mechanically refrigerated trucks or truck compartments capable of holding
air temperatures at 45o F maximum while on delivery routes; and
d. Have an experienced produce buyer and a contract administrator that can liaison with the
District on a day-to-day basis.
1.3 How to Contact us (Procurement Rules and Information)
a. All questions related to this ITB must be made in writing, via email, to the Procurement
Officer listed below. Questions will only be accepted if submitted in writing on or before the
date and time specified in the Timeline.
b. On or about the date referenced in the Timeline, the District will advertise its answers to
written questions on the District's website at https://www.leonschools.net/Page/4411 and
DemandStar at https://www.demandstar.com/app/agencies/florida/leon-county-schools-
purchasing-department/procurement-opportunities/ed9224e2-7a4c-4013-91a2-
56aa6ed77478.
c. Between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the
advertisement of the Notice of Board Decision (the 72-hour period excludes Saturdays,
Sundays, and District holidays), Bidders to this ITB or persons acting on their behalf may
not contact any employee, officer or member of the Leon County School Board or
Superintendent concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the
Procurement Officer as provided in this solicitation or directed by the District. Violation of
this provision may be grounds for rejecting a Bid.
d. Any person requiring special accommodations in responding to this solicitation because of
a disability should contact the LCS Purchasing Department at (850) 488-1206 at least five
(5) days before any pre-solicitation conference, solicitation opening, or public meeting.
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Persons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled may contact the LCS
Purchasing Office by using the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 (TTY/ASCII).
e. The District's Procurement Officer
Name: Tony Green, Procurement Officer
Purchasing Department
Leon County Schools
3397 W. Tharpe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Telephone: (850) 488-7428
Email: purchasing@leonschools.net
f. The Bidder shall not initiate or execute any decision or action arising from any verbal
discussion with any District employee related to this ITB. Only written communications from
the District's Procurement Officer and formal addendums are considered duly authorized
expressions on behalf of the District. Additionally, only written communications from a
Bidder are recognized as duly authorized expressions on behalf of the Bidder.
1.4 Developing Your Bid
a. This ITB is being issued as part of an open, competitive process and sets out the appropriate
steps and conditions.
b. Bidders should take the time to read and understand the ITB. In particular, they should:
1. Review Title XLVIII, K-20 Education Code, within the Florida Statutes.
2. Develop a strong understanding of the District's requirements detailed in Section 2.
3. Ensure their company is on file and in good standing with the Florida Department of
State, or provide certification of exemption from this requirement, as required for all
entities defined under Chapters 607, 617, or 620, Florida Statutes (F.S.), seeking to do
business with the District.
c. Bidders should prepare a clear and concise Bid, avoiding complicated jargon, and
thoroughly describe their ability to meet the expectations of the District.
d. Bidders must follow the format and instructions included in this ITB for their Bid submittal.
e. Bids that contain provisions that are contrary to the material requirements of this ITB are
not permitted. Including alternate provisions or conditions to material requirements will be
considered a counter offer and will result in the Bid being deemed non-responsive.
f. Bidders must use Attachment I, Price Sheet, to submit pricing. Bidders shall not change or
substantially alter the form but fill it out completely, as instructed in Section 3 of this ITB.
g. Bidders should thoroughly review their Bid before submission to ensure the Bid is complete
and accurate and it has provided all information requested in the format prescribed in
Section 3, Procurement Rules and Information.
h. The District is not liable for any costs incurred by a Bidder while responding to this ITB,
including the costs associated with attending site visits, oral presentations, or negotiations,
as applicable.
i. Bidders are expected to submit questions or concerns regarding the requirements or terms
and conditions of this solicitation during the question and answer phase, per Section 1.3, a.
j. The District shall reject any and all Bids that do not meet the following pass/fail criteria
(also referred to as Mandatory Responsiveness Criteria). Any Bid rejected for failure to
meet these requirements will not be evaluated further:
1. The Bidder must confirm they have a permanent place of business and adequate
resources to perform the services contemplated by this ITB.
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2. The Bidder must have a minimum of two (2) years experience within the last five (5)
years as a commercial food distributer to the food service or retail industry.
3. The Bidder must demonstrate experience in providing food distribution services to at
least three (3) customers of similar scope and size.
4. The Bidder must confirm that all services to be provided under the Contract will be
compliant with all laws, rules, and other authority applicable to providing the services,
including, but not limited to, Florida's Open Government Laws (Article I, Section 24,
Florida Constitution, and Chapter 119, F.S.);
5. The Bidder shall complete and submit:
i. Attachment I, Price Sheet
ii. Attachment II, Required Provisions Certifications
iii. Attachment III, Notice of Conflict of Interest
iv. Attachment IV, Bidder Contact Information
v. Attachment VIII, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and
Voluntary Exclusion AD-1048
vi. Attachment IX, Certification Regarding Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, and
Cooperative Agreements
1.5 Submitting Your Bid
a. Bidders shall submit their Bids in a sealed envelope or package with the ITB number and
the date and time of the Bid opening clearly marked on the sealed envelope or packaging.
Bidders may submit their Bids by mail, courier, delivery services (such as FedEx or UPS),
or hand-delivery to the location below. The District will not accept any Bids submitted via
email or fax.
b. Bidders must mail or otherwise deliver their Bids to the following address:
Leon County Schools
Purchasing Department
ITB 1013-2026, Fresh Produce Delivery
Attn: Tony Green, Procurement Officer
3397 W. Tharpe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32303
c. It is the Bidder's responsibility to ensure their Bid is delivered to the District by the date
and time stipulated in the Timeline. The District's clock will stamp Bids received and shall
provide the official time for the Bid opening. Late Bids will not be accepted.
d. Submit one (1) signed, original, and one (1) electronic copy of the Bid in searchable PDF
format on an electronic storage device or flash drive (not password protected). The original
physical Bid will take precedence in the event there is a discrepancy between the original
and electronic copy.
e. If the Bidder includes information in their Bid that they believe is and have marked as
confidential or trade secret, they should submit a redacted copy of their Bid; as outlined in
Section 3.5, the Bidder should submit one (1) redacted hard copy and one (1) redacted
electronic copy, in searchable PDF format (in addition to the non-redacted version).
f. Bidders are encouraged to print Bid documents double-sided and minimize the use of non-
recyclable materials.
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1.6 Bid Opening
a. Bids are due and will be publicly opened at the time, date, and location specified in the
Timeline.
b. District staff are not responsible for the inadvertent opening of a Bid that is improperly
sealed, addressed, or not correctly identified with the ITB number.
c. After the Bid Opening, interested parties may submit a written request to the Procurement
Officer for the names of all Bidders.
1.7 Disposition of Bids
a. The District reserves the right to withdraw this ITB at any time and, by doing, assumes no
liability to any Bidder.
b. The District reserves the right to reject any Bids received in response to this ITB.
c. The District reserves the right to waive Minor Irregularities when doing so would be in the
District's best interest. The District may correct Minor Irregularities at its exclusive option
but is not obligated to do so.
d. All documentation produced as part of this Bid shall become the exclusive property of the
District, may not be returned to or removed by the Bidder or its agents, and will become a
matter of public record, subject to the provisions of Chapter 119, F.S. Selection or rejection
of the Bid will not affect this right. Should the District reject all Bids and re-solicit, information
submitted in response to this ITB will become a matter of public record as indicated in
Section 119.071, F.S. The District shall have the right to use any ideas, adaptations of any
ideas, or recommendations presented in any Bid. The award or rejection of a Bid shall not
affect this right.
1.8 Changes to the ITB
The District will post all addenda and materials relative to this procurement on the District's
Purchasing website at https://www.leonschools.net/active-upcoming-bid-opportunities and on
DemandStar at https://www.demandstar.com/app/agencies/florida/leon-county-schools-
purchasing-department/procurement-opportunities/ed9224e2-7a4c-4013-91a2-
56aa6ed77478/.
Interested parties are responsible for monitoring this site for new or changing information relative
to this procurement. Bidders are responsible for ensuring that all addendums have been read
and incorporated, as applicable, in their Bid.
1.9 Protest Procedures
Per Section 120.57(3), F.S., a Notice of Intent to Protest or a Formal Written Protest must be
filed with the District's Purchasing Department within the timeframes established in Florida
Statutes. Filings may be made physically at 3397 W. Tharpe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32305,
or via email to Bidprotests@leonschools.net. Protests must be made in compliance with Rules
28-110.003 and 28-110.004, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). Filings received on a
weekend, District holiday, or after 5:00 p.m. will be filed the next business day.
Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3), F.S., or failure to post the
bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a
waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.
Page 9 of 10

SECTION 2: Scope of Work
2.1 Background
The District and the School Board are created under Article IX, Section 4, of the Constitution of
the State of Florida. The School Board is an independent taxing and reporting authority
responsible for the operation, control, and supervision of all free public schools within the school
district, subject to the Florida K-20 Education Code, Chapters 1000 - 1013, F.S. The Board
consists of five (5) elected officials responsible for, among other things, the adoption of policies
which govern the operation of District public schools. The elected Superintendent of Schools is
responsible for the administration and management of the schools within the applicable
parameters of state laws, State Board of Education Rules, and School Board policies.
The District provides a standard, traditional curriculum to a student body of approximately
29,000 students ranging from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade. LCS also provides adult
education at several facilities during regular and non-school hours. In addition to the standard
curriculum, LCS offers a variety of specialized technical training programs for the higher-grade
levels.
2.2 Procurement Overview/Requirements
Through this solicitation, the District seeks to secure the best competitive prices for fresh, high-
quality, seasonal and local produce and establish a cost plus fixed fee per unit contract for the
delivery of fresh produce.
The District will work with the Successful Bidder(s) to execute one (1) or more contracts for
services soon after the award of this ITB. Successful Bidder(s) must be able to begin
implementing services if awarded on or before August 1, 2026.
2.3 Contract Term
We anticipate that the Contract(s) will commence on July 1st, 2026 or within 30 days of award,
whichever is later. The expected Contract term and options to renew are:
Description Time Period
Initial term of the Contract Three (3) years
Optional Contract Renewal Term(s) Up to three (3) years, or portions thereof
Maximum term of the Contract Six (6) years
2.4 Scope of Work
The scope of this contract shall require the Successful Bidder to deliver produce to each
individual designated school on a scheduled basis. It shall be the responsibility of the
Successful Bidder to provide all supervision, labor, packing, handling, delivery, and other
services that are necessary for the proper execution and performance of this contract. The
Successful Bidder shall devote, and cause its personnel to devote, such time, attention, best
skill and judgement, knowledge and ability as is necessary to perform all services in a manner
Page 10 of 11