Fresh Produce for Student Nutrition Services

Project Description: Rochester Public Schools, Independent School District No. 535 (“District”), through its Student Nutrition Services Department, invites sealed bids from qualified vendors to furnish and deliver fresh produce to District locations in support of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), summer feeding programs, and other authorized Student Nutrition Services operations.
This Invitation for Bid (IFB) is issued in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to Minnesota Statutes governing public procurement, 2 CFR Part 200, 7 CFR Part 210, and guidance issued by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). This procurement will be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition, and the District will maintain records sufficient to document the history of the procurement in compliance with federal requirements.
The District intends to award a contract to a single prime vendor responsible for supplying all fresh produce items specified in this IFB. The District reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities or irregularities, and to make award in whole or in part when determined to be in the best interest of the District and consistent with applicable law.
The use of a prime vendor model reflects the District’s determination that centralized ordering, standardized delivery, reduced administrative burden, and consolidated distribution provide the most efficient and cost-effective method of procurement for fresh produce