This is a public tender notice from Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) for the provision of fresh produce. The bid is open to wholesalers, distributors, and farm direct suppliers. Key dates include the deadline for written questions on May 11, 2026, and the proposal due date on May 27, 2026. The contract period is initially from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, with potential for three one-year extensions. Vendors must be registered on WCPS purchasing website and eMaryland Marketplace Advantage. Pricing for wholesalers and distributors will be a flat markup fee per unit above the current market cost, with weekly pricing submitted. Farm and orchard direct pricing is also required. Vendors must have been in business for at least three years providing produce and maintain a permanent place of business certified to do business in Maryland. Insurance requirements are detailed, including commercial general liability, business auto liability, and workers' compensation. Samples may be requested for evaluation. Background checks for employees with direct contact with minors are mandatory. WCPS reserves the right to reject any or all bids, make partial awards, and negotiate specific contractual terms. Disputes must be resolved between the participating agency and awarded vendors.
The bid notice does not explicitly state a delivery deadline for the produce itself, but it does mention that all school deliveries shall be made on Monday or the first school day of the week during the hours of 6:00 a. m. and 2:30 p. m. local time and only on regular school days. The contract period is from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027, with potential for three additional one-year terms. The bid notice states, The contract vendor must guarantee a 98 fill rate for all properly confirmed orders.
The bid notice states, WCPS standard payment terms are net 30.
The bid notice states, If within the reasonable shelf life of the product, any defects or signs of deterioration are noted, the awarded vendors, at their expense, shall replace the product or the entire case supplied to the complete satisfaction of WCPS.
The bid notice states, The basis of award shall be the lowest responsible bidders submitting a responsive bid that conforms to the specifications established in the solicitation with consideration given to the quantities involved, time required for delivery, purpose for which required, competency and responsibility of bidder, the ability of the bidder to perform satisfactory service, and the plan for utilization of minority contractors, if applicable.
The bid notice states, Bidders submitting a proposal shall have been in business for at least three 3 years providing produce. Bidders who cannot demonstrate to the satisfaction of WCPS that they have these experiences will not be considered. It also requires vendors to maintain a permanent place of business and be certified to do business in Maryland.
The bid notice states, In addition to, or in lieu of, paying for any incurred replacement costs, the awarded vendors may pay liquidated damages, in the amount of 500 per day, for any delay or failure in performance, as well as any related damages sustained by WCPS. It also mentions that violation of weapon possession on school property may lead to contract termination for cause.
The bid notice mentions a pre-proposal conference will be held, but attendance is not required. It does not mention a mandatory site visit for bidders.
The bid notice states, Samples may be requested for testing and evaluation purposes. Failure to submit samples as required at the time designated may be cause for rejection of that item.
The bid notice states, Any company objecting to the bid procedure or the recommendation for award has five 5 business days following the date of award by the board of education to file a written protest with the superintendent of schools.
