This bid is for the supply of milk and juice products. Key requirements include delivery in refrigerated trucks, adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, specific packaging standards for milk and juice, and a minimum of seven days shelf life. Bidders must provide samples by April 23, 2026, 12:00 PM, and all questions must be submitted through Public Purchase by April 30, 2026, 12:00 PM. Award will be based on low total, with considerations for quality, service, and other factors in case of ties. Vendors must bid on all items to avoid disqualification. The bid term is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with potential for two 12-month extensions. Vendors must have a written HACCP plan and permit unannounced inspections. Products must be of domestic origin where practicable, and locally grown items are preferred. Delivery to 108 schools and the food service production center is required, with standard orders to be delivered within 48 hours. Failure to deliver timely may result in cancellation.
The bid notice states that all products must be delivered in clean, odor-free, and sturdy cases, and dairy and juice products with less than seven days shelf life will not be accepted. Additionally, replacement of damaged goods must take place within 24 hours of initial delivery.
The bid notice states that bids will be calculated by extending the quoted price by the estimated volume requested and award will be made on the basis of low total. In the event there is a tie of low bids or other complications which may arise, the bids will be referred to the food service director for recommendation of award, based upon quality of the product, labeled net weight, service preferences, location of the processing plant, or any other distinguishing factor felt to be a valid consideration.
The bid notice states that all bidders must have a written HACCP plan and working HACCP procedures in place at the time of bid submission. Written HACCP plans must be provided to the Columbus City Schools, Director of Food Services, upon request. Unannounced inspections by a representative of Columbus City Schools Food Service of all facilities used by the successful bidder must be permitted.
The bid notice states that failure of the successful bidder to deliver products in a timely manner may, at the discretion of the Columbus City Schools Director of Food Services, result in the cancellation of part or all of the bid agreement.
The bid notice states that unannounced inspections by a representative of Columbus City Schools Food Service of all facilities used by the successful bidder must be permitted.
The bid notice states that if you are submitting other than the preferred brand you must provide a sample by April 23, 2026, 12:00 PM. It also states that samples and testing at the discretion of the buyer, representative samples may be required for testing by the food service department in which case the bidder will be so notified.
The bid notice states that the deadline for submitting questions is 12:00 PM on April 30, 2026.
