This is an Invitation to Bid (ITB) from Sullivan County, TN, for School Nutrition Linens, Mops, and Floor Mats. Bids are due by 2:00 PM on June 11, 2026. The contract period is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with options for renewal. Vendors must meet qualification criteria including providing quality products, reasonable pricing, and dependable delivery. Bids will be awarded to the most responsive and responsible bidder with the lowest cost. A protest policy is in place, requiring a written protest and a protest bond of $350. Various required documents must be submitted, including bid forms, certifications, and affidavits. Delivery is to 15 school nutrition kitchens. Vendors are responsible for criminal background checks for individuals on school property. Compliance with federal regulations, including the Buy American Act, is mandatory. Penalties for breach of contract include termination and withholding of payments. Invoices must be submitted with specific required information. The bid must be sealed and mailed or delivered to the Sullivan County Purchasing office.
The bid must be received on or before June 11, 2026, by 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
The bid certification states, we guarantee the items to be as specified, delivered to schools and that unloading will be done in the presence of the sns manager or designated person so that quantities, brands, and condition of product may be verified.
The contract will be awarded in writing to the most responsive and responsible bidder whose bid is the lowest cost. Price will be the final determining factor for awarding the contract.
Potential bidders must meet the following criteria: be able to provide a quality product as specified, offer reasonable pricing, provide dependable delivery of items ordered, and meet specifications and bid conditions.
If the vendor fails to perform or comply with any provision of the contract, Sullivan County may terminate the purchase and consider such failure a breach of contract. Vendors with poor performance will be notified and given an opportunity to correct problems. Failure to deliver within the specified time or make replacements of rejected items immediately will constitute authority to purchase on the open market to replace the items, and the vendor agrees to reimburse schools for excess costs incurred.
Any protest to a bid award by Sullivan County shall be submitted in writing to the purchasing agent with a copy to the Sullivan County Mayor and delivered not later than seven (7) calendar days from the date of the county's award decision.
A potential bidder may be rejected for one or more of the following reasons: inadequate or unacceptable product lines, or bid specifications and/or bid conditions not met.
