Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is seeking bids for warehouse and delivery services for food and nutrition services. The contractor will be responsible for receiving, storing, issuing, picking up, and delivering USDA donated food and other frozen and dry goods. Bidders must register online with WCPS and on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage. Bids are due by May 26, 2026. The contract term is initially one year, with options for three additional one-year extensions. Pricing must be firm for the initial contract period and inclusive of all expenses. WCPS does not guarantee any yearly purchase quantity or expenditure amount. The contractor must maintain computerized perpetual inventory records and provide monthly inventory reports. Deliveries to schools are required weekly, between 6:30 am and 2:30 pm, following the school calendar. The contractor's facility must be within 20 miles of specified WCPS locations and have been in business for at least three years. Food safety and sanitation requirements must be met, and facilities are subject to inspection. The contractor is financially responsible for all foods received and assumes the risk of loss, damage, or theft. WCPS reserves the right to extend the contract terms to other agencies and to negotiate specific contractual terms.
The proposal due date is May 26, 2026, by 11:00 am Eastern Time. Deliveries to schools shall be made between 6:30 am and 2:30 pm following the school calendar.
WCPS standard payment terms are net 30.
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 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.
Bidders submitting a proposal shall have been in business for at least three 3 years providing dry and frozen warehouse and delivery services. Bidders who cannot demonstrate to the satisfaction of WCPS that they have these experiences will not be considered.
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.
All visitors must report to and register in the main office. Each bidder should visit the site and become informed fully as to the condition under which the work is to be done. Site visits will not be made after regular working hours, on Sundays, school holidays, or legal holidays, unless previously agreed to by the contract administrator.
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.
