The City of New Bedford is seeking bids for the purchase and delivery of food service groceries for its public school food services. The contract term is one year with two one-year renewal options. Bids are due electronically by July 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST. The contract will be awarded to the responsible and responsive vendor offering the lowest price that meets specifications. Vendors must be registered foreign corporations if not Massachusetts corporations. Insurance certificates are required. Prices must include delivery costs. The city is exempt from sales and use tax. Samples may be required for selected items. Delivery locations are listed in Appendix C.
Bids are due electronically by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST. Deliveries must be completed by 2:00 PM, Monday-Friday.
The city shall make all reasonable efforts to process payments within thirty 30 days from the date of receipt of each invoice. Invoices dated prior to fiscal year end June 30 must be delivered to the city no later than August 1st.
A minimum of 90 days product guarantee or the manufacturer's standard commercial warranty, whichever is greater, shall apply to all products purchased. This warranty shall provide for replacement of defective merchandise.
The contract will be awarded to the responsible and responsive vendor offering the lowest price for supplies and services meeting the specifications. The city may use all means at their disposal to evaluate bids on these criteria, and the final decision will be as to the best overall offer, both as to price and suitability.
Respondents must be qualified. Out-of-state businesses must register as a foreign corporation in Massachusetts. Vendors must provide at least three references from prior contracts similar in size and scope.
Repeated failure to meet delivery dates may constitute a breach of contract. If the city must buy an item elsewhere at a higher price due to unavailable substitutes, the city may back-charge the vendor the price difference.
Samples may be required on selected items. Vendors will be notified if a sample is required. A determination of acceptability will be made based on price, taste, and proven market acceptability.
Failure to comply with bid requirements, including submitting all required documents, may result in disqualification. Illegible or vague bids may be rejected. Bids with multiple, inconsistent business names may be grounds for rejection.