Description
Visalia Unified School District is seeking a qualified vendor to supply a comprehensive list of grocery dry‑goods and related pantry items for the 2026‑2027 school year. The contract will run from July 1 2026 through June 30 2027 (with possible two‑year extensions) and requires weekly deliveries to five school sites, compliance with California nutrition standards, Buy‑American requirements, and provision of free product samples. Bidders must submit a sealed bid package (including pricing, certifications, and, if proposing “equal” substitutes, product literature) by the extended deadline of May 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the district’s Purchasing Department. The award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder after bid opening.
• Supply of non‑perishable grocery and dry‑goods (canned fruits, beans, condiments, cereals, snacks, dairy alternatives, etc.) with detailed brand or equal‑brand specifications.
• Deliveries to five school locations, at least once per week, Monday‑Friday, 6 a.m.–1 p.m., FOB Destination; vendor bears freight and risk.
• Must meet California SB 80/132 nutrition rules, USDA Smart Snacks criteria, and a minimum 51 % U.S. content (goal ≥ 40 % locally‑grown).
• Requires free samples, full guarantees, workers’ comp, drug‑free workplace certification, and possible fingerprint clearance for unsupervised campus access.