Blount County Ionwave #2026-0117 Addendum 2

Solicitation for Fresh and Pre-Cut Produce for School Nutrition Programs in Blount County, TN

Blount County Purchasing Department is seeking bids to supply fresh and pre-cut fruits and vegetables for the Child Nutrition Programs of Alcoa City, Maryville City, and Blount County Schools. - Government Buyer: - Blount County Purchasing Department, representing Alcoa City, Maryville City, and Blount County Schools - Products/Services Requested: - Wide range of fresh and pre-cut produce, including apples (Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious), bananas, berries, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots (baby, mini, shredded, snack packs), celery, cucumbers, eggs, grapes, honeydew, kiwi, lemons, lettuce (iceberg, leaf, romaine, spring mix, shredded), onions (green, red, yellow), oranges, parsley, pears, peppers (green, red, yellow), pineapples, potatoes (red, white baking russet, sweet), radishes, salad mixes, slaw mix, spinach, squash, strawberries, tangerines, tomatoes (various types), turnips, watermelon, zucchini, and a variety of ready-to-eat produce cups and trays - Notable line items include ready-to-eat mini carrots, cantaloupe cups, broccoli florets cups, and burger sets (lettuce, onion, tomato) - Quantities range from small units to thousands of pounds or cases per item - OEMs and Vendors: - Taylor Farms is referenced as a quality standard for several ready-to-eat/pre-cut items (e.g., mini carrots, cantaloupe cups, broccoli florets cups), but equivalent products are accepted - No specific OEMs or vendors are mandated; open to all qualified suppliers - Unique/Notable Requirements: - All produce must meet U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy standards, with detailed specifications for quality, packaging, and shelf life - Compliance with local, state, and federal sanitary regulations, including the Sanitary Food Transportation Act and Child Nutrition Program rules - Contractor employees must pass background checks per Tennessee law - If contracted items are unavailable, schools may purchase from other qualified vendors - Each school district will have a separate contract, but quantities are combined for bidding - Place of Performance: - Deliveries to Alcoa City, Maryville City, and Blount County Schools - Period of Performance: - Contract covers the full academic year with possible annual renewal; delivery schedules align with school meal service times

Description

This invitation to bid aims to select a produce supplier for delivering fresh and pre-cut fruits and vegetables to the Alcoa City, Maryville City, and Blount County Schools Child Nutrition Programs. Each school operates as an independent School Food Authority (SFA), and the bid quantities represent the combined estimated usage of the three districts. The contract, if awarded, will apply to all three districts with separate contracts for each. All food must comply with sanitary conditions and relevant local, state, and federal regulations, and items must meet specified quality standards. If contracted items are unavailable, schools reserve the right to purchase from qualified vendors according to purchasing thresholds.

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