When is the submission deadline?

This RFP closed on April 8, 2026 and is no longer accepting submissions.

What is the budget for this RFP?

Settle estimates the budget at $500,000 – $2,000,000. The issuer has not published an official figure.

It was issued by Ceres Unified School District. The work is located in Ceres, California, United States.

Who is a good fit for this opportunity?

Experience supplying nutrition or cafeteria supplies to public sector clients. Ability to deliver a range of approved and equivalent products. Reliable distribution and logistics in California. Proven track record with multi-year supply contracts.

Child Nutrition Supplies (Closed)

Ceres, California requests bids for the supply of various child nutrition materials and related items under a three-year contract.

Bids must be from an appropriately licensed vendor and sealed
Bids must be submitted on provided forms with all items completed
Total bid amounts must be in writing and figures, with longhand signatures
Bidders cannot withdraw bids for 60 days after opening
Successful bidders must deliver goods and invoices by August 1st, 2026, for purchase orders issued by July 1st, 2026
Prices must be firm, maximum cost, include all discounts, and be F.O.B. Destination
Prices must not include Federal Excise tax, sales tax, or use tax
Unit prices must not extend beyond two decimal points
Proposals must be signed by a responsible officer or employee of the firm
All prices and notations must be typed or written in ink
No additional charges for containers, packing, or drayage beyond bid prices
Two copies of the invoice must accompany each delivery
Samples for 'equal' items must be submitted by April 1st, 2026
Bid Certification form must be completed and legible
Non-Collusion Affidavit must be notarized
Executive Order 12549 Certification must be completed and legible
Lobbying Affidavits must be completed and legible
Code of Conduct must be completed and legible
Bid prices must be written or typed legibly and not exceed two decimal points
Completed bid document must conform to the original bid format
Recycled Product Information must be completed in required sections
Materials and services must comply with specifications and be of the highest quality
Contractors must be licensed in accordance with the law
Bidder must comply with all city, state, and federal laws, regulations, and ordinances
No deviation from General Conditions without written authorization
Specify minimum or exact percentage of recycled products, including post-consumer and secondary waste content
Comply with California Assembly Bill 1200 (PFAS prohibition in food packaging)
Comply with California Assembly Bill 54 (EPS foam food service ware prohibition)
Comply with Clean Air Act and Federal Water Pollution Control Act standards (for bids over $150k)
Vendor certifies facilities are not on the EPA List of Violating Facilities
Bid prices must include all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, installation, assembly, and services
Comply with the Buy American Provision for agricultural commodities and products
Comply with Proposition 12 (Farm Animal Confinement Initiative)
Provide proof of Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance
Conduct criminal background checks for employees providing services to the District
Ensure full and open competition in procurement transactions
Award contracts to responsible and responsive bidders
Avoid acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items
Specifications for brand name or equivalent products must include an 'equivalent product is acceptable' clause
Vendors bidding an 'equal' product must provide a product specification sheet and sample for taste testing and verification

$500,000 – $2,000,000

March 18th, 2026: Notice to Bidders dated and first publication date.

March 25th, 2026: Second publication date.

April 1st, 2026, 2:00 P.M.: Deadline for submitting samples for 'equal' items.

April 8th, 2026, 4:30 P.M.: Bid submission deadline.

May 28th, 2026: Board Meeting for bid awarding.

July 1st, 2026: Purchase orders for successful bidders begin to be issued.

August 1st, 2026: Delivery and invoice deadline for purchase orders issued by July 1st, 2026.

June 30th, 2027: Prices honored until this date for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Primary procurement contact — name, title, email, and phone

Additional decision-makers and their departments

The Ceres, California government authority is seeking vendors to provide a range of child nutrition supplies for a three-year contract period. Required items include hot dog foil bags, plain foil bags with 1 mil thickness, grab-and-go bags, plain kraft dub-panel bags or eco craft equivalents, and lunch bags with zip seal closure, window, and handle (transcontinental packaging or approved equals). Additional supplies needed are bamboo chopsticks in white envelopes (9 inch, handguard or approved equivalent), and bleach cleaner in 1-gallon containers.

All products provided must meet specified requirements or approved equals as detailed by the authority. Vendors are expected to ensure timely delivery and consistent quality over the three-year contract duration.

Child Nutrition Supplies

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