BID - Annual Fresh Produce 2003

The document is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the procurement of fresh produce by the Newport News Public Schools. The document includes various sections and requirements for potential bidders. The document starts with a statement that any false statement made by the bidder constitutes a felony and can result in fines, imprisonment, and civil damages. The bidder is required to sign this statement for their bid to be considered responsive and qualified for award. The document also emphasizes the Newport News Public Schools' policy to promote small businesses, women-owned businesses, and businesses owned by minorities. Bidders are requested to include a statement indicating their planned use of such businesses in fulfilling the contract. There is a section where bidders are asked to report the total dollars that will be subcontracted to small businesses, minority businesses, and women-owned businesses. This information will help track the amount of business the schools do with these types of businesses. The document states that the award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, and the City reserves the right to award by item, groups of items, or total bid. The City also has the right to reject any and all bids, waive informalities, and delete items prior to making the award. It is mentioned that the specifications provided in the document should be interpreted based on the best commercial practices and that any omissions should be understood as using the correct type, size, and design. Bidders are given instructions on how to submit questions and are informed that the City may cancel the contract with the contractor at any time with written notice. The contractor, on the other hand, may cancel the contract during subsequent terms with a 60-day written notice. There is a section for bidders to indicate any exceptions they have to the terms, conditions, requirements, or specifications stated in the document. Bidders are also asked to specify payment terms if different from the standard terms provided. The document provides information on how to access bid results and tally information, as well as the type of contract being offered and the contract periods and fixed fees. Additionally, the document includes a section on pricing, where it explains that the pricing should be based on the wholesale unit cost and that the bidder should provide a price per unit and a price per broken carton. This clarifies that if a wholesale unit has 48 cello packs of radishes, the bidder should provide the charge per broken carton in addition to the unit cost. Overall, the document outlines the requirements and procedures for bidders to participate in the procurement of fresh produce by the Newport News Public Schools, including specific instructions on pricing and considerations for small businesses, women-owned businesses, and businesses owned by minorities.