Nutrition Department 2026-2027 RFP's

Tulare City School District Nutrition Services

600 North Cherry St.

Tulare, Ca 93274

559-687-3188

www.nutritionservices.tcsdk8.org

Issue Date	April 2, 2026	8:00 AM
Bidders’ Conference	None
Proposal Submission Deadline	May 15, 2026	1:00 PM
Expected Board Approval	June 9, 2026	12:00 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page(s)
Notice of Request for Proposals	3
Request for Proposal Signature Page	4-5
Bidder Checklist	6
General Bid Instructions and Conditions	7-13
Contract Terms and Conditions	14-18
Federal Nondiscrimination Statement	19
Code of Conduct	20-21
Questionnaire	22-25
References	26
Attachment “A” Vendor Insurance	27
Drug-Free Workplace Certification	28-29
Non-Collusion Affidavit	30
Certification and Disclosure Statements	31-34
Suspension and Debarment Certification	35
Instructions for Suspension and Debarment Certification	36-37
Certification Regarding Lobbying	38-39
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities	40-41
Instructions for Disclosure of Lobbying Activities	42-43
Attachment A: Proposal Worksheet	Separate Excel spreadsheet

To: Tulare Advance Register/Visalia Times Delta Attn: Legal Notices	This Legal Notice is to be published on the following dates:
Email: Legals@visaliatimesdelta.com	First Publication:     April 3, 2026 Second Publication:    April 10, 2026

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Education for the Tulare City School District will receive sealed bids at 600 N. Cherry St. Tulare, CA 93274, up to 1:00 P.M., Friday, May 15th, 2026, for the Distribution of Supplies (Paper and Chemical Products), for the 2026-2027 School Year.

RFP forms and specifications can be viewed and downloaded by visiting the Tulare City School District website: www.tcsdk8.org . or in the Business Office located at 600 N. Cherry, Tulare, CA 93274.

The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to be the sole judge of suitability of proposals and to waive any information in bids received.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tulare City School District

By: Gerardo Lemus

Chief Business Officer

Proposal Submission Deadline

Friday May 15th, 2026

1:00 PM (PT)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SIGNATURE PAGE

Please consider this letter an invitation to bid for Nutrition Services Distribution of Paper and Chemical Products for the Tulare City School District 2026-2027 school year. Bid prices are to reflect the prices that will be in effect July 1, 2026.

Please note that we will consider delivery of Nutrition Services Distribution of Paper Products to two locations in the General Contract Terms and Conditions of the Bid. You are invited to inspect our receiving facilities if desired, by appointment only.

All bids are to be sealed and submitted to the Tulare City School District Business Office to the Chief Business Officer, Gerardo Lemus, 600 N. Cherry St., Tulare CA 93274.

Documents for Nutrition Services Distribution of Supplies Paper and Chemical Products Bid can be viewed and downloaded by visiting the Tulare City School District website at www.tcsdk8.org . The bid documents include the General Bid Instructions and Conditions, Contract Terms and Conditions, Distribution of Paper and Chemical Products Proposal Worksheet, copy of Notice to Bidders, of which the legal notice appears in the Tulare Advance-Register and Visalia Times Delta. Also included are Federal Nondiscrimination Statement, Procurement Code of Conduct, Questionnaire, References, Attachment “A” Vendor Insurance, Drug-Free Workplace Certification, Non Collusion Affidavit, Certification and Disclosure Statements, Suspension and Debarment Certification, Certification Regarding Lobbying, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, References, and the Bidder’s Checklist. These forms are to be signed and submitted with your bid proposal. Sealed bids will be received up to 1:00 P.M., May 15th, 2026 when they will be received and opened at a later date and prepared for consideration at a meeting of the Board of Trustees scheduled to be held Tuesday, June 9th, 2026. Please indicate Distribution of Paper and Chemical Products Bid 2026-2027 School Year on the outside of the envelope submitted.

INQUIRES: Any and all questions or clarification for the bid documents or products listed shall be directed in writing no later than May 12th, 2026 by 4:00pm to:

Gerardo Lemus

Assistant Superintendent Business Services

bids@tcsdk8.org

TCSD shall post on its website at http://www.tcsdk8.org (under the ‘Bids’ section of the Business Department page) answers and clarifications to all bidders in the form of an addendum by May 12th, 2026. It is the responsibility of the bidder to check the website for any addendums.

Thank you for your interest in bidding the needs of Tulare City School District.

Sincerely,

Sandra Cory

Supervisor - Business Department

By signing this, I certify that I am an authorized representative of the vendor (or individual) and that information contained in this proposal is accurate, true, and binding upon the vendor.
Company Name
Signature of Company Official
Name of Signer
Title of Signer
Email Address
Complete Mailing Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Date

BIDDER CHECKLIST

This checklist is provided as a convenience to assist bidders in ensuring that a complete bid package is returned. It is not represented as being comprehensive and compliance therewith does not relieve the bidder of responsibility for compliance with any bid requirement which may not be mentioned specifically in this checklist. Completed original documents are required; fax or email documents will not be accepted.

All of the listed items must be fully completed and returned to constitute a complete bid package.

Check ✔	Page(s)
		Request for Proposal Signature Page Return completed hard copy with original signature.
		Questionnaire Return completed hard copy with original signature.
		References Return completed hard copy.
		Attachment “A” Vendor Insurance Return completed copy
		Drug-Free Workplace Certification Return completed hard copy with original signature.
		Non-Collusion Declaration Return completed hard copy with original signature.
		Suspension and Debarment Certification Return completed hard copy with original signature.
		Certification Regarding Lobbying Return completed hard copy with original signature.
		Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Return completed hard copy with original signature.
	Separate Excel document	Request for Proposal Worksheet- 2 tabs Tab 1- Paper Tab 2- Chemical Return completed Excel spreadsheet in Excel format on data storage device; data storage device will not be returned to bidder.

GENERAL BID INSTRUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS

NOTE: Return one original copy of our bid. Please make a copy for your records.

TIME AND PLACE OF BID OPENING

Bids will be opened at Tulare City School District, Business Office, 600 N. Cherry St., Tulare, CA 92374. All bids must be received by May 18th, 2026 1:00 P.M. Bids received after that time will not be considered.

Bids shall be addressed and delivered to:

Gerardo Lemus, Chief Business Officer

Tulare City School District

600 N. Cherry St.

Tulare, CA 93274

PREPARATION OF BIDS

A. All information requested from the bidder shall be entered in the appropriate space(s) on the form. Failure to do so may disqualify your offer.

B. All information shall be typewritten or entered in ink. Mistakes may be crossed out and correcting inserted before submission of your bid. Correcting must be initialed in ink by the person signing the bid.

C. Corrections and/or modifications received after the closing time specified will not be accepted.

D. Bids will not be accepted unless signed in ink (not typed) in the appropriate space(s) by an authorized officer or employee of the bidder.

E. Bids must be received by the closing date prior to the time specified to be considered. No fax, email, or telephone bids will be accepted.

F. Any bids received after the closing date will be returned unopened to the bidder.

G. Submit bid only in a sealed envelope with the bid title and closing date on the outside of the envelope.

H. Bid prices shall remain open and valid subject to acceptance for sixty (60) days after bid closing date.

I. Bid separate prices on each individual item in School District’s unit of measure

(i.e., pack, size, count, not your standard carton price)

J. Bid prices are considered accurate and cannot be withdrawn after the bid is opened.

K. Upon submission of bid documents, all such documents shall become the property of the Tulare City School District.

L. Time of delivery shall be stated as the number of calendar days following receipt of the order by the vendor, to the receipt of the goods or services by the School District. Time of delivery may be a consideration in the award.

M. Prices will be considered as net if no cash discount is shown.

N. Provide any other information not specifically requested which may be considered by the Assistant Superintendent of Business. (Assistant Superintendent of Business is not obligated to consider any information not specifically requested in this bid request.

O. All pages of the Proposal must be completed and submitted in ink or typewritten. Unit price for all line items must be shown where required on the Proposal Worksheet (yellow highlighted columns). Prices should be stated in units specified herein. All forms must be thoroughly completed and signed by the prospective vendor. A Bidder Checklist is included (page 6) to assist bidders in returning a complete bid package. Attachment A: Proposal Worksheet must be returned in Excel format on a data storage device with Proposal documents.

BRAND NAMES/QUALITY

A. Brand names and numbers, when used, are for reference to indicate the character or quality desired.

B. Equal items will be considered, provided your offer clearly describes the article. Offers for equal items shall state the brand and number (or level of quality if item cannot be identified by brand and number).

C. Equal items will not be considered if identical supple has been determined a necessity and the notation NO SUBSTITUTE has been entered.

D. When brand, number, or level of quality is not stated by the bidder, it is understood the offer is exactly as specified.

E. The Assistant Superintendent of Business shall in all instances be the final judge in determining whether the items bid are acceptable to the School District, and whether the items bid are equal in quality and utility to the specified articles.

SAMPLES

A. Samples of articles, when required, shall be furnished free of cost of any sort to the Tulare City School District and shipped to TCSD Nutrition Services Department at 601 Delwood, Tulare, CA., 93274

B. Samples of articles selected may be retained for future comparison.

C. Samples which are not destroyed or consumed by testing, or which are not retained for future comparison will be returned upon request at bidder’s expense.

TAXES

Tulare City School District is exempt from payment of Federal Excise Tax. No federal tax should be included in the price. Exemption of Certificates will be furnished when applicable.

CASH DISCOUNTS

In connection with any cash discount specified in this bid, time will be computed from the date of complete delivery of the supplies or equipment as specified, or from date correct invoices are received if the latter date is later than the date of delivery. For the purpose of earning the discount, payment is deemed to be made on the date of mailing of the School District warrant.

LITERATURE

Bidders may submit literature which fully describes items of which they are bidding, no later than the closing date of this bid. Any and all literature submitted must be stamped with bidder's name and address.

GUARANTEE AGAINST DEFECTS

All items are to carry a full guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship and guarantee against breakage and other malfunctions when performing work for which they are designed.

PRICE F.O.B.

Bids are to be F.O.B. destination as stated on bid.

AWARDS

A combination of the following factors will be considered in awarding this bid on a per item selection. Proposals found to satisfy the minimum qualification requirements will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria shown below by a review committee. “Minimum qualifications” shall mean: complete proposals meeting all RFP instructions and conditions, received by the due date and time.

Following the receipt of Proposals, bidders shall be ranked based on the following criteria:

Evaluation Criteria		Maximum Points
Experience, Competence, Responsive		25
Customer References		5
Responsibility and Business Sustainability		10
Food Safety - HACCP Plan and Plant Security		10
Price		50
Total Points Possible		100

Each Proposal will be evaluated based on criteria and priorities defined by the Agency, with specific attention to those features, functional and technical aspects noted for each section. The Agency’s evaluation panel will award the contract based on the prospective vendor submission that best meets the needs of the Agency with regard to the RFP specifications contained herein. Presentations/Interviews (if needed) may be requested by the evaluation panel. Vendors are advised that award may be made without interviews or further discussion.

If presentations/interviews are needed, bidders will receive notification to interview with evaluation panel.

A bidder must be able to deliver the items within the required delivery date in order to be declared responsive to this bid. The Agency reserves the right to make no award at all, reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any irregularity or discrepancy associated with this bid.

Unsolicited services or incentives offered as part of the Proposal response will NOT be evaluated or considered in the award process.

DEFAULT BY SUCCESSFUL BIDDER

A. Rights and remedies for default by Tulare City School District: In case of default by successful bidder, the School District may procure the article(s) or service(s) from another source and may recover the loss occasioned thereby from any unpaid balance due the successful bidder by proceeding against the successful bidder’s performance bond, if any or by suit against the successful bidder. The prices paid by the School District shall be considered the prevailing market price(s) at the time such purchase(s) is made.

B. Inspection on deliveries which do not meet specifications will be returned at the expense of the successful bidder.

INCLUSION IN THE CONTRACT

The right is reserved by the Assistant Superintendent of Business at her discretion, to include any other governmental entity in the Contract at the accepted prices.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOVERNMENT ENTITIES OTHER THAN THE TULARE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Participation by other government entities will not impose any responsibility for payment of claims on the School District or the Assistant Superintendent of Business. Each such governmental entity will be billed separately, and payments will be made by warrants drawn on the appropriate funds for the governmental entity.

CONTRACT EXCLUSIVE

The provisions of the contract shall in no way prohibit the District from making an incidental purchase from another supplier for the same services as herein listed.

PURCHASE ORDERS

Purchase Orders will be issued throughout the contract year to the vendor for the requirements as needed for the department or school site.

INVOICING

All invoices are to be mailed in duplicate to the various locations designated on the “Invoice Address” on each purchase order. Reference shall be made to the purchase order number. Invoice shall be paid once a month on all deliveries made during the month.

RIGHT TO AUDIT

The Tulare City School District reserves the right to verify, by examination of the Contractor’s records, all invoiced amounts when firm prices are not set forth in the purchase agreement.

CONTRACT ASSISTANCE

Contractor shall furnish, at no cost to the District, a representative to assist School Sites and District Departments in determining their requirements. The foregoing obligations will continue beyond the term of the contract as to any act or omission that occurred during the term of the contract or any extension to the contract.

DELIVERIES

Deliveries are to be made by a common transportation carrier, by the successful bidder’s own equipment, or by other means so as to effect prompt delivery. Due care shall be exercised in packing, handling and shipping to assure arrival of the material at its final destination in excellent condition. Any damage, loss, breakage, deterioration or other reason causing material not to arrive, or to arrive in other than excellent condition, shall be the responsibility of the successful bidder. Frequency of delivery will be determined by the needs of the School District and will be interspersed throughout the contract year, but will be a minimum of five (5) days per week during the regular school year. Deliveries will be accepted Monday through Friday except holidays between 5:00 A.M.-6:00 A.M. and between 6:30 A.M.-7:00 A.M. Deliveries will be made to three School District locations at the following locations:

1. Nutrition Services Central Kitchen 601 Delwood Tulare CA., 93274

2. Alpine Vista School 2975 E. Alpine Ave. Tulare, CA., 93274

3. Roosevelt Elementary 1046 W Sonora Ave, Tulare, CA 93274

Please note that keys are not available and no dark drops will be allowed.

QUANTITY & QUALITY OF MATERIALS OR SERVICES

The successful bidder shall furnish and deliver the quantities designated by the Assistant Superintendent of Business. Packing slips which clearly identify the merchandise and the School District purchase order number or agreement must accompany every delivery. All materials, supplies or services furnished under an agreement or purchase order resulting from the bid shall be in accordance with the School District specifications. Materials or supplies, which in the opinion of the Assistant Superintendent of Business are not in accordance and conformity with such specifications, shall be rejected and promptly removed from the School District premises at the successful bidder’s expense.

WARRANTY of QUALITY: The vendor, manufacturer, or his assigned agent shall guarantee the food products against all defects.

(a) Cases and packaging shall be constructed to ensure safe and sanitary transportation to point of delivery. Damaged cases or packages may be rejected and returned for credit or immediate replacement at no cost to the Agency.

(b) All product delivered shall be delivered in fresh form, with adequate shelf life, no less than two (2) weeks from the expiration date.

(c) The Agency reserves the right to discontinue service of any or all portion of any contract resulting from this bid for any reason determined by the Agency to be detrimental to the health and welfare of the students and school personnel, or failure to meet contract specifications or wholesomeness standards, and to hold the contractor in default.

PRICES

During the period of deliveries under an agreement or purchase orders resulting from this bid, should there be a decrease in prices on the balance of the deliveries, such decreases shall be made available to the School District for as long as the lower prices are in effect, but at no time shall the prices charged the School District exceed the prices herein quoted.

USAGE

Usage of materials will be interspersed and periodic during the contract year as such will not be subject to shipment of the total estimated requirements at any one time.

QUANTITIES

The estimated usage for each item is based on the experience of a one year period. It is not expressly implied nor guaranteed, that the quantities shown will be used in the next contract period, and as such, the right is reserved to order decreased or increased amounts for those listed, as may be required. However, it is to be understood that these figures are quite realistic and will be considered in making an award. Actual usage whether lesser or greater than estimated shall not affect the prices as bid and accepted by the School District.

TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS/PURCHASE ORDERS

The Tulare City School District reserves the right to terminate all purchase orders or contracts with due cause giving a ten (10) day written notice or may terminate without cause giving a thirty (30) day written notice. Due cause for termination of contract shall be, but not limited to, failure to provide services required within a reasonable time period, and/or for reasons of unsatisfactory service. Purchase orders or contracts which extend into a subsequent fiscal year will automatically terminate if the Tulare City School District does not appropriate funds for the goods and/or services under the purchase order to contract.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Attached hereto if contrary to GENERAL CONDITIONS supersede these GENERAL CONDITIONS.

A. Prices shall be firm for the contract period ending June 30, 2027 unless otherwise stated by the bidder.

B. MINIMUM ORDER quantities and charges for less than minimum order quantity shall be assumed as “NONE”, unless otherwise stated by the bidder.

C. STATE PURCHASE ORDER mailing address and telephone number for ordering purposes: 601 Delwood, Tulare Ca 93274

D. STATE REMITTANCE mailing address and telephone number for billing purposes: 601 Delwood, Tulare Ca 93274

E. NOTE: SAMPLE SHALL BE SHIPPED TO TULARE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUTRITION SERVICES 601 DELWOOD TULARE CA., 93274

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

TERM – Agreement shall be awarded for a period of one (1) year (2026-2027). The district reserves the right to extend the contract for an additional two years, subject to approval by both parties. The rates shall be subject to adjustment upward or downward once each year commencing with the beginning of the second year of the contract period. Rate increases shall not exceed COLA of CPI rates (whichever is less) as determined by the State of California for the fiscal year. The successful bidder(s) must notify the district in writing of price changes forty-five (45) days prior to the contract renewal date. The district reserves the right to reject said price changes and cancel remaining balance of contract, if in the best interest of the district. If cancelled, service will be rebid.

Year one 2026-2027

Year two 2027-2028

Year three 2028-2029

CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

TIME AND PLACE OF BID OPENING

Bids will be opened at Tulare City School District, Business Office, 600 N. Cherry St. Tulare CA 92374. All bids must be received by May 15th, 2026 by 1:00 P.M. Bids received after that time will not be considered.

Bids shall be addressed and delivered to:

Gerardo Lemus, Chief Business Officer

Tulare City School District

600 N. Cherry St.

Tulare, CA 93274

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

The complete contract will include the Notice Inviting Bids, General Bid Instructions and Conditions, Contract Terms and Conditions, Attachment “A” Vendor Insurance, Drug-Free Workplace Certification, Non Collusion Affidavit, Suspension and Debarment Certification Statement, Certification Regarding Lobbying, the Proposal Worksheet and its acceptance by the District, and the Purchase Order issued by the District, any of which shall be interpreted to include all provisions of the other documents as though fully set forth therein.

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

It shall be the responsibility of the vendor to acquaint him/herself with the contract documents before submitting a bid, and the vendor shall assume full liability for any errors or omissions in their quote.

AWARD OF CONTRACT

A successful bid must deliver the items within the required delivery schedule in order to be declared responsive to this quote. Take estimated usage into consideration when preparing the bid. The District reserves the right to award the bid to one (1) or more vendors, whichever is in the best interest of the District. Evaluation criteria may be utilized in evaluating the bid award which could result in items not being awarded solely on lowest price. Examples of this would include but are not limited to delivery minimums or prior unsatisfactory business relationship.

BID PROTEST PROCEDURES

Consistent with Tulare City School District Agency Board Policy 3311 regarding Bids, bid protest will be conducted as per Administrative Regulation 3311 of the Board Policies, Regulations and Bylaws of the Board of Directors of the Tulare City School District Agency as follows: A bidder may protest a bid award if he/she believes that the award is not in compliance with law, Board policy, or the bid specification. A protest must be filed in writing with the Superintendent or designee within five working days after receipt of notification of the contract award and shall include all documents supporting or justifying the protest. A bidder’s failure to file the protest documents in a timely manner shall constitute a waiver of his/her right to protest the award of the contract.

TIE BID

Whenever bids are equal, preference shall be given to firms with whom the District has had satisfactory business relationships.

PERIOD OF CONTRACT

Minimum contract term is twelve (12) months. Bid prices must stay in effect for twelve (12) months after award of bid and may be extended upon mutual consent between the District and vendor thereafter upon Board approval renewed for an additional two (2) one year periods for a maximum of three (3) years, in accordance with Education Code Section 81644.

The Board of Education reserves the right to terminate the contract effective at the end of each annual period.

DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE

When any contractor or vendor shall fail to deliver any product or service or shall deliver any article or service which does not conform to the specifications, the District may, at its sole discretion, annul and set aside the contract entered into with said vendor or contractor, either in whole or in part, and make and enter into a new contract for the same items in such a manner as seems to the Governing Board to be to the best advantage of the Tulare City School District.

The Governing Board reserves the right to cancel any articles or services which the successful vendor may be unable to furnish because of economic conditions, governmental regulations or other similar causes beyond the control of the vendor; provided satisfactory proof is furnished to the Governing Board, if requested.

The District may discontinue service upon 24-hour notice for reason of unsatisfactory product or service. FAILURE TO FURNISH ALL ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT SHALL CONSTITUTE UNSATISFACTORY SERVICE.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

The District reserves the right to add items to the contract during the contract period. Please bid a percentage mark-up over your landed cost for all other products not listed on this bid form. Proof of your landed cost will be required from time to time on any item.

ORDER CONDITIONS

There shall be no minimum delivery of dollar volume or case counts. If the desired product is absolutely not available for any reason, the district shall be notified at least one day in advance of two days in advance of the shortage and that district shall be given options of a product that is of the same or higher quality at the same unit cost. Continued shortages or substitutions will be grounds for termination of this agreement.

The District shall not be obligated to purchase or reimburse the contractor for any inventory of any products should purchases vary from the anticipated purchase patterns or if agreement expires or is terminated.

“BUY AMERICAN” PROVISION: Section 104(d) of the William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-336) added a new provision, Section 12(n) of the NSLA (42 USC 1760(n)), requiring School Food Authorities to purchase domestically grown and processed foods, to the maximum extent practicable. Pursuant to 7 CFR Part 210.21(d), the term “domestic commodity or product” means:

(a) An agricultural commodity that is produced in the United States; and

(b) A food product that is processed in the United States substantially (51% or more) using agricultural commodities that are produced in the United States.

It is therefore required that bidders responding to this Request for Proposals indicate whether products offered on this proposal meet the definition of “domestic commodity or product” as stated immediately above. Indication shall be made on the Proposal Worksheet (Excel Spreadsheet) as part of the response to this proposal.

The successful bidder shall provide documented proof of compliance with this provision at the request of the Agency.

DELIVERIES

All deliveries shall be made and delivered Monday through Friday except holidays to the District Warehouse, Alpine Vista School or Roosevelt Elementary on behalf of the Nutrition Services Department, no exceptions.

The District as a matter of non-responsiveness shall reject all Bids (regardless of price) that fail to indicate ability to deliver the product within the required time to the required locations. Give careful attention to the delivery sites and requirements submitted by District included in the Delivery Schedule.

Please note that keys are not available and no dark drops will be allowed.

The School District may discontinue service upon 24-hour notice for reason of unsatisfactory service. FAILURE TO DELIVER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE SPECIFICATIONS SHALL CONSTITUTE UNSATISFACTORY SERVICE.

DELIVERY SLIPS

Delivery slips will be furnished with each delivery, in duplicate, as follows:

Original - signed by person receiving material and retained by Contractor

Duplicate - shall be left at each location – Nutrition Services copy

PAYMENT

Payment will be made within 30 working days after actual delivery of goods to the required destination as outlined in the DELIVERIES conditions and receipt of invoices acceptable to the District.

HOLD HARMLESS

The vendor shall save, defend, hold harmless and indemnify the School District and its employees against any and all liability, claim, and cost of whatsoever kind and nature for injury to or death of any person and for loss or damage to any property occurring in connection with or in any way incident to or arising out of the occupancy, use, service, operations, or performance under the terms of this contract, resulting in whole or in part from the negligent acts or omissions of vendor, and subcontractor, or any employee, agent, or representative of vendor and/or subcontractor.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The Contractor shall comply with all District security regulations. Contractor’s representatives driving motor vehicles on school grounds must use extreme caution during times when school is in session. Any unusual condition noted by drivers, such as evidence of vandalism, power failure, fire, water damage, gas leak, etc., must be reported to district personnel.

INSURANCE

Contractors will add the District to their existing insurance policy and provide endorsements to match or exceed the insurance requirements in Attachment “A”.

PRICE ADJUSTMENTS

Should the Contractor sell these products under the same quantity, terms and conditions, at a lower price during the period of the contract, the price shall be applicable to this District. Failure to advise the District, in writing, within ten (10) days of price reduction to another purchaser, may be cause for cancellation of the contract.

Any price increase requested must be justified and proven by submission of documentation. The District shall review and analyze all requests for price increases, based upon market conditions, and shall determine whether or not the requested price increase is justified. The decision of the District shall be final.

Fuel surcharges shall not be accepted under this contract and the addition of such charges shall not be permitted during the period of the contract.

PRODUCT RECALLS

The Contractor shall bear all costs incurred by the District resulting from product recall, including, but not limited to, any costs initially incurred for storage and transportation; pickup, transportation and storage of recalled product; and price differential for replacement product, if necessary, as determined by the district. Payment for all costs directly related to product recall shall be made within 30 days of submission of invoice by the District.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION / CLARIFICATION

Any and all questions or clarification for product or bid documents shall be directed in writing no later than May 12th, 2026 by 4:00 P.M. to:

Gerardo Lemus

Assistant Superintendent Business Services

bids@tcsdk8.org

TCSD shall post on its website at http://www.tcsdk8.org (under the ‘Bids’ section of the Business Department page) answers and clarifications to all bidders in the form of an addendum by May 12th, 2026. It is the responsibility of the proposer to check the website for any addendums.

NON COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

A signed Non-Collusion Affidavit must be completed by the vendor and submitted as part of the bid. Bids received without a signed Non-Collusion Affidavit can not be considered (form is enclosed).

DEPT. OF EDUCATION-CHILD NUTRITION DIVISION FORMS

Per the California Department of Education, Child Nutrition and Food Distribution Division, School Nutrition Programs Unit, that attached forms (Suspension and Debarment Certification, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Certification Regarding Lobbying) must be completed and submitted with this bid. Bids received without these forms/certifications will not be considered.

Small and Minority Businesses, Women’s Business Enterprises (2 CFR, Section 200.321)

The Tulare City School District purchasing manager will ensure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible by taking the following affirmative steps:

Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women’s business enterprises on solicitation lists

Assuring that small and minority businesses and women’s business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources

Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises

Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises

Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of organizations such as the Small Business Administration and the Minority Business Development of the Department of Commerce

Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the affirmative steps listed in paragraphs (1) through (5) of this section

FEDERAL NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

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