Attachment_3_-_Narrative_Response.xlsx

This is a Narrative Response attachment form for an Invitation For Bid (IFB) issued by the California Department of General Services, Procurement Division, for a Frozen Vegetables statewide contract. The procurement seeks to establish a multi-year contract with a two-year initial term and two optional one-year extension periods, making the maximum contract duration four years. The contract is mandatory for use by all State of California departments and will be awarded on an all-or-none basis to qualified bidders serving statewide delivery and service area locations.

The narrative response form requires bidders to certify compliance with the Iran Contracting Act, disclose business certifications and permit numbers, and confirm eligibility for various preferences including small business, disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE), and TACPA preferences. Bidders must also describe their distribution plan, disclose whether they intend to utilize generative artificial intelligence in delivering or completing contract obligations, confirm business activity outside the United States within the past three years, and indicate acceptance of Cal Card payment methods. Additionally, the form requests informational disclosures regarding California-grown, Kosher-certified, and Halal-certified products, which are noted as non-award factors. Responses to most questions are required at bid submittal, while exemption documentation for Iran Contracting Act certifications, if applicable, may be submitted within five working days after state notification.