T1715 24DPP00985 Bid Amendment 3.docx
DOCX document 230 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 24DPP00985
- Issued by
- Mercer County, New Jersey
About this file
This document is Bid Amendment #3 for the T1715 Canteen Commissary for the Department of Corrections through Distribution and Support Services - Re-Bid issued by the State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property. The bid solicitation requests quotes for various food, beverage, and non-food items to be delivered within 7 calendar days to the jurisdictions of Mercer County and Trenton City. The contract term is for an unspecified period, with the State reserving the right to separately procure individual requirements during the contract term. Bidders must meet strict technical and packaging specifications, and the State reserves the right to deem products unsuitable for use in a correctional setting. The bid opening date has been revised to May 30, 2024.
Groups 1B, 1C, and 1D of the contract opportunity have been designated as a partial small business set-aside, with the intent to award up to two contracts per group, one primary and one secondary, to qualifying small businesses. The current contract specifications and pricing information are available, but bidders are advised not to rely on that data when preparing their quotes. The incumbent vendor, Keefe Group, LLC, submitted responsive bids for many of the requested items under the previous solicitation, but no other details on award values or budget ranges are provided.
View the file
Other files
Show all 15
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
PHILIP D. MURPHY
Governor State of New Jersey
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
DIVISION OF PURCHASE AND PROPERTY
PROCUREMENT BUREAU
33 WEST STATE STREET
P. O. BOX 230
TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08625-0230
ELIZABETH MAHER MUOIO
State Treasurer
TAHESHA L. WAY
Lt. Governor
AMY F. DAVIS, ESQ.
Acting Director https://www.njstart.gov
May 6, 2024
To: All Interested Bidders
Re: Bid Solicitation # 24DPP00985 T1715 Canteen Commissary for the Department of Corrections through Distribution and Support Services – Re-Bid
REVISED Quote Submission Due Date: May 30, 2024 (2:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
| REVISED Quote Submission Due Date: May 10, 2024 (2:00 p.m. Eastern Time) |
| Quote Submission Due Date: April 23, 2024 (2:00 p.m. Eastern Time) |
Bid Amendment #3
The following constitutes Bid Amendment #3 to the above referenced Bid Solicitation:
This Bid Amendment includes:
· Answers to questions from the Electronic Question and Answer Period that concluded on April 5, 2024; and
· Revisions to the Bid Solicitation (from Part 1 and Part 2 of the Bid Amendment); and
· Please note that for all additions, deletions, clarifications and modifications to the Bid Solicitation, please refer to the Revised Bid Solicitation titled “T1715 Revised Bid Solicitation 5.6.2024”.
· Revisions to the State-Supplied Price Sheet (from Part 2 of the Bid Amendment).
· Please note that for all additions, deletions, clarifications and modifications to the State-Supplied Price Sheet, please refer to the Revised State-Supplied Price Sheet titled “T1715 Revised State-Supplied Price Sheet 5.6.2024”.
It is the sole responsibility of the Bidder to be knowledgeable of all of the additions, deletions, clarifications, and modifications to the Bid Solicitation and/or the New Jersey Standard Terms and Conditions relative to this Bid Solicitation as set forth in all Bid Amendments.
All other instructions, terms, and conditions of the Bid Solicitation shall remain the same.
Bid Solicitation #24DPP00985 T1715 Canteen Commissary for the Department of Corrections through Distribution and Support Services – Re-Bid
Answers to Questions
Where applicable, each question references the appropriate Bid Solicitation section.
| # |
| Bid Solicitation |
Section Reference Question (Bolded) and Answer
| 1 |
| PDF Documents |
| Question: When trying to open a Portable Document Format (PDF), I am receiving an error message and am unable to access the PDF. How should I proceed? |
Answer: It is recommended that users utilize Microsoft Edge to view PDFs. Certain PDF forms cannot be opened in the Chrome or Firefox built in PDF viewers that are enabled by default. If using Chrome or Firefox it is recommended that the file is downloaded instead by clicking the download button in the upper right-hand corner of the browser after an error message is received. An alternative option is to disable the built in PDF viewers in Chrome or Firefox.
| 2 |
| Quote Submission |
| Question: Should I check that I have properly completed and attached all of the required documents with my submitted Quote? |
Answer: Yes. Prior to the Quote Opening Deadline, a Bidder should review the documents comprising the submitted Quote to ensure that all of the required documents have been completed and attached. Oftentimes a Quote is deemed non-responsive because a Bidder fails to attach a required form or attaches a blank form. To review a submitted a Quote, a Bidder should log into NJSTART and review each document attached to the Quote submission. Instructions on how to review a submitted Quote can be found in the Quick Reference Guide entitled How to Review a Submitted Quote, which is available on the NJSTART Vendor Support Page under Vendor Reference Guides.
| 3 |
| Quote Submission |
| Question: Please confirm a Bidder may deliver a hardcopy quote instead of submitting a response electronically. |
Answer: Please be advised that all Quotes shall be submitted electronically through NJSTART.
| 4 |
| Exceptions |
| Question: Will the State allow Bidders to take exception to any of the Standard Terms and Conditions? |
Answer: As stated in Bid Solicitation Section 2.2, Exceptions to the State of NJ Standard Terms and Conditions (SSTC): “Questions regarding the State of New Jersey Standard Terms and Conditions and exceptions to mandatory requirements MUST be posed during the Electronic Question and Answer period and shall contain the Bidder’s suggested changes and the reason(s) for the suggested change(s).” Moreover, as stated in Bid Solicitation Section 3.11, Bidder proposed terms or conditions that conflict with those contained in the State of New Jersey Standard Terms and Conditions may render a Quote non-responsive.
| 5 |
| Price Adjustment Review |
| Question: Will price adjustments be considered during the term of the Blanket P.O.? |
Answer: Price adjustments may be considered following Blanket P.O. award. Price increases may be requested pursuant to New Jersey State Standard Terms & Condition Section 6.1 which states "in an exceptional situation the State may consider a price adjustment. Requests for price adjustments must include justification and documentation."
| 6 |
| Specification Conformance Certification/Bid Solicitation Section |
| Question: Is a Bidder required to provide the signed Specification Conformance Certification with the Quote? |
Answer: Yes. Bidders are required to provide, with its Quote, the signed Specification Conformance Certification as indicated in Bid Solicitation Section 3.21.
| 7 |
| Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Registration/Bid Solicitation Section 3.8 |
| Question: For the SBE preference, what happens if I submit a Quote, but my firms SBE status is listed as Expired or Revoked with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, Small Business Registration and MWBE Certification Services Unit on the date the Quote is received and opened? Will my Quote be considered for the SBE or DVOB preference? |
Note: This answer is revised and replaces the answer published in NJSTART under the Bid Solicitation’s Q & A Tab for Question #7.
Answer: If your firm’s SBE status is listed as Expired or Revoked by the DORES Small Business Registration and MWBE Certification Services Unit at the date the Quote is received and opened, the Quote submitted by your firm will not be evaluated as coming from a responsive qualifying SBE. As stated in Bid Solicitation Section 3.8 Small Business Set-Aside Contract: “The Bidder must be registered as a qualified small business with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, Small Business Registration and M/WBE Certification Services Unit, by the date the Quote is received and opened.”
| 8 |
| SBE Registration |
| Question: For the SBE preference, how can I check if my business is registered and approved as an SBE or DVOB with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services? Can I apply online? |
Note: This answer is revised and replaces the answer published in NJSTART under the Bid Solicitation’s Q & A Tab for Question #8.
Answer: By clicking on the below link, you will be directed to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, Small Business Registration and M/WBE Certification Services Unit. To verify the current SBE status of your firms account or for instructions to apply online for SBE certification, please visit: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/revenue/business-cert-program.shtml
| 9 |
| Group Awards |
| Question: If I bid on Group 1B Group 1C, or Group 1D, do I have to bid on all price lines within the group to be considered for an award? |
Answer: Yes, as stated in Bid Solicitation Section 1.1, Group 1B, Group 1C and Group 1D are designated as "all or none" groups, meaning the Bidder must bid on all lines within the group in order to be considered for award of that specific group. If a Bidder fails to bid on all lines within the group, their Quote shall be considered non-responsive for that group. If a brand/product bid on a price line within the group is deemed non-responsive, the entire group that price line item is part of will be deemed non-responsive, as these price lines were grouped to create a single award, with the intent that all price lines in the group will be awarded.
| 10 |
| Price Line 9 - Price line labeling |
| Question: I am struggling with the labeling around sizing for the price lines. As an example, Price Line 9 says, “Instant Type Oatmeal, Variety Pack, Generic Brand, minimum 12 count/13 to 14 oz. Packages per case”. I interpret that as in a case, there needs to be at least 12 items with 13-14 oz. in each item. Please clarify that when you say “bags per case” or “packages per case”, you mean that the individual item must contain that weight. |
Note: This individual question has been separated into 3 parts (Question numbers 10, 11 and 12) to make it easier to answer.
Answer: In the above scenario outlined in the question pertaining to Price Line 9, the questioner’s interpretation is correct – the price line requires a minimum 12 count of instant oatmeal packages/packets per case (in a variety of flavors), with each oatmeal package/packet weighing between 13 to 14 ounces.
| 11 |
| Price Line 17 - Price line labeling |
| Question: In Price Line 17, it says, “Iced Honey Bun, Generic Brand, Clear Plastic Wrap, minimum 36 count/3 to 7 oz. per case”. I interpret this as at least 36 items with EACH ITEM weighing 3 to 7 oz. My guidance is that the bid be modified to more explicitly separate the units used for the weight and quantity, weight, number of items. |
Answer: The Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 17 has been updated to add the word ‘packages’ after the words ‘3 to 7 oz.’.
The item description for Price Line 17 has been changed to read (emphasis added in bold reflects the change):
Price Line 17: Iced Honey Bun, Generic Brand, Clear Plastic Wrap, minimum 36 count/3 to 7 oz. packages per case
Please refer to Part 2 of this Bid Amendment for the Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet revisions.
As a note, in the above scenario outlined in the question, the questioner’s interpretation is correct – the price line requires a minimum 36 count of iced honey buns per case, with each package/clear plastic wrapped honey bun weighing between 3 to 7 ounces.
| 12 |
| Price line labeling - General |
| Question: Also, I’d recommend using consistent labeling across a specific price line. As an example, Price Line 30 says “Chocolate Cake Rolls, Cream-Filled, Generic Brand, minimum 12 oz. packages, 24 boxes per case”. How do the packages relate to the 24 boxes per case? |
Answer: The item descriptions in the Bid Solicitation and on the State-Supplied Price Sheet will remain unchanged, unless specifically revised in Part 2 of this Bid Amendment.
The reference to packages for Price Line 30 are applicable, as the description specifically outlines the minimum ounces per package, in this case a minimum of 12 ounces.
| 13 |
| Net weight for individually wrapped products |
| Question: For products that are individually wrapped (not in boxes, just single items), how should we complete “Net Weight per Package”? Does “package” refer to the individual item or the case? |
Answer: In the scenario identified in the question, the package refers to the individual item and its net weight, not the net weight of the entire case.
| 14 |
| Scope of Work - Generic branded products/Bid Solicitation Sections 3.36 and 4.1 |
| Question: In section 4, “Scope of Work”, it says, “Bidders may offer any branded product that meets the Price Line description for Price Lines identified as ‘Generic Brand.’” Can you give guidance on if I should ever list a brand for a product that has been identified as a generic branded product request? |
Answer: This Bid Amendment is not meant to pre-qualify and approve any specific product or advise a Bidder of what is appropriate to bid for a given price line.
When providing a Quote for a price line that contains a generic brand, the Bidder must list the brand bid in the field titled ‘Brand or Manufacturer’ on the State-Supplied Price Sheet. Bidders must follow all of the Price Sheet instructions listed in Bid Solicitation Section 3.36.
If the price line is for a generic brand, and a Bidder wants to offer a branded item, they can do so.
In instances where a specific, branded item was requested, that brand would have its own price line on the State-Supplied Price Sheet. Ideally, a Bidder would not duplicate the branded item on the Generic brand price line. Please refer to the example below of Price Lines 121 and 122.
It is important to reference Attachment 5 - Bid Tabulation from Bid Solicitation #22DPP00767. The bid tabulation identifies brands that were bid last time as part of the generic price lines. It also identifies where a specific brand was requested and where a generic brand was requested.
In the example below from Attachment 5, a specific brand of Dove bar soap was requested as part of Price Line 121, with no substitute brands being considered. For Price Line 122, a generic brand of bar soap was requested, with Bidders bidding brands such as Fresh Scent, but not Dove, since it was represented on Price Line 121.
In this instance, an award has already been proposed for Price Line 122 (generic brand), that is why the price line is showing as ‘Reserved’ on the State-Supplied Price Sheet. Whereas Price Line 121 (for the Dove brand) is listed on the current State-Supplied Price Sheet and can be bid on.
| 15 |
| Price Line 76 - Liquid Individual Coffee Creamer, Generic Brand, Non- Refrigerated, Non-Dairy, Shelf Stable, minimum 180 count /.3 to .5 oz. per case |
Question: For Price Line 76, it says “Liquid Individual Coffee Creamer, Generic Brand, Non- Refrigerated, Non-Dairy, Shelf Stable, minimum 180 count/.3 to .5 oz. per case”. This reads as 180 packages with the case totaling 0.3 to 0.5 oz., which does not seem right.
Answer: The price line specifies a minimum count of 180 individual creamers per case. The size of each individual creamer must fall within the specified range of 0.3 to 0.5 oz.
| 16 |
| Price Line 104 - Peanut Butter Cup Candy Bar, minimum 36 count /1 to 2 oz. Cups per case |
| Question: For Price Line 104, it says, “Peanut Butter Cup Candy, minimum 36 count/1 to 2 oz. Cups per case”. In most of the products, it has two cups per pack, so while it is 36 count per case, they contain 72 cups per case. Is this what you are looking for? |
Answer: This Bid Amendment is not meant to pre-qualify and approve any specific product. That being said, in the instance outlined above, if the peanut butter cups are packaged 2 in a pack and meet the 1 – 2 ounce range, and the Bidders bids 36, 2-packs per case, then the total count per case would equal 72, which exceeds the minimum 36 count per case, thereby meeting the requirements of the price line/specifications. The Bidder must indicate the packaging on the State-Supplied Price Sheet in the field titled ‘Number of Items per Case‘, so that the State can easily confirm that the Bidder is offering 36, 2-packs per case.
| 17 |
| Price Line 95 - Pouched Lasagna With Beef In Tomato Sauce, Generic Brand, minimum 5 count/6 to13 oz. Pouches per case |
Question: Line # 95 “Pouched Lasagna With Beef In Tomato Sauce, Generic Brand, minimum 5 count/6 to 13 oz. Pouches per case.” To make the bid more competitive would the State add “Pouched or tray Lasagna With Beef In Tomato Sauce, Generic Brand, minimum 5 count/6 to 13 oz. to this line selection?
Answer: No, only the pouched version of this product shall be acceptable for this price line, due to safety and security reasons.
| 18 |
| Sales Volume for Each Item/Bid Solicitation Section 3.36 |
| Question: Would the State provide 2023 sales volume for each line item? |
Answer: This information is not available.
For Price Lines 139 through 158, these are new products being requested and this is the first time that they are appearing in the T1715 Bid Solicitation. As such, there are no sales/order volumes available.
Bidder are reminded of the following information contained within Bid Solicitation Section 3.36:
“Where the State-Supplied Price Sheet includes an estimated quantity column, Bidders are advised that estimated quantities may vary throughout the Contract term resulting from this Bid Solicitation. There is no guaranteed minimum or maximum volume for these price lines.”
| 19 |
| Bid Solicitation Section 8.9.2 – Price Evaluation and 8.16 – Contract Award |
Question: Will line items be awarded based on lowest cost per ounce?
Answer: For Individual Price Lines 9 through 158, Quotes will be evaluated and contract awards will be proposed based on the lowest price per ounce for each price line item, with the exceptions being Price Lines 61 (Toilet Tissue), 62 (Bath Towel) and 65 (Electric Fan), which will be evaluated and proposed for award based on the lowest price for each item.
For the Group awards, please refer to Bid Solicitations 8.9.2 and 8.16 for the Quote evaluation and award.
Bid Solicitation Section 8.9.2 states, in pertinent part:
“For Individual Price Lines 9 through 159:
For evaluation purposes, Bidders Quotes will be ranked from lowest to highest for the individual price line items (Price Lines 9 through 158) according to the Quote prices located on the State Price Sheet accompanying this Bid Solicitation.
Price Lines 9 through 158 are individual price line awards and Bidders may bid on all, some, or none of the items within this section.
The percentage discount (-) or markup (+) offered for Price Line 159 shall not be considered in the Quote evaluation.
Price Line 159 is for a percentage discount or markup from the prices contained within the price list. Bidders that are awarded any of the Individual Price Lines (Price Lines 9 through 158) will be awarded Price Line 159, provided that the Bidder provided a percentage discount or markup or 0% for that price line on the State-Supplied Price Sheet.”
| 20 |
| Price Line 49 - Hot Pepper Cheese Sticks, Generic Brand, minimum 48 count/3 to 4 oz. Sticks per case |
| Question: Line # 49 “Hot Pepper Cheese Sticks, Generic Brand, minimum 48 count/3 to 4 oz. Sticks per case.” To make the bid more competitive would the State expand the case pack range to a minimum 35 count to make this procurement fair and equitable for all bidders? |
Answer: The case count of minimum 48 count per case will not be altered. These packaging quantities are necessary based on the State’s ordering patterns established for a specific product based on current ordering trends by the inmate population. Furthermore, the ordering pattern established by the inmate population requires certain minimum count packages so that there is a balance between meeting product demand and not over or under stocking products.
| 21 |
| Price Line 106 - Plain Milk Chocolate Candy Bar, Generic Brand, minimum 36 count /1 to 2 oz. Bars per case |
Question: Line # 106 “Plain Milk Chocolate Candy Bar, Generic Brand, minimum 36 count /1 to 2 oz. Bars per case.” To make the bid more competitive would the State expand the case pack range to a minimum 12 count and the ounce size range to 1 oz. to 3.5 oz. to make this procurement fair and equitable for all bidders?
Answer: The case count of minimum 36 count per case will not be altered. These packaging quantities are necessary based on the State’s ordering patterns established for a specific product based on current ordering trends by the inmate population. Furthermore, the ordering pattern established by the inmate population requires certain minimum count packages so that there is a balance between meeting product demand and not over or under stocking products.
| 22 |
| Price Line 128 - Pouched Cooked Octopus In Olive Oil, Soybean Oil or Vegetable Oil, Generic Brand, minimum 6 count/3 to 4 oz. Pouches per case |
| Question: For Price Line 128 “Pouched Cooked Octopus In Olive Oil, Soybean Oil or Vegetable Oil, Generic Brand, minimum 6 count/3 to 4 oz. Pouches per case.”, would the State consider adding “or Baby Clams in oil” to this Price Line description? |
This question has been paraphrased in the interest of clarity and readability.
Answer: No. Bidders must only bid pouched octopus in olive oil for Price Line 128.
Bidders interested in offering pouched smoked baby clams should refer to Price Line 36.
| 23 |
| Price Line 141 - Cool Ranch Doritos – Doritos Brand Only, minimum 8 count/7 to 10 oz. packages per case - No Substitutes. |
| Question: Line # 141 “Cool Ranch Doritos – Doritos Brand Only, minimum 8 count/7 to 10 oz. packages per case - No Substitutes.” To make the bid more competitive would the State expand the case pack range to a minimum 7 count to make this procurement fair and equitable for all bidders? |
This question has been paraphrased in the interest of clarity and readability.
Answer: Yes. The Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 141 has been updated to reflect the change to minimum 7 count.
Please refer to Part 2 of this Bid Amendment for the Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet revisions.
| 24 |
| Price Line 152 - Mini Donuts, Glazed, Generic Brand, minimum 60 count/3 oz. (6-piece) packages per case |
| Question: Line # 152 “Mini Donuts, Glazed, Generic Brand, minimum 60 count/3 oz. (6-piece) packages per case.” To make the bid more competitive would the State expand the ounce size per package range to 3 oz. to 4 oz. to make this procurement fair and equitable for all bidders? |
Answer: Yes. The Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 152 has been updated to reflect the change to 3 - 4 oz.
Please refer to Part 2 of this Bid Amendment for the Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet revisions.
| 25 |
| Price Line 155 - Candy Bar, Milk Chocolate with Almonds, Generic Brand, minimum 40 count/1.75 – 2.5 oz. bars per case |
| Question: Line # 155 “Candy Bar, Milk Chocolate with Almonds, Generic Brand, minimum 40 count/1.75 – 2.5 oz. bars per case.” To make the bid more competitive would the State expand the case pack range to a minimum 12 count and the ounce size range to 1.75 oz. to 3.5 oz. to make this procurement fair and equitable for all bidders? |
Answer: The case count of minimum 40 count per case and ounce size range of 1.75 – 2.5 ounce will not be altered. These packaging quantities are necessary based on the State’s ordering patterns established for a specific product based on current ordering trends by the inmate population. Furthermore, the ordering pattern established by the inmate population requires certain minimum count packages so that there is a balance between meeting product demand and not over or under stocking products.
| 26 |
| Price Line 158 - Candy, Now and Later Brand Only, Various Flavors, minimum 45 count/2.5 to 4 oz. packages per case - No Substitutes. |
| Question: Line # 158 “Candy, Now and Later Brand Only, Various Flavors, minimum 45 count/2.5 to 4 oz. packages per case - No Substitutes.” To make the bid more competitive would the State expand the ounce size per package range to 2.4 oz. to 4 oz. to make this procurement fair and equitable for all Bidders? The manufacturer has discontinued the 3.5 oz. size and the 2.44 oz. size is the only package available to most bidders. |
Answer: Yes. The Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 158 has been updated to reflect the change to 2.4 – 4 oz.
Please refer to Part 2 of this Bid Amendment for the Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet revisions.
| 27 |
| Price Line 159 - Other Non-Beverage Products Not Previously Identified in the Bid Solicitation or Previous Proposed Contract Award - Percentage (%) Discount (-) or Markup (+) from the Prices Offered on Contractor’s Price List |
| Question: Line # 159 to clarify, is the State requesting the vendor/bidder to submit a list of additional items or a catalog of commissary offerings with a percentage (%) discount by category (ex: cereal, snacks, pouched proteins) or a percentage discount off of all catalog items? |
Answer: The percentage discount or markup would not be in the form of various discounts or markups per category; rather, the firm, fixed percentage discount or markup bid on the State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 159 would be applied to fixed pricing for the entire price list/catalog of items regardless of category.
For Price Line 159, Bidders must provide a catalog or price list of various items, excluding any products individually listed as price line items in the current Bid Solicitation or the previous T1715 Bid Solicitation, with the Bidder providing a firm, fixed percentage discount or markup off of the fixed prices contained within the price list/catalog.
| 28 |
| Bid Solicitation Section 3.13.8 – Subcontractor Utilization Plan |
| Question: Please confirm that there is no subcontracting requirement for the bid. Please confirm that vendors will not be required to complete the Subcontract Utilization Form if no subcontractors will be utilized. |
Answer: A Bidder is not required to utilize subcontractors in order to meet the Bid Solicitation requirements. If a Bidder is not utilizing subcontractors, they do not have to submit the Subcontractor Utilization Plan with the Quote.
If a Bidder intends to utilize subcontractors, they must follow the instructions in Bid Solicitation Section 3.13.8.
| 29 |
| Price Line 41 (Pouched Chunk Chicken, White Meat, Generic Brand, minimum 12 count/3 to 12 oz. Pouches per case ) and Price Line 42 (Pouched Cooked Chicken Breast, Generic Brand, minimum 24 count/4 to 5 oz. Pouches per case) |
| Question: For Price Lines 41 and 42, can you please confirm that shredded chicken cannot be used as a substitute? |
This question has been paraphrased in the interest of clarity and readability.
Answer: Shredded chicken is not acceptable. Products bid for Price Lines 41 and 42 that are for shredded chicken will be deemed non-responsive.
For Price Line 41, Bidders must bid a product for pouched chunk white meat chicken only.
For Price Line 42, Bidders must bid a product for pouched cooked chicken breast only.
| 30 |
| Price Line 144: Tuna Steak in Spicy Sauce, Generic Brand, minimum 12 count/2 to 4 oz. pouches per case |
| Question: For line 144, Tuna Steak, will the State allow tuna pieces, or must it be a tuna steak? |
This question has been paraphrased in the interest of clarity and readability.
Answer: The product bid must be tuna steak, as specified. Tuna pieces are not acceptable.
| 31 |
| Bid Solicitation Section 3.2 - Samples |
| Question: Will the State require samples of each product bid upon award to confirm that items match the specifications offered? |
This question has been paraphrased in the interest of clarity and readability.
Answer: The State may request that samples be submitted, in accordance with Bid Solicitation Section 3.20. Any request for such samples will be made by the State through written correspondence to the Bidder. The State’s request for samples must be honored and must be in accordance with the instructions listed in Bid Solicitation Section 3.20.
It is important to note that the State defines ‘may’ as:
May – Denotes that which is permissible or recommended, not mandatory.
| 32 |
| Group 1B, Price Line 5B, Bottled Water |
| Question: For Line 5B, Group 1B: Bottled Water, will the State consider changing the ounce range of the bottled water to from 20-24 oz. to 16 to 24 oz.? |
This question has been paraphrased in the interest of clarity and readability.
Answer: Yes. The Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 5B has been updated to reflect the change to 16 – 24 oz.
Please refer to Part 2 of this Bid Amendment for the Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet revisions.
| 33 |
| Shoes |
| Question: I was reviewing the bid and one of the key words that had you appear in our searches was ‘shoes’. I do not see anything in the actual bid that calls out footwear and/or shoes. |
Answer: The subject T1715 Bid Solicitation is for various canteen commissary food items as well as miscellaneous hygiene and day-to-day personal items, but is not for clothing and shoes. A separate term Contract, T1781, contains canteen commissary clothing and shoes. The contract awards for T1781 are viewable in NJSTART. Please follow the instructions below to access the contracts:
· Go to: www.njstart.gov
· Select “Active Blankets”
· In the search bar, select “Blankets” from the drop down menu
· Enter the T1781 and click “”
· The current Contract list will appear under “Results”
Part 2 - Additional Revisions to the Bid Solicitation
Note: These Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet revisions are in conjunction with the revisions referenced in the Questions and Answers above.
| # |
| Bid Solicitation |
Section Reference
Revision
| 1 |
| Bid Solicitation Cover Page, Quote Opening Date |
| The Quote Opening Date has been changed from May 10, 2024 to May 30, 2024. |
| 2 |
| State-Supplied Price Sheet, Group 1B, Price Line 5B |
| The item description for Price Line 5B has been changed to read (emphasis added in bold reflects the change): |
Group 1B: Bottled Water, Generic Brand, 24 count/16-24 oz. plastic bottles per case (No Glass or Metal)
| 3 |
| Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1 (Purpose and Intent), 3.36 (Price Sheet Instructions), and 4.1 (Price Line Specifications), Group 1B, Price Line 5B Description |
For the tables listed in Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1, 3.36 and 4.1, the ounce range for Group 1B, Price Line 5B (Bottled Water) has been changed from 20-24 oz. to 16-24 oz.
The new description reads:
Bottled Water, Generic Brand, 24 count/16-24 oz. Plastic Bottles per case (No Glass or Metal)
| 4 |
| State-Supplied Price Sheet, Price Line 17 |
| The Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 17 has been updated to add the word ‘packages’ after 3 to 7 oz. |
The item description for Price Line 17 has been changed to read (emphasis added in bold reflects the change):
Price Line 17: Iced Honey Bun, Generic Brand, Clear Plastic Wrap, minimum 36 count/3 to 7 oz. packages per case
| 5 |
| Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1 (Purpose and Intent), 3.36 (Price Sheet Instructions), and 4.1 (Price Line Specifications), Price Line 17 Description |
| For the tables listed in Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1, 3.36 and 4.1, the word ‘packages’ has been added to the item description after the words ‘3 to 7 oz.’. |
The new description reads:
Price Line 17: Iced Honey Bun, Generic Brand, Clear Plastic Wrap, minimum 36 count/3 to 7 oz. packages per case
| 6 |
| State-Supplied Price Sheet, Price Line 141 |
| The Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 141 has been updated to reflect the change to minimum 7 count. |
The item description for Price Line 141 has been changed to read (emphasis added in bold reflects the change):
Price Line 141: Cool Ranch Doritos – Doritos Brand Only, minimum 7 count/7 to 10 oz. packages per case - No Substitutes.
| 7 |
| Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1 (Purpose and Intent), 3.36 (Price Sheet Instructions), and 4.1 (Price Line Specifications), Price Line 141 Description |
| For the tables listed in Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1, 3.36 and 4.1, the minimum case count for Price Line 141 (Cool Ranch Doritos) has been changed from ‘minimum 8 count’ to ‘minimum 7 count’. |
Price Line 141: Cool Ranch Doritos – Doritos Brand Only, minimum 7 count/7 to 10 oz. packages per case - No Substitutes.
| 8 |
| State-Supplied Price Sheet, Price Line 152 |
| The Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 152 has been updated to reflect the change to 3 – 4 oz. |
The item description for Price Line 152 has been changed to read (emphasis added in bold reflects the change):
Price Line 152: Mini Donuts, Glazed, Generic Brand, minimum 60 count/3 - 4 oz. (6-piece) packages per case
| 9 |
| Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1 (Purpose and Intent), 3.36 (Price Sheet Instructions), and 4.1 (Price Line Specifications), Price Line 152 Description |
For the tables listed in Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1, 3.36 and 4.1, the ounce range for Price Line 152 (Mini Donuts, Glazed) has been changed from 3 oz. to 3 - 4 oz.
Price Line 152: Mini Donuts, Glazed, Generic Brand, minimum 60 count/3 - 4 oz. (6-piece) packages per case
| 10 |
| State-Supplied Price Sheet, Price Line 158 |
| The Bid Solicitation and State-Supplied Price Sheet for Price Line 158 has been updated to reflect the change to 2.4 oz. – 4 oz. |
The item description for Price Line 158 has been changed to read (emphasis added in bold reflects the change):
Price Line 158: Candy, Now and Later Brand Only, Various Flavors, minimum 45 count/2.4 to 4 oz. packages per case - No Substitutes.
| 11 |
| Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1 (Purpose and Intent), 3.36 (Price Sheet Instructions), and 4.1 (Price Line Specifications), Price Line 158 Description |
For the tables listed in Bid Solicitation Sections 1.1, 3.36 and 4.1, the ounce range for Price Line 158 (Now and Later Candy) has been changed from 2.5-4 oz. to 2.4 - 4 oz.
Price Line 158: Candy, Now and Later Brand Only, Various Flavors, minimum 45 count/2.4 to 4 oz. packages per case - No Substitutes.
New Jersey Is an Equal Opportunity Employer • Printed on Recycled and Recyclable Paper image1.png image2.tmp image3.png
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .