Title VI FHWA Assurance package.pdf

This document is a Title VI Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Assurance package related to the State of Maine's Request for Quotation for sugar-free and low-sugar fortified beverage bases for the Department of Corrections. The procurement seeks powdered drink mixes available in bulk pouches (72 pouches per case of 5 oz. dry mix) and single-serve packets (1,000 3-gram servings per case) in six flavors: Cherry, Grape, Lemon, Orange, Tropical, and Tea. The expected first-year purchase quantity is 100 cases of each format across all six flavors, with delivery required to five Department of Corrections facilities throughout Maine. Quotations must be submitted through the State of Maine's AdvantageME Vendor Self Service system by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on April 22, 2026. Bidders must provide manufacturer literature, complete Nutrition Facts panels, full ingredient statements, allergen information, preparation instructions, and warning statements. The resulting contract will be structured as a Master Agreement with an initial term from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, followed by four optional renewal periods extending through May 31, 2031. The State reserves the right to request samples at no cost, which must be provided within 10 calendar days or the bid may be disqualified.

All quotations must include FOB Destination pricing with shipping charges included and must remain firm for 180 days from bid opening and guaranteed for a minimum of one year of the initial contract period. Products must dissolve quickly in water to produce clear beverages with no visible sediment and must meet specific nutritional fortification requirements, including a minimum of 60 mg Vitamin C, 2 mcg Vitamin B12, 3.5 mcg Vitamin D, and 250 mg Calcium per 12 fl. oz. prepared serving, while maintaining a caloric limit of 10 calories per serving. Products must have a minimum remaining shelf life of 12 months at delivery and be shelf-stable, non-refrigerated dry mixes. The State will award one Master Agreement to the lowest-priced qualified bidder meeting all specifications on a best value basis; bidders must quote on all 12 line items to be considered. No guaranteed purchase volume is associated with this award, and actual usage may vary from estimated quantities. The State is exempt from federal, state, and local taxes and requests quotations without tax inclusion. No specific set-aside designations, restrictions on bidder types, or incumbent vendor preferences are identified in the procurement documents.