Vendor Questions and Agency Responses - Certified Kosher Prepackaged Meals 12.18.25.docx
DOCX document 18 KB Posted
- Attached to
- IDOC - Certified Kosher Prepackaged Meals RFP
- Solicitation number
- 26-426DOC-CENTO-B-50176
- Issued by
- Dupage County, Illinois
About this file
This document is a Vendor Questions and Agency Responses file from the Illinois Department of Corrections regarding Bid #26-426DOC-CENTO-B-50176 for Certified Kosher Prepackaged Meals. The state seeks certified kosher prepackaged meals to be delivered to 27 correctional facilities statewide, with quantities varying based on inmate participation. The products may be provided as a combination of frozen and shelf-stable items, provided they are clearly labeled, individually portioned, sealed, and properly temperature controlled. Hot breakfast meals do not need to be egg-based but must meet specified protein requirements, and all chicken, beef, and fish portions must be 4 ounces of cooked product. The bid opening date was extended to January 5, 2026, to accommodate vendors' production timelines and proposal development needs. No pre-bid conference will be held.
Bidders must demonstrate that their kitchens are Kosher compliant and certified at the time of offer submission, with certification to be maintained throughout contract performance, and must provide IDPH certification documentation. While Kosher certification documentation may not be available at the time of bid submission for custom-produced meals, vendors must provide written guarantees that certification will be obtained and available with physical meal delivery. Bid prices are firm for 180 days, with the awarded contract based on estimated quantities and payment made only for actual quantities used at bid prices. Meals may be dual-certified (such as Kosher/Halal) if they meet kosher and nutrition parameters. Passover meals are not included in the initial meal breakdown or pricing structure, though any items suitable for Kosher for Passover must be appropriately labeled if offered.
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Text version
Illinois Department of Corrections Certified Kosher Prepackaged Meals Bid #26-426DOC-CENTO-B-50176
Vendor Questions
Agency Responses
| 1 |
| Do you have a list of the Kosher meals you’re currently using. I’m trying to find similar matching items to what you’re currently using. Looking for the Nutritional values, and or the actual product specifications. |
Use the nutrition parameters provided in B.4 (Kosher Meal Breakdown)
| 2 |
| Where will these be delivered and in what quantities |
The products will need to be delivered to 27 facilities statewide. Quantity will vary due to participation
| 3 |
| Will the State allow a combination of Frozen / Shelf Stable quotes? |
Yes, we will allow a combination of frozen and shelf stable as long as the products are clearly labeled (ex: 1 of 3), portioned, and sealed. Thaw and serve is not acceptable.
| 4 |
| Can the add on items be aggregated into a master box, marked appropriately? |
This is acceptable if the products are individually marked (ex:1 of 3). Temperature control must be followed.
| 5 |
| Do the hot Breakfast Meals need to be only egg based? |
No. However, protein needs must be met.
| 6 |
| Do the Chicken, Beef and Fish need to be 4 oz post cooking or just pre-cooking? |
All trays must contain 4oz of cooked product.
| 7 |
| Can the proposed itinerary for delivery of Kosher Meals be adjusted to accommodate Kosher for Passover production? |
No
| 8 |
| Currently, we know of no food processors that can meet the required specifications with stock products. To meet specifications, meals will have to be custom prepared for the state. The issue is that food processors will not custom produce until they have a contract. Furthermore, Kosher certifications and Packaging Labels cannot be obtained until meals are produced. Therefore, it is impossible to provide a Kosher certification at the time of offer. |
Would the State accept a written guarantee from the manufacturer that it will provide a kosher certificate after production of the meals?
As long as what is produced can have a Kosher certification with custom made meals. Certification must be available with the physical meal. The offer is contingent on certification.
Your kitchen must be Kosher compliant and certified at time of offer and continue. Be prepared to provide information and certification on compliance. Specifically, IDPH certification.
| 9 |
| With the timing of this RFP’s alignment with the Holidays and the necessary time to develop a proposal that satisfies the needs of the Department of Corrections, would the State consider granting additional time? Multiple vendors have expressed ability given appropriate time. |
Bid opening is extended to January 5, 2026
| 10 |
| Will there be a Pre-Bid Conference? |
No
| 11 |
| Section F.5.2 states that the pricing for the BID is an estimate, not a firm price. As the pricing is to be held for 180 days, could the State provide clarity? |
Pricing refers to the contract, not the bid. Bid prices are firm for 180 days. The awarded contract will be for an estimated amount based on expected quantities or hours, and payment will be made only for actual quantities or hours used at the bid prices.
| 12 |
| A.4.5 states thaw and serve options are not allowed, can you provide examples of non-thaw and serve cold breakfast meals? |
Ex: pancake, potato's, eggs
| 13 |
| A.4.13 includes instructions for Passover meals, but Passover meals are not included in the Meal Breakdown, nor are they listed on BidBuy for pricing. Will Kosher for Passover Meals be included in the executable contract? |
If the item is acceptable for Kosher for Passover must be labeled Koshers for Passover. This contract is predominantly to produce Kosher meals that meet nutrition needs for populations
| 14 |
| Due to the timing of the RFP, will the initial delivery be expected to be Kosher for Passover meals? |
No
| 15 |
| Would Kosher/Halal dual certified meals be viable? |
Kosher certified is the requirement. Dual is acceptable. Meals must meet meal type and nutrition parameters listed.
| 16 |
| Regarding Beef Meals, would beef and chicken blend be acceptable? |
No
| 17 |
| Would Breakfast Hot Meals require eggs? |
No. However meal must follow nutrition standards stated.
Note: The timeline on RFP Section A.3.1. was updated to reflect new Bid Opening Date
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .