Vendor Questions and Agency Responses - Certified Kosher Prepackaged Meals - B- 48787.pdf

ILLINIOS DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Vendor Questions and Agency Responses

IDOC – Certified Kosher Prepackaged Meals

26-426DOC-SOURC B-48787

1. Vendor Questions – We had a question concerning the Certified Kosher Meals bid, which is there a preferred brand DOC is looking to use?

Agency Response – The Illinois Department of Corrections has not established any criteria concerning brand specifics in this solicitation.

2. Vendor Questions – When will the contract start?

Agency Response – Upon execution of the contract.

3. Vendor Questions – Are the quantities in BidBuy the estimated number of meals ordered per year or over 5 years?

Agency Response – The amounts indicated the projected consumption across all categories during the five (5) year span.

4. Vendor Questions – Do you need 180K meals of each variety (3.24 million meals total) or 180K breakfast, 180K lunch, and 180K dinner (540K meals total)?

Agency Response – The projected total is 180,000 meals for each type within the categories specified in BidBuy.

5. Vendor Questions – What is the average order quantity?

Agency Response – Projected totals by location might reach 20 cases for each meal type (breakfast, lunch, dinner) on a monthly basis. This figure could rise or fall depending on the number of individuals adhering to the Kosher diet.

6. Vendor Questions – What NIGP codes are you looking to use, i.e., where do Kosher meals fall, and would 962-86 be acceptable.

Agency Response – The NIGP codes assigned to this procurement are 393-06, 385-42, 385-47 and 962-86.

7. Vendor Questions – When is the expected first delivery?

Agency Response – Upon contract execution the initial orders will be placed within thirty (30) days.

8. Vendor Questions – What are the expected serving sizes for each of the protein, grain, and vegetable?

Agency Response – For reference, please use USDA’s MyPlate as a guideline. IDOC diets are approximately 5-10oz of grains, 5 ½ oz protein, 2 cups fruit, 2 ½ cups vegetables daily across 3 meals. Each meal should be approximately 1¾ -3½ oz grains, 2oz protein, ¾ - 1 cup fruit, 1 cup vegetable. Acceptable for meal to have more protein. Specific serving size will vary on the source of the product. 1oz grain is about a slice of bread or ½ cup cooked grain, such as rice. 1oz protein can be considered 1oz of animal meat, 1 egg, or 1oz fish. Fruits and vegetables should be measured in cups. Fruits and vegetables can be utilized with ingredients of the meal or served as side item. An example would be using ¼ cup mixed vegetables and ½ cup of tomato sauce would count towards ¾ cup vegetables.

9. Vendor Questions – Are both seals required until serving?

Agency Response – Yes. The seals will be removed just prior to individual in custody receiving the tray in the presence of the individual in custody.

10. Vendor Questions – Would it be possible to have one double sealed meal and one double sealed supplement to that meal be separate, but shipped together in the same case?

Agency Response – This would be acceptable but would like to error on the side of caution of mixing trays. Clear and concise labeling or a wrapping of the two trays in addition to the double seal.

11. Vendor Questions – Would fruit count as a vegetable?

Agency Response – No.

12. Vendor Questions – Would vegetable protein be considered a vegetable or just protein?

Agency Response – When referring to a subgroup of legumes (beans, peas, lentils) this can be considered either a protein or vegetable source. The meal would have to still include the additional protein or vegetable item and ensure the overall protein of the meal is approximately 33% of daily needs.

13. Vendor Questions – Would egg dowsed French Toast count as protein?

Agency Response – Though this would contribute to the overall protein of the meal, this would not be considered a full serving.

14. Vendor Questions – Does potato cover grain and/or vegetable?

Agency Response – Potatoes are considered starchy vegetable, in the vegetable class.

15. Vendor Questions – Does DOC allow for raisins? If so, would they count as a fruit and/or vegetable?

16. Vendor Questions – Would we be allowed to ask follow-up questions, past the Q&A close?

17. Vendor Questions – Would a separate meal and supplement (or accessory pack) that could be served at the same time acceptable?

Agency Response – Yes.

18. Vendor Questions – Would pouch meals be acceptable?

Agency Response – Only if they are double sealed.

19. Vendor Questions – Are thaw and serve or shelf stable meals acceptable?

Agency Response – Shelf stable, Yes. Thaw and Serve, No.

20. Vendor Questions – Is DOC open to meals being averaged per day? E.g., 3 meals daily need to meet minimum 2100 calories and 2250 mg of sodium.

Agency Response – Meals should be approximately 700-900 calories per meal, with 800 calories being the goal. IDOC meals are approximately 2400 calories per day. Sodium should not exceed 2300mg, so meals should be approximately 765mg or less.

21. Vendor Questions – Would dual Kosher/Halal meals be acceptable?

Agency Response – Yes.

22. Vendor Questions – We have found few items currently available that meet needed specifications. Can a newly developed product be listed; with required nutritional components, yet not in production?

Agency Response – This is acceptable as long as they meet the specified nutritional and meal information, double-sealed, and meets life expectancy.