1148-April Produce

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, specifically for Montgomery County and Arona Borough, is soliciting bids for a produce procurement contract for April 2016. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered 1148-April Produce seeks a vendor to supply fresh produce to SCIG, with an estimated requirement for 16 different produce items including oranges, apples, bananas, and various vegetables. The bid was posted on March 9, 2016, with a strict submission deadline of March 22, 2016, at 10:00 AM. Vendors must quote prices FOB destination and are prohibited from adding additional charges after award. The procurement requires precise shipping and invoicing in the exact quantities, units of measure, and package sizes originally bid. Upon delivery, the Commonwealth will conduct a comprehensive inspection, with the right to reject any non-compliant produce items that do not meet established specifications.

The procurement is specifically set aside for small business vendors, with a mandatory requirement that the awarded vendor must perform at least 60% of the work in-house. While no specific budget range was explicitly stated, the contract appears to be a monthly produce supply agreement with quantities that will be dynamically adjusted based on current population and menu needs. The bid documentation emphasizes strict compliance with specifications and performance standards. Small businesses interested in responding must demonstrate capability to meet all technical requirements, including consistent quality, accurate delivery, and ability to replace rejected items promptly. The contract represents an opportunity for a small business to secure a government produce supply contract, with potential for recurring monthly procurement if performance meets the Commonwealth's standards.