1148-FEB product

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a fresh produce contract for February 2016, specifically targeting the Small Business Concerns Incentive Group (SCIG) across Montgomery County and Arona Borough. The procurement seeks a vendor to provide a comprehensive range of fresh produce, including 16 specific items such as oranges, apples, bananas, mixed salad, tomatoes, carrots, celery, cucumbers, onions, peppers, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Estimated quantities for these items range from 8 to 480 cases or bags, with the bid due on January 28, 2016, at 10:00 AM. The contract will be awarded on a lump-sum basis, with all prices required to be F.O.B. destinations, and the Commonwealth reserves the right to adjust quantities based on population and menu needs. Evaluation criteria include the ability to meet strict produce quality standards, with all items subject to inspection upon arrival and immediate rejection of non-compliant products.

The contract is explicitly set aside for a small business vendor, who must meet specific qualifications including performing at least 60% of the work in-house and providing an active certification with the bid submission. Vendors are prohibited from adding any additional charges after award and must ship and invoice in the exact quantities, units of measure, and package sizes originally proposed. The contract requires completion of a Reciprocal Limitations Agreement and prohibits deliveries on state holidays. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive produce list suggests a potentially significant procurement value. The vendor must also commit to replacing any spoiled, rotten, or inferior produce identified during or after delivery, indicating a high standard of quality assurance and performance expectations for the selected contractor.