1148-June Produce

The state of Pennsylvania, specifically Montgomery County and Arona Borough, is seeking a vendor to provide fresh produce for the Small Change in Groceries (SCIG) program during June 2016. The procurement is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a diverse range of produce items, including oranges, apples, bananas, salad mix, tomatoes, carrots, celery, cucumbers, onions, peppers, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and pears. The solicitation requires precise delivery specifications, with all prices to be FOB destination and no additional charges permitted after award. Bidders must submit their complete proposal by May 19, 2016, at 10:00am, with bid results to be posted on the DGS eMARKETPLACE website. The procurement includes specific inspection and rejection criteria for produce quality, and requires vendors to complete a Reciprocal Limitations Agreement. Deliveries are subject to restrictions, with no deliveries accepted on state holidays.

The contract is specifically set aside for a small business vendor, with a requirement that the awarded vendor must perform 60% of the work in-house. This designation aims to support and promote small business participation in state procurement opportunities. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated in the documentation, the comprehensive list of produce items suggests a potentially substantial contract value for June 2016. The procurement process emphasizes strict adherence to quality standards, with detailed guidelines for produce inspection, shipping, and invoicing. Potential bidders must carefully review the IFB requirements, ensuring they can meet the specified produce quality, delivery constraints, and small business performance criteria. The contract appears focused on providing fresh, high-quality produce to the SCIG program, with an emphasis on supporting local small business enterprises.