1148-PRODUCE Nov

The state and local contract opportunity, issued by Montgomery County and Arona Borough in Pennsylvania, is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for procuring fresh produce for the Corrections Service Institutional Group (SCIG) at the Graterford facility during November 2014. The procurement specifically seeks 16 different produce items including oranges, apples, bananas, salad mix, tomatoes, carrots, celery, cucumbers, onions, peppers, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. The bid requires vendors to provide precise quantities of each produce item, with all prices to be FOB (freight on board) destination. The solicitation was posted on October 22, 2014, with bids due by October 29, 2014, at 10:00 AM. Vendors must submit a complete bid package, including the Reciprocal Limitations Agreement, and are subject to strict delivery and invoicing requirements that mandate shipping and invoicing in the exact quantities, units of measure, and package sizes originally proposed.

The contract opportunity includes specific provisions for small business vendors, requiring that at least 60% of the work be performed in-house and mandating active certification be provided with the bid submission. No additional charges can be added after contract award, and the state reserves the right to reject any produce that fails to meet specified quality requirements upon delivery. While no specific budget range is detailed in the documentation, the comprehensive nature of the produce list suggests a moderate-value contract. Bidders must comply with all specified terms, including potential restrictions on pricing and delivery modifications. The bid results will be publicly posted on the Department of General Services (DGS) #eMarketplace website under solicitation tabulations, ensuring transparency in the procurement process. Potential vendors should carefully review all specifications and requirements to ensure full compliance with the solicitation's detailed terms.