1301-25-R-IFBD-00014

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for a WIC Infant Formula Rebate contract, solicitation number RFx 3160007406. The procurement seeks to establish a three-year contract with potential extension for two additional one-year terms, beginning August 31, 2025. The primary objective is to secure a contract with a single manufacturer to provide infant formula for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) participants through a retail food delivery system. The contract requires the selected vendor to offer milk-based and soy-based iron-fortified infant formulas suitable for generally healthy, full-term infants. Key deliverables include providing a rebate for infant formula products issued through the WIC program, with rebates calculated based on the lowest national wholesale cost per unit for a full truckload of infant formula. Bids are due by 10:00 AM CST on Friday, June 13, 2025, with a public bid opening at 1:00 PM CST the same day. The primary evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest total monthly net price for infant formula and the ability to meet distribution requirements.

The contract appears to be open to all qualified manufacturers without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The successful bidder must maintain a current retail distribution network in Mississippi, capable of supplying approximately 298 authorized WIC vendors statewide. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract involves rebate mechanisms that will adjust cent-for-cent with changes in the manufacturer's lowest national wholesale prices. The contractor will be required to pay rebates on all formula in their infant formula product line that the state chooses to issue. The total potential contract duration is five years, suggesting a significant long-term procurement opportunity for the selected manufacturer. The procurement is specifically targeted at infant formula manufacturers with the capability to provide comprehensive statewide distribution and competitive pricing through a rebate program. The contract represents a critical component of Mississippi's nutritional support for women, infants, and children, ensuring access to essential infant nutrition services.