1551-26-R-IFBD-00005

The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) is seeking food products for self-operated food services through an Invitation for Bids (IFB) numbered 1551-26-R-IFBD-00005. This procurement will provide food products for 15 correctional facilities, including state penitentiaries, correctional centers, work centers, and pre-release centers, serving approximately 12,304 inmates. The successful bidder must supply all food items necessary to prepare a four-week cycle menu and holiday menus, with weekly deliveries required between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM CST, Monday through Friday. Bids will be evaluated based on the lowest per inmate per day (PIPD) price, with additional consideration for responsiveness, responsibility, and compliance with specifications. The contract term is three years, from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2029, with potential for two one-year renewals. The bid submission deadline is December 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM CDT, with an anticipated notice of intent to award on December 10, 2025, and contract approval scheduled for February 4, 2025, during a Public Procurement Review Board meeting.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must meet comprehensive qualifications, including establishing a regional office in Mississippi, providing a Mississippi-licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and maintaining an automated inventory management system. Vendors must submit proof of extensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, general liability, motor vehicle liability, and a $1,000,000 performance bond. Financial requirements include providing two years of certified financial statements and submitting at least three references from similar institutional consumers. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, pricing must be quoted as a per inmate per day rate and include all associated costs such as food products, insurance, transportation, labor, and overhead. The contract allows for potential price increases not exceeding five percent after the first twelve months, subject to documented justification such as Producer Price Index or Consumer Price Index adjustments. MDOC will utilize USDA surplus commodities and farm-produced vegetables, which will be credited against weekly invoices at USDA-determined values.