27NUTRL6 | Dried Cranberries | RFR

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is requesting responses on low-sugar dried cranberries made exclusively from cranberries grown and harvested in Massachusetts, available in Fruit Punch and Raspberry Lemonade flavors, with responses due June 29, 2026 by 9:00 a.m. ET through COMMBUYS. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 7, Section 22O mandates state preference for vendors with principal places of business in Massachusetts, and the Operational Services Division has established a goal requiring at least 15 percent of statewide procurement contracts annually be awarded to independently owned and operated small businesses with principal places of business in Massachusetts that have operated for at least one year.

The product specifications require cases of 200 packets at 1.16 ounces each, maximum 12 grams of sugar per packet, peanut-free formulation, and no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or sweeteners. All products must comply with FDA regulations 21 CFR Part 110.00 and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations 105 CMR 500.000. Vendors must hold current Massachusetts Department of Public Health food licenses and provide the most recent inspection report.

Total quantity is 4,870 cases per flavor, with Fruit Punch delivery in August/September 2026 and Raspberry Lemonade in February/March 2027. Contract term is one year from approval through June 30, 2027, with four renewal options of 12 months each through June 30, 2031. Pricing will be structured through contract 27NUTRL4, with no price increases permitted during the first contract year; renewal-year increases require at least 30 days' notice and may not exceed the Boston-Cambridge-Newton Consumer Price Index capped at 5 percent. No anticipated expenditure or maximum obligation is specified.

Evaluation criteria on a 100-point scale include contractor financial resources (25 points), unit cost reasonableness (25 points), contract manageability including location and delivery logistics (20 points), previous relevant experience and performance (20 points), and Massachusetts location preference (10 points). Bidders must first satisfy six required qualifications: adequate warehouse space and vehicles compliant with state regulations, exceptional customer service capacity, product specification sheets, current state operating license, documented Continuity of Operations Plan with Food Defense and Food Recall Procedures, and detailed company profile. Questions are due June 22, 2026 by 12:00 p.m. ET via COMMBUYS Q&A tab. No pre-bid conference is scheduled. Responses must be uploaded directly to COMMBUYS; emailed submissions will not be accepted.