3 compartment foam trays

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) Purchasing Branch issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #5400019078 for white, three-compartment insulated foam trays to support food service operations. The procurement seeks a single source supplier for 48,384 cases of foam trays annually, with specific requirements including dimensions of 9-3/8" x 9" x 3", hinged lids, two-tab closures, and 200 trays per case. Deliveries are mandated on Mondays and Wednesdays, with 504 cases per delivery day, and must be shrink-wrapped and palletized. The solicitation opening date was January 2, 2020, with award posting scheduled for January 14, 2020. Bidders were required to submit manufacturer specifications, descriptive literature, and free product samples for testing. Evaluation criteria focused on identifying the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with strict delivery performance standards including progressive penalties for late deliveries ranging from 5% to 20% based on delay duration. The contract term was established for one year with no renewal or extension options.

The solicitation included provisions for South Carolina resident vendor preferences and state/U.S. end-product preferences in accordance with Section 11-35-1524 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Vendors were required to be registered in the state vendor registration system and provide certifications regarding independent price determination, debarment status, drug-free workplace compliance, and ethics compliance. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned, bidders were required to be registered South Carolina vendors. The procurement allowed for bid submissions through the SCEIS electronic system or via sealed paper envelopes. Although no specific budget range was detailed in the documents, vendors were instructed to submit pricing on a per-case basis, with unit prices governing extended pricing in award determination. All items were required to be new and delivered F.O.B. destination, with pricing to remain fixed throughout the contract duration.