3 Compartment Food Plastic Food Tray and Lids

The State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of State Procurement Services, is issuing a Request for Quotations (RFQ) on behalf of the Department of Corrections for the supply of 3-compartment food containers and compatible lids on an as-needed basis under a Master Agreement. The solicitation seeks reusable, food-grade plastic trays measuring approximately 10 inches (L) x 9 inches (W) x 2 inches (D) with three compartments of specified capacities (16.5, 16.5, and 41 fluid ounces), featuring stackable design, textured bottoms, and neutral institutional colors such as tan, beige, or natural; lids must be fully compatible, dishwasher-safe, reusable, and stain-resistant, with both products sold in cases of 24 units. Based on historical usage, the Department of Corrections estimated annual demand at 140 cases of trays and 246 cases of lids in 2025, though these quantities are not guaranteed. Quotations must be submitted electronically through the State of Maine's Advantage Vendor Self Service system by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 20, 2026, with the initial contract term running from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, and four optional renewal periods extending through February 28, 2031. Bidders must complete required documentation including the Bid Cover Page, Responsible Bidder Form, product data sheets, warranty or replacement terms, and equivalency documentation for any proposed alternate products, with samples potentially requested at no cost to the bidder. Pricing must be submitted on a per-case basis with Free on Board (FOB) Destination terms, including all shipping charges to delivery locations at Maine's five correctional facilities in Warren, Charleston, Machiasport, Windham, and South Portland, with all quoted prices remaining firm for the initial one-year period. The evaluation criteria is "Best Value," assessing compliance with specifications, delivery timelines, and overall State interests, with the anticipated single award made to the lowest-priced qualified bidder meeting all specifications and requirements.

The RFQ does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular types of organizations, disadvantaged enterprises, or veteran-owned businesses, indicating this opportunity is open to all qualified vendors. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documents. The State is exempt from federal, state, and local taxes and requests that quotations exclude taxes, with an exemption certificate furnished upon request. Pricing is not specified as a budget range or award value in the solicitation; instead, vendors should submit competitive pricing based on estimated demand of 140 cases of trays and 246 cases of lids annually. The State reserves the right to decline any award and is willing to extend contract pricing to municipalities, political subdivisions, and school districts in Maine if vendors agree. Payments are anticipated on net 30 terms upon receipt of accurate invoices, with the State paying by check, electronic funds transfer, or procurement card; vendors cannot impose surcharges on card payments per Maine statute 9-A MRSA 8-509(1).