6000001957 - Condiments

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 6000001957 for a statewide master contract to provide condiments for Inmate Services Canteens through the Inmate Welfare Fund. The procurement seeks a comprehensive condiment supply contract covering 37 different items including hot sauces, peppers, sugar substitutes, non-dairy creamers, cheese products, spreads, and spices, with specific brand requirements and packaging specifications. Bids were due February 16, 2016, by 2:00 PM, with a public bid opening at 2:30 PM the same day. The lowest responsible bidder must submit product samples by March 1, 2016, with product inspections scheduled for March 15, 2016. The contract is set to be awarded on March 29, 2016, with services commencing May 1, 2016, and terminating April 30, 2018. Key evaluation criteria include meeting all specified product requirements, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Delivery requirements mandate a minimum order of five cases, with delivery to be completed within six working days of order receipt.

While the contract is exempt from Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) requirements, the state encourages DVBE participation. The contract requires vendors to maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance. No funds will be directly encumbered for this master contract; instead, individual correctional institutions will place orders using standard purchase orders referencing the contract number. Pricing must be FOB destination and include all associated costs. Vendors must comply with detailed requirements for packaging, delivery procedures, gate clearance, and security protocols specific to correctional facility deliveries. The procurement does not specify a precise contract value, but implies a potential annual procurement volume of at least $1,000,000 based on the minimum insurance requirements and comprehensive nature of the condiment supply contract. Successful contractors must be prepared to navigate the complex logistical and security requirements associated with delivering goods to multiple California correctional facilities.