Alcohol, tax-free USP

The State of California is issuing a Request for Bids (RFB-IS-26200684) for the procurement of Alcohol, Tax-Free USP (United States Pharmacopeia) intended for use in state operations or healthcare facilities. This sealed-bid solicitation seeks qualified vendors to supply pharmaceutical-grade alcohol that meets USP standards and complies with California's tax-exempt purchasing procedures. The deliverables include tax-free alcohol products meeting specified composition, purity levels, and packaging requirements, with vendors required to submit competitive unit and total pricing for requested quantities and delivery schedules. Interested bidders must demonstrate capacity to meet USP standards, maintain appropriate licensing for alcohol distribution, and comply with state tax-exempt purchasing procedures and documentation requirements. The evaluation criteria focus on price competitiveness, vendor qualifications, delivery capabilities, and compliance with regulatory standards, with contract award anticipated to be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent upon budget availability and final state approval. All vendors must complete and submit standardized forms as outlined in Appendix A of the purchasing required forms and must review all technical specifications and terms and conditions detailed in the complete RFB documentation. The proposal submission deadline is April 15, 2026, with the solicitation having been posted on March 17, 2026.

The procurement documentation indicates that Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) designation may be relevant to this solicitation, suggesting potential set-aside provisions or preference considerations for businesses meeting California's CBE classification criteria. Bidders seeking to claim CBE status must complete and submit the Exhibit 6 CBE Form as supporting documentation alongside their main proposal, including attestations and verification procedures specific to California's CBE program requirements. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation, indicating this may be an open competition or a rebid following contract expiration. The funding for this procurement derives from the state budget allocated for pharmaceutical and chemical supplies, though specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the provided solicitation materials. Vendors interested in participating should ensure they have reviewed all attachments, including the specifications document and required forms, to understand the complete scope of requirements and submission procedures before the April 15, 2026 deadline.