Beverage Base

The California Department of General Services, Procurement Division is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a statewide Beverage Base contract, with bids due October 8, 2026. The award methodology is all-or-none, requiring the successful bidder to serve all State of California departments statewide.

The contract covers sugar-free beverage base products in two formats: individual serving packets (8 oz per packet, 2,000 packets per case) and bulk packs (10 gallons per bag, 44 bags per case), with a minimum of five assorted flavors required for each format. Estimated annual usage totals approximately 10,187 cases of individual serving and 1,598 cases of bulk pack across two geographic areas: Area 1 serves 15 state institutions with quarterly delivery, generating estimated annual demand of 4,167 cases of individual serving and 297 cases of bulk pack; Area 2 comprises 24 state institutions with quarterly and monthly delivery schedules, with estimated annual demand of 6,020 cases of individual serving and 1,301 cases of bulk pack. These institutions include correctional facilities, state hospitals, and developmental centers throughout California.

The contract term is two years with two optional one-year extension periods, for a potential total duration of four years. Use of the contract is mandatory for all State of California departments upon award. Vendors must ensure that all manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution entities in the supply chain hold valid California Department of Public Health registration or, for out-of-state companies, provide inspection details. Bidders must complete the Food Safety Information Listing form for every entity in the distribution chain and comply with food special provisions addressing handling, packaging, delivery schedules, quality assurance, and food safety standards. The solicitation package includes a pricing worksheet, narrative response format, institution listing, and estimated usage data. Complete solicitation documents are available through the event package portal; questions should be directed to the DGS-PD Procurement Official.