Beverage Base, FAU16-89-70

The California Department of General Services (DGS) is seeking suppliers for a sugar-free artificially sweetened beverage base powder contract covering multiple state institutions including CDCR, DDS, DSH, CHP, and Veterans homes. The procurement involves supplying beverage base in two primary formats: individual serving packets (32,957 cases) and bulk packages (6,878 cases), with products required to be available in at least 5 flavors such as cherry, grape, fruit punch, lemon/lime, orange, iced tea, peach, or raspberry. Technical specifications mandate that products must be Kosher certified, low flammability, reconstitutable in cold water within one minute, and fortified with specific vitamin and mineral levels. The solicitation (FAU16-89-70) was posted on February 3, 2016, with bids due by February 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM. The initial contract term will run from April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017, with an option to extend for one additional year. Minimum order quantity is 15 cases per delivery, and pricing must be FOB destination with a firm fixed rate for the entire contract period.

The procurement offers a 5% preference for California certified small businesses or bidders committing to subcontract at least 25% to certified small businesses. The solicitation is exempt from Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements but is subject to the Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) for contracts exceeding $100,000. Successful vendors must provide monthly usage reports by the 15th of each following month and ensure product packaging includes moisture barrier linings, clear flavor and ingredient labeling, and shipping containers not exceeding 50 lbs gross weight. Products must maintain a minimum 120-day post-delivery shelf life when stored between 40-85 degrees Fahrenheit. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive specifications and multi-agency scope suggest a potentially significant contract value, particularly given the broad institutional coverage across various California state facilities.