C5613537-D - Canteen Cookies/Crackers

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is requesting bids on cookies and crackers for inmate canteens statewide under IFB C5613537-D, with bids due September 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and public bid opening on September 2 at 2:00 p.m. via conference call. A 25% small business participation requirement applies under Government Code 14838, with a 5% bid preference available to certified small and micro businesses and a separate 5% preference for non-small businesses demonstrating at least 25% small business subcontractor participation. An additional 1–5% DVBE incentive is available based on Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation levels.

The scope covers twelve commodity categories including bag cookies, shortbread cookies, sandwich creme cookies (large and small packages), individual pack cookies, saltine crackers, snack crackers, cheese crackers, wheat crackers, graham crackers, sugar-free cookies, and holiday cookies. All products must meet specified ounce ranges and packaging standards comparable to national brands such as Mother's, Grandma's, and Nabisco. Pricing must be submitted on a per-ounce basis with per-case calculations; all prices are FOB destination, excluding taxes and delivery fees.

The contract is a two-year master agreement effective November 1, 2026 through October 31, 2028, with extension available for up to an additional twelve months upon mutual written agreement. No funds are encumbered on the master contract itself; individual CDCR institutions issue purchase orders against their own allocations. Bidders are not required to bid on all locations.

Contractor eligibility requires a minimum two years in business, at least one year of experience with similar accounts, and completion of at least one individual sale exceeding $15,000 to the State or comparable entity. Letters of inquiry are due August 21, 2026. Product samples must be submitted within five working days of notification of lowest bidder status. The lowest responsible bidder whose bid complies with all requirements will be awarded the contract.