Canned Apples

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) #52-IFB-1656789907-WZM for canned apples to supply state prison facilities. The procurement seeks to establish an Agency Specific Term Contract for 10,140 cases of canned apples, with each case containing 6 #10 cans. Specific product requirements include unsweetened, sliced or chunk apples meeting USDA grade C standards, packed in natural juice or water, with a minimum drained weight of 92 ounces per container. The solicitation was posted on August 5, 2025, with written questions due by August 12, 2025, and responses to be provided on August 14, 2025. Bids are due August 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, with a public opening via Microsoft Teams. The contract term is one year from execution, with two optional one-year renewal periods at the State's discretion. Delivery must be completed within thirty consecutive calendar days of purchase order receipt, with FOB destination delivery to the NC Department of Adult Correction Central Warehouse in Raleigh during specified delivery hours of Monday-Thursday, 6:30 AM-5:00 PM ET.

The procurement encourages Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation with a 10% utilization goal for diverse firms as subcontractors. Vendors must be North Carolina registered and meet several key qualifications, including providing manufacturer authorization documentation and meeting minimum order requirements of 952 cases or stated truckload quantity. Products must have a minimum six-month shelf life at delivery and comply with HACCP quality control standards. Award will be made to the lowest responsive bidder meeting specifications, with the State reserving rights to make partial awards, reject bids, or cancel the solicitation based on best interest determinations. While no specific budget range is detailed, the procurement covers 10,140 cases of canned apples, suggesting a significant volume contract. The solicitation does not specify an incumbent vendor, focusing instead on establishing a new contract to meet the Department of Adult Correction's ongoing food supply needs for state prison facilities.