Canned Soft Drinks - DOC-LCIW

The Louisiana Office of State Procurement has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for a Blanket Order Contract for Canned Soft Drinks, specifically for the Louisiana Department of Corrections' Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (DOC-LCIW). The procurement seeks 8,000 case equivalents of Coca-Cola branded soft drinks, including Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Dr. Pepper varieties, Sprite, Barq's Root Beer, and Fanta Strawberry. The initial contract period will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with options to renew for two additional 12-month periods, not exceeding a total of 36 months. Delivery requirements include a minimum order quantity of 5 cases and a mandatory 2-day delivery timeframe after order receipt, with the delivery location transitioning from Baker, LA to St. Gabriel, LA during the contract period. The method of award will be to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specifications, with the state reserving the right to reject individual line items from the award. Bids must be submitted either physically to the Office of State Procurement in Baton Rouge or online via the vendor portal by the due date of June 24, 2025.

The solicitation includes several preference provisions that may provide competitive advantages to certain bidders, such as preferences for Louisiana businesses with at least 50% Louisiana workforce, Louisiana-produced products, and United States-manufactured products. Potential bidders must comply with various state and federal requirements, including civil rights laws, ADA accessibility standards, and certifications regarding non-discrimination and federal suspension or debarment. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the bid emphasizes vendor registration and secretary of state compliance. The procurement is specifically for canteen resale purposes, targeting soft drink distribution within the Louisiana correctional system. Although an exact budget range is not specified, the solicitation indicates an estimated volume of 8,000 case equivalents, suggesting a substantial potential contract value. Vendors must ensure all products are new, current models, and include the manufacturer's standard warranty. The competitive nature of the bid and the specific brand requirements (Coca-Cola products) suggest that potential bidders will need to demonstrate capability to consistently supply the required soft drink varieties within the specified delivery parameters.