Cereal, Dry, Ready to Eat (FAU25-89-110)

The California Department of General Services is conducting a statewide mandatory procurement for Ready to Eat Cereal through Invitation for Bid (IFB) Event ID 0000034481, targeting multiple state agencies including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Department of State Hospitals (DSH), California Highway Patrol (CHP), and Veteran Homes. The solicitation covers two product groups: Individual Bowl packs (96 bowls per case) and Super Bulk Pack cases (16-33 lbs), featuring various cereal varieties including Corn Flakes, Crisp Rice, Bran Flakes, Raisin Bran, Toasted Oat Rings, Fruit Rings, and Corn Puff Balls. Bidders must comply with extensive requirements, including food safety certifications, product labeling standards, and mandatory nutritional specifications, with cereals required to be manufactured within 90 days of delivery and maintain a 120-day post-delivery shelf life. The bid is due on April 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT, with an anticipated annual spend of $1,466,620.02, and will result in a two-year contract with two optional one-year extensions. Evaluation criteria include lowest cost, responsiveness, and meeting all technical specifications, with the state reserving the right to inspect products and ensure compliance.

The procurement includes several socioeconomic program opportunities and preferences, specifically a five percent small business preference and a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive. Small business nonprofit veteran services agencies are eligible to participate, and bidders must provide detailed documentation including California Secretary of State business numbers, tax permits, and distribution plans. Vendors must complete a comprehensive Narrative Response form disclosing business certifications, international business history, and potential use of generative AI in contract deliverables. The contract requires monthly reporting on contract usage, small business and DVBE participation, and aging debt reporting. Bidders must also submit a Food Safety Information Listing, detailing compliance for each distribution chain entity, including California Department of Public Health registration status. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the solicitation covers 50 different state institutions across Northern and Southern California, indicating a complex and comprehensive distribution requirement. The contract allows for price adjustments after the first six months, tied to specific producer price index guidelines.