Cheese--SCI Retreat

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services is soliciting bids for a cheese procurement contract for the State Correctional Institution (SCI) Retreat located in Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania. The invitation for bids (IFB) seeks approximately 3,600 pounds of American cheese (sliced and packed in 20-pound cases) and 800 pounds of shredded cheddar cheese (packed in 20-30 pound cases). Deliveries are scheduled for July 6, August 2, and September 7, 2010, covering the contract period from July 1 to September 30, 2010. Bidders must submit their proposals by June 10, 2010, at 1:30 PM, with no fax bids accepted. The procurement requires vendors to provide comprehensive nutritional information with their bids and comply with specific product specifications. Potential vendors must also understand that all estimated quantities may be adjusted based on institutional needs, and delivery drivers will be subject to security clearance protocols.

The contract opportunity does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must be prepared to comply with Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, which requires contractors to provide requested information within 14 calendar days and assist the Commonwealth in responding to public records requests. While no specific budget range is detailed, the contract covers cheese products for a state correctional institution with defined quantity specifications. The procurement includes provisions related to the Reciprocal Limitations Act and requires vendors to handle potential confidential or proprietary information appropriately. Vendors should be prepared to work within the Commonwealth's legal framework, including potential reimbursement for costs associated with information requests as defined by the Office of Open Records fee schedule.