Cheese, Shredded

The Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) Purchasing/Contracts Division has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for Cheese, Shredded Blend, targeting an estimated procurement of 80,000 pounds. The solicitation is focused on Marion County and requires bidders to submit comprehensive pricing that includes transportation, fuel surcharges, and delivery charges, with prices to be quoted per unit and limited to four decimal places. Bid submissions are due by May 11, 2022, at 9:00 AM PST, with the first product shipment expected within 45 days after purchase order issuance. ODOC will evaluate bids based on lowest responsive and responsible pricing, with the potential to award one or more contracts across line items, groups of items, or the entire bid. The evaluation process includes a 5% preference for Oregon-produced goods and a 5% preference for resident bidders headquartered in Oregon, which will be factored into bid comparisons.

The procurement does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the local preference mechanisms provide some advantage to Oregon-based businesses. The current incumbent contractor for this cheese product is Horizon Foods, suggesting an established supply chain in the corrections food procurement market. While a specific budget range is not detailed in the documents, the volume of 80,000 pounds indicates a substantial procurement commitment. The contract award will be determined by the most competitive and compliant bids, with ODOC reserving the right to select vendors based on comprehensive responsiveness to the solicitation requirements. Potential bidders should carefully review the ITB documentation to ensure full compliance with specifications, delivery expectations, and pricing structures.