Cook Chill Bags for Department of Correction

The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services is requesting bids for one-gallon and two-gallon cook-chill bags for the Department of Correction's food service operations under ITB 26PSX0151, with bids due September 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. This is a rebid of Solicitation No. 26PSX0089 and replaces prior contract award 19PSX0258AA in part or in total. A micro-business price preference of up to 10 percent applies to businesses with gross revenues not exceeding $3 million; veteran-owned micro-businesses may receive up to 15 percent preference. Respondents claiming micro-business status must submit IRS tax returns or certified public accountant letters prior to the solicitation due date.

Cook-chill bags are used in correctional food production for preparation, storage, and distribution of bulk cooked food products. Estimated annual quantities are 75,000 one-gallon bags and 125,000 two-gallon bags, with standard pack sizes of 500 bags per case. Bidders must specify pack sizes, manufacturer names and model numbers, and delivery timelines in calendar days after receipt of order. All samples must be provided at no cost to the State and mailed prior to bid opening. Approved equal products require submission of manufacturer specifications with the bid.

The contract term is five years from the effective date, with DAS retaining sole discretion to extend for additional terms not to exceed the original term length. Pricing must remain firm for one year; thereafter, contractors may request one price adjustment annually during the 30-day period preceding each anniversary date, based on the percentage change in the U.S. Producer Price Index for Plastic Packaging Materials. Delivery is FOB Destination. Payment is due within 45 days of acceptance of goods, or 25 days for certified small contractors or minority business enterprises. The contractor must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence with a $2 million aggregate limit, naming the State as an additional insured.

Award will be made to the lowest responsible qualified respondent based on pricing, conformity to specifications, past performance, and financial responsibility in descending order of importance. The vendor question and answer period runs through August 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. All responses must be submitted electronically through the CTsource portal; paper, telephone, email, or facsimile submissions will not be accepted. A public opening of pricing submissions will occur online with results available within 24 hours of the due date.