Cooking Fats and Oil

The California Department of General Services, Procurement Division (DGS-PD) is issuing an Invitation For Bid (IFB) to establish a multi-year statewide contract for cooking fats and oils, specifically covering margarine, shortening, and salad oil. The solicitation is divided into two groups: Group 1 for Margarine and Group 2 for Shortening & Salad Oil, with awards made to the lowest cost, responsive, and responsible bidder. Bidders must provide products meeting strict food safety and quality specifications, including trans-fat limits, microbial requirements, and packaging standards for state institutions statewide. A mandatory Bidders' Conference is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM PT via Microsoft Teams, with bids due by December 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT. Evaluation criteria include compliance with food safety certifications, financial capacity, customer references valued at $100,000 or more for similar products sold within the last five years, and submission of comprehensive documentation including product literature, nutrition facts labels, and food safety information for each company in the distribution chain. Deliveries will be made to 47 state institutions across northern and southern California, with a minimum delivery quantity of 200 pounds and products requiring a minimum 120-day shelf life post-delivery.

The procurement includes opportunities for Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) preference incentives, with contractors required to perform a Commercially Useful Function if claiming these certifications. Bidders must demonstrate compliance with various California regulatory frameworks, including the Darfur Contracting Act, Target Area Contract Preference Act, and California Civil Rights Laws. The contract has an initial two-year term with two optional one-year extensions, and is mandatory for all State of California departments. The anticipated annual spend is $897,785.04 for margarine and $349,282.31 for shortening and salad oil, totaling approximately $1.2 million over the initial contract period. Contractors must maintain customer service availability weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT, accept multiple order methods, and submit monthly reporting on contract usage and participation. Additional administrative requirements include obtaining seller's permits, Secretary of State certification, and manufacturer agreement letters. The solicitation emphasizes comprehensive compliance with California-specific regulatory requirements and seeks to establish a robust supply chain for cooking fats and oils across state institutions.