Dairy & Fresh Egg Bid-Jan. 2011

The State Correctional Institution at Coal Township in Pennsylvania is soliciting a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for a dairy and fresh egg procurement contract covering January through March 2011. The contract seeks a vendor to supply multiple food items including fresh shell eggs, margarine, and cheddar and Swiss cheeses, with estimated quantities ranging from 450 to 5,940 dozen or cases. The procurement is specifically for Montour County and targets correctional facility food service needs. Vendors must be prepared to make multiple deliveries during the three-month period and will be subject to security clearance checks for personnel making regular deliveries. The bid response was due on January 4, 2011 at 1:00 pm, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Key evaluation criteria include pricing (quoted FOB destination), product specifications, and compliance with shipping instructions and general terms and conditions.

The contract opportunity appears to have preferences for Pennsylvania-based bidders under the Reciprocal Limitations Act, which provides advantages to in-state suppliers when competing against out-of-state bidders. Vendors must complete documentation identifying the manufacturer and state of manufacture for each offered item. The contract is subject to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, requiring contractors to assist in responding to information requests within 14 calendar days. While specific set-aside designations are not explicitly detailed, the procurement implies a preference for local and state-based businesses. The contract includes provisions for potential fluctuation in quantities based on inmate population, and the correctional institution reserves the right to not award the contract if costs are deemed unsuitable. Payment will be processed upon receipt of items and submission of an invoice, with the total contract value likely dependent on actual consumption during the three-month period.