Disposable Food Trays (OTA-DGS)

The California Department of General Services, Procurement Division, on behalf of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB #0000000417-CDCR) for disposable food trays to be used in the California Health Care Facility in Stockton. The procurement seeks two types of trays: certified compostable and bio-based, with a total estimated quantity of 4,838,000 trays (2,419,000 of each type) over a potential three-year contract period with two optional one-year extensions. The trays must meet specific technical requirements, including three compartments, 2.5" depth, microwaveable capabilities, ability to support up to three pounds of food, and ovenable up to 275F. Delivery specifications include bi-weekly deliveries to the facility, with no more than 77,000 trays per delivery. Key procurement dates include a mandatory pre-bid conference on March 17, 2016, bid submissions due by May 12, 2016, prototype development beginning May 19, 2016, prototype submission by September 20, 2016, and prototype testing starting September 26, 2016. Evaluation will consider both technical specifications and pricing, with an emphasis on compostable options while acknowledging potential cost differences.

The solicitation includes several set-aside provisions and preferences to support small and disadvantaged businesses. A 5% preference is available for qualified small businesses or non-small businesses demonstrating at least 25% California certified small business participation. Additional preferences include Targeted Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preferences of 5-9% and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentives of 1-5%, with a maximum combined preference/incentive cap of $100,000. Vendors must bid on both tray types, with potential award possible by line item or "all or none" basis. All development and manufacturing costs must be included in bid pricing, with pricing to be F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid, and no additional charges for delivery or handling. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves approximately 4,600-6,000 trays used per day, suggesting a significant ongoing contract value. The solicitation references Purchase Estimate No. REQ-101259 and Agency Purchase Est No. 6000079948, indicating internal tracking of the procurement process. The Alternative Protest Process per Public Contract Code 12125 applies to this solicitation.