Doca-756-25-03 - various fertilizers

The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) Central Agribusiness Office has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) solicitation DOCA-756-25-03 for various fertilizers, lime, and related agricultural products to be delivered and applied at multiple DOC farm locations throughout the state. The procurement covers 72 distinct line items spanning 14 different correctional facilities, including Augusta, Baskerville, Bland, Brunswick, Buckingham, Coffeewood, Greenrock, Jarrett, Pamunkey/Caroline, Sky Meadows, Southampton, State Farm, and Yarden Farm. Vendors are required to provide both dry and liquid fertilizers with specific nutrient analyses, lime products, and application services, with pricing to include material costs, delivery fees, and application fees for each line item. The bid requires vendors to be registered in eVA, Virginia's e-procurement system, and capable of delivering and applying fertilizers within 24 hours, including providing Safety Data Sheets with each delivery. Bids are due on February 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST, with delivery and application services to commence between March 1-15, 2025, depending on the specific facility location. The DOC reserves the right to make no award or omit line items as needed, and vendors must be located within specified mileage restrictions for certain facilities.

The solicitation includes provisions for small businesses certified by the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (DSBSD), with vendor transaction fees of 1% capped at $500 for certified businesses and 1% capped at $1,500 for non-certified businesses. Vendors must comply with background check and drug testing requirements for staff interacting with DOC facilities. The procurement is structured as a line-item award contract, allowing vendors to bid on any or all items they can provide, with no explicit set-aside designations beyond the DSBSD certification incentives. Several potential vendors are mentioned in the documentation, including ASM AG Services LLC, Augusta Cooperative, Meyer Seed, CFC Farmers Coop, Giles Farm Bureau, and Hawkins Supply, though their specific award status is not definitively stated. While no specific contract value or budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the solicitation covering 72 line items across 14 facilities suggests a substantial procurement opportunity for agricultural services supporting the Virginia Department of Corrections' farming operations.