Faith Items - Canteen

The Colorado Department of Corrections is requesting quotes for faith items for canteen resale through RFQ 2026000006, with quotes due June 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time and written inquiries due June 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. MT. The state reserves the right to award to multiple vendors.

The scope encompasses faith-related items across Christian, Islamic, Jewish, and Native American traditions — including Bibles, Qur'ans, prayer rugs, yarmulkes, medicine bags, sage, and spiritual supplies — for delivery to Canon City, Colorado. All products must be packaged exclusively in plastic containers (clear preferred), free from glass or metal, alcohol-free, and engineered to withstand high-altitude transportation. Prior to award, bidders must submit 3–5 product samples at their own expense for evaluation by the Canteen Review Committee, which meets monthly and assesses items for security risks, religious affiliations, and nutritional benefits. After award, vendors are prohibited from making product substitutions without prior written authorization and must report unavailable items immediately with expected restock dates; back orders are not permitted.

Pricing submissions must include product full name, unit of measure, item number, and per-item cost. One price change is permitted during the initial Letter of Agreement term; subsequent annual adjustments are limited to two requests annually, one of which must be submitted no later than 60 days prior to award renewal. Justification and written approval from Canteen staff are required for price increases; unapproved increases result in award reassignment to the next lowest bidder.

The contract term runs July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with potential renewal for up to two additional one-year periods (not to exceed three years total) at the state's discretion, contingent on appropriated funds and satisfaction of contractual requirements. Quotes must be firm for not less than 180 days from award. Price and cost are the primary award consideration; sample quality and lead time may also be evaluated. Notice of intent to award is estimated for June 10, 2026, with Letter of Agreement execution anticipated by July 1, 2026.

All awarded bidders must complete an Enhanced Criminal Background Investigation within 30 days of notification and register in CORE through Vendor Self Service. Delivery drivers must pass CDOC criminal background checks and sign Consent to Search Authorization forms. Receiving hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. MST, Monday through Thursday, excluding specified holidays. Standard Colorado state purchase order terms apply, including 45-day payment terms and mandatory insurance including $1 million commercial general liability. Bidders must submit completed Required Vendor Information (Exhibit B), Non-Conflict of Interest attestations, W-9 forms, and Contract Performance Outside the US disclosures.