FAU16-89-110, Cereal, Ready to Eat

The state of California, through the Department of General Services Procurement Division, has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered FAU16-89-110 for ready-to-eat cereal products to be distributed across multiple state institutions including CDCR, DDS, DSH, CHP, and Veteran's Homes. The solicitation covers four specific packaging groups: individual serving boxes (70-72 boxes/case), individual serving bowls (96 bowls/case), multiple bags bulk (6-15 lbs/case), and single bag super bulk (16-33 lbs/case). Targeted cereal types include corn flakes, bran flakes, raisin bran, crisp rice, fruit rings, and toasted oat rings. The bid responses are due by May 23, 2016, before 2:00 PM, with a contract term spanning July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 and an option for a one-year extension. Pricing must be FOB destination with firm fixed prices, and the minimum order quantity is 10 cases per delivery. Bidders are required to submit monthly usage reports by the 15th of each following month, with estimated annual quantities ranging from 110 to over 11,000 cases depending on the product type.

The procurement offers a 5% preference for California certified small businesses or bidders committing to use such businesses for at least 25% of the contract. The IFB is exempt from Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements but does include Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preferences for California-based bidders. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the broad range of institutions and estimated case quantities suggest a potentially significant contract value. The solicitation allows for award by group, line item, or all or none, depending on what is most advantageous to the state. Interested vendors must carefully review the detailed specifications, meet the packaging and product requirements, and demonstrate the capability to deliver consistent, high-quality cereal products across multiple state facilities throughout California.