FAU16-89-85 Frozen Fish

The California Department of General Services has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) FAU16-89-85 for frozen fish products to be used by multiple state institutions, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Department of State Hospitals (DSH), California Highway Patrol (CHP), and Veterans Homes. The procurement covers five types of frozen fish products, including fish sticks, nuggets, breaded fish, battered fish, and raw fish fillets, with total quantities ranging from 8,950 to 539,650 pounds. The contract period runs from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017, with an option to extend for one additional year. All products must meet specific technical requirements, including USDC Seafood Inspection Program standards, with precise specifications for fish flesh content, sodium levels, and acceptable fish species such as Walleye Pollock, Alaskan Pollock, European Pollock, and Pacific Cod. The bid responses were due by May 5, 2016 at 2:00 PM, with deliveries to be made to various state institutions across northern and southern California on weekly to quarterly schedules. The contract will be awarded on an "all or none" basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specified requirements.

The solicitation includes preferences for California certified small businesses (5% preference) and Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) participants. Bidders must provide comprehensive documentation, including food safety certifications, detailed distribution plans, manufacturer agreements, and various administrative submissions such as Darfur Contracting Act certification and small business commercially useful function documentation. The procurement requires FOB destination pricing with a minimum order quantity of $500 per delivery, and all products must be maintained at or below 0°F throughout delivery. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the bid emphasizes strict compliance with federal and state requirements, with products needing to be delivered within 180 days of original pack date in packages not exceeding 25 pounds, and total shipping cartons not to exceed 50 pounds. Monthly usage reports will be required from the successful vendor. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the solicitation covering multiple state institutions suggests a potentially significant contract value for the selected vendor.