FAU25-89-58, Milled Rice

The California Department of General Services is conducting a solicitation for a two-year statewide mandatory contract for milled rice, with potential two one-year extensions, targeting multiple state agencies including CDCR, DDS, DSH, CHP, and Veteran Homes. The procurement involves three specific rice product types: Brown Medium Grain Rice, White Milled Long Grain Parboiled Enriched Rice, and White Milled Long Grain Enriched Rice, all packaged in 50-pound bags and required to meet U.S. Grade No. 3 or better standards. The total annual procurement volume is 18,927 units, with specific quarterly and monthly delivery schedules across 38 institutions in Northern and Southern California. Bidders must comply with extensive food safety regulations, including adherence to USDA standards, Current Good Manufacturing Practices, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The bid is due on April 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT, with an anticipated annual spend of $672,089.10, and will be awarded on an "All or None" basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Vendors must provide comprehensive documentation including food safety information, distribution plans, and meet rigorous packaging and labeling requirements, with a mandatory 120-day post-delivery shelf life guarantee.

The solicitation includes significant set-aside and preference provisions for small businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with specific requirements for participation and reporting. Bidders must demonstrate compliance with California's socioeconomic programs, including providing monthly reports on contract usage, small business participation, and DVBE involvement. The contract requires vendors to be registered with the California Secretary of State, hold a California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Retailer's Seller Permit, and potentially provide kosher and halal certifications. Pricing will be firm-fixed for the initial contract term, with potential price adjustments allowed after six months if costs increase by at least two percent, supported by documented evidence such as producer price indices or manufacturer invoices. The state reserves the right to conduct comprehensive inspections of delivered products, with potential additional testing at a qualified laboratory, and testing costs borne by the supplier if the product fails inspection. Bidders must also disclose their international business history and be prepared to accept Cal Card payments. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract represents a significant opportunity for rice suppliers to serve multiple California state institutions across a diverse range of facilities.