FAU26-89-10, Pasta

The California Department of General Services, Procurement Division is issuing an Invitation for Bid to establish a mandatory statewide pasta contract, with bids due June 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM PT and a Bidders' Conference on June 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM PT via Microsoft Teams. Award will be made on an "All or None" basis to the lowest-cost responsive and responsible bidder.

Optional socioeconomic program preferences apply: a 5 percent small business preference, a 5 percent DVBE incentive, and optional TACPA preference. Bidders must address Iran Contracting Act compliance and disclose California small business or DVBE certification status in the narrative response.

The scope covers five pasta product lines totaling approximately 335,400 pounds annually: Small Elbow Macaroni (minimum 51% whole wheat) at 148,032 pounds, Spaghetti (minimum 51% whole wheat) at 80,512 pounds, Tagliarini or Fettuccine at 28,890 pounds, Medium Egg Noodles at 1,790 pounds, and Rotini Spiral Macaroni (minimum 51% whole wheat) at 76,220 pounds. All products must meet State Bid Specification Number 8935-TS-0300534 and comply with 21 CFR 110 Current Good Manufacturing Practices, FDA labeling requirements, and specific nutritional standards including minimum 12 percent protein for enriched pasta and 13 percent for egg noodles. Egg noodles must contain minimum 5.5 percent egg solids and certified salmonella-free ingredients. Packaging must range from 4 to 30 pounds per unit with 120-day minimum shelf life post-delivery.

The anticipated annual spend is $281,612.46. The contract term is two years with two optional one-year extensions. Pricing must be firm fixed with F.O.B. destination freight prepaid including sales tax; contractors must immediately pass through any manufacturer price declines to ordering agencies. Minimum delivery amount is 200 pounds. Customer service coverage is required weekdays 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM PT, with order acknowledgement within two working days and completion within 30 calendar days of contract expiration.

Bidders must submit completed Pricing Worksheet (Attachment 1), Narrative Response (Attachment 3), Agreement Cover Letter, California Civil Rights Laws Certification form, and Bidder Declaration Form. All facilities in the distribution chain must comply with food safety licensing and inspection requirements; California facilities must obtain a Processed Food Registration Certificate from the California Department of Public Health or Department of Food and Agriculture within ten calendar days after bid opening, while out-of-state facilities must demonstrate federal or third-party inspection within fourteen months prior to bid due date. Delivery addresses span 48 state institutions across Northern and Southern California, including correctional facilities, state hospitals, and schools for the deaf.