FAU26-89-58, Milled Rice

The California Department of General Services (DGS) is soliciting bids for a statewide mandatory contract for milled rice, targeting 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 Veteran Homes. The procurement covers three specific rice product types: Brown Medium Grain, White Milled Long Grain Parboiled Enriched, and White Milled Long Grain Enriched, all to be packaged in 50-pound bags. The contract duration is two years with potential for two additional one-year extensions, and requires precise delivery schedules across 35 state institutions with varying frequency from weekly to quarterly. Bidders must provide comprehensive documentation including product literature, nutrition facts, food safety certifications, and potential product samples. The bid (Event ID 0000036232) is due by September 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT, with a mandatory bidders' conference scheduled for September 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT. Evaluation criteria include responsiveness, responsibility, and lowest cost, with an anticipated annual spend of $672,089.10.

The solicitation includes several set-aside and preference opportunities for disadvantaged businesses, specifically highlighting Small Business (SB), Nonprofit Veteran Services Agencies (NVSA), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) classifications. Bidders must comply with the Iran Contracting Act and provide specific business identifiers, including Secretary of State business numbers and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Retailer's Seller Permit numbers. Food safety is a critical requirement, with mandatory California Department of Public Health (CDPH) registration for California-based companies and recent food safety inspection documentation for out-of-state vendors. The contract includes provisions for price adjustments, emergency ordering capabilities, and mandatory monthly reporting, with a minimum delivery quantity of 500 lbs to various state institutions. While no incumbent vendors are specifically named, the comprehensive procurement approach suggests a strategic effort to standardize rice procurement across California's state-managed facilities, with potential contract value spanning multiple years and institutions.