FAU26-89-58, Spices

The California Department of General Services, Procurement Division (DGS-PD) is issuing an Invitation For Bid (IFB) to establish a multi-year statewide contract for spices, seasonings, table salt, and baking cocoa. The contract will have an initial two-year term with two optional one-year extensions, mandatory for use by all State of California departments. The procurement covers a comprehensive range of spices including allspice, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, garlic powder, black and white pepper, cayenne pepper, various seasoning blends, and table salt, with specific requirements for food safety, manufacturing standards, and packaging. Bidders must comply with 21 CFR 110, Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act guidelines, and provide detailed food safety information for all manufacturers and distributors in their supply chain. The solicitation requires bidders to submit a Narrative Response form, pricing worksheets, and various certifications, with a Bidders' Conference scheduled for December 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT via Microsoft Teams. Bids are due by January 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT, to be submitted via email to CMU@dgs.ca.gov, with an anticipated annual spend of $475,603.00.

The contract includes several socioeconomic program preferences, including a five percent small business preference, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentive, and Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preference. Eligible bidders must have a California Secretary of State business number, a Retailer's Seller Permit, and must complete declarations regarding Iran Contracting Act compliance and international business activities. The procurement will be awarded on an "All or None" basis, meaning a single vendor must be capable of supplying all specified spices to approximately 40 state institutions across Northern and Southern California, including correctional facilities, state hospitals, and conservation camps. Vendors must maintain a minimum 120-calendar-day shelf life for products, accept various ordering methods, and provide customer service support during weekday business hours. The minimum delivery quantity is 200 pounds, and contractors must be prepared to provide comprehensive product documentation, including manufacturer agreement letters, product literature, and nutrition fact labels. All products must meet specific analytical requirements for volatile oil content, total ash, particle size, and total fat as defined by AOAC or ASTA methods.