Fresh Produce

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, specifically the Department of Youth Services (DYS), is seeking vendors to supply and deliver fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs, to one or more designated DYS locations across the state. The contract has an initial three-year term with two two-year renewal options, for a total possible term of seven years. Interested vendors must submit their bid responses through the COMMBUYS procurement system by October 19, 2022. DYS will evaluate bids based on the vendor's experience, qualifications, pricing, ability to reliably provide the required goods and services, and their proposed Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) plan. The SDP plan requires vendors to commit a percentage of their contract sales to be spent with certified SDP partners, which can include Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), Minority/Women Nonprofit Organizations (M/WNPOs), Veteran Business Enterprises (VBEs), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (SDVOBEs), Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs), and LGBTBE-certified firms. The estimated value of the contract, including all renewal options, is $300,000, but DYS makes no guarantee of any minimum purchase volume. Following contract award, vendors will be required to complete additional Commonwealth-mandated forms and reports, including the Declaration of SDP Partners and quarterly SDP Spending Reports.