Fresh Produce

The County of Orange, Sheriff-Coroner Department is soliciting competitive bids for a fresh produce contract to supply fruits and vegetables to Orange County penal institutions. The procurement seeks a vendor to deliver a comprehensive range of produce, including 22 specific items such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, lettuce varieties, onions, peppers, potatoes, squash, zucchini, apples, and oranges. Deliveries must be made Monday through Friday in mechanically refrigerated trucks maintaining temperatures between 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit, with a minimum of two deliveries per week and potential scaling to three deliveries as needed. The contract term is three calendar years, commencing May 6, 2026, with potential two-year renewal options. Vendors must submit electronic bids through the County's eProcurement Portal by February 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM, with all pricing to include freight, shipping, handling, and delivery charges on an FOB Destination basis. All questions and clarifications must be submitted through the solicitation's Question & Answer section, with no direct contact allowed with County personnel.

The County offers a five percent preference deduction for certified Orange County Local Small Business (OCLSB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) vendors, with a maximum allowable preference of $100,000. Awarded vendors must obtain a D-U-N-S number, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), provide a current California contractor's license, and submit insurance certificates with additional insured endorsements. The contract requires vendors to maintain current stock availability, accept full case returns without restocking fees, and provide volume discounts when applicable. Pricing increases are prohibited during the first contract year, with subsequent increases requiring 30 days' advance written notice and documented proof of cost escalation. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the produce requirements and the multi-year contract suggest a significant procurement value. The contract also includes a cooperative provision allowing other governmental entities to utilize the same pricing, with a 2 percent administrative rebate due to Orange County on subordinate contract sales.