Fresh Produce - Request for Quote

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) is soliciting bids through a Documented Quote (DQ 2026000484) for fresh produce to supply correctional facility kitchens across the state. This procurement covers delivery of thirty produce items including fresh fruits (apples, bananas, cantaloupes, oranges, pears, peaches), vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, peppers, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, yams), and specialty items such as salad mix and shredded lettuce to seven service locations: Buena Vista Correctional Complex, Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility, Central Warehouse, Sterling Correctional Facility, Denver Women's Correctional Facility, Denver Reception & Diagnostic Center, and Limon Correctional Facility. All products must meet current United States Department of Agriculture standards for required grades, be properly labeled and date coded, and certain items such as salad mix and shredded lettuce must have a minimum shelf-life of ten days upon delivery to the DOC Warehouse. Bidders must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State and BidNet Direct, provide completed Exhibits A through F with their quote submission, and furnish various certifications including W-9 tax documentation, non-conflict of interest attestations, and proof of compliance with accessibility requirements and tax payment status. Written inquiries must be submitted by May 18, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. MST, with quote submissions due by May 20, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. MST through bidnetdirect.com/cdoc. Award determination will be based primarily on price and cost, with secondary consideration given to sample quality and lead time for delivery, and the CDOC will award the purchase order to the responsible bidder whose acceptable quote is determined most advantageous.

The procurement documents do not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though bidders may indicate Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business status if applicable. All pricing must be firm and all-inclusive with no additional shipping, surcharges, or taxes to be paid by CDOC, requiring bidders to incorporate all delivery costs into their bids on an FOB destination freight prepaid basis. Award recipients must complete enhanced criminal background investigations and drug testing, obtain proof of Good Standing with the Colorado Secretary of State, and provide certificates of insurance prior to purchase order execution, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability with minimum limits of $1,000,000, and automobile liability insurance. Vendors failing to meet delivery schedules on three separate occasions may be deemed non-responsible bidders and disqualified from participating in future CDOC solicitations for three years or indefinitely. The anticipated purchase order start date is May 20, 2026, with delivery scheduled for the week following award; no specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents. There are no listed incumbent vendors, current contractors, or technology integration requirements identified in this procurement.