Fresh Produce - Request for Quote

The Colorado Department of Corrections is requesting quotes on fresh produce for delivery to seven correctional facilities across Colorado (Buena Vista, Arkansas Valley, Central Warehouse, Sterling, Denver Women's, Denver Reception & Diagnostic Center, and Limon) with deliveries June 22–24, 2026, and quotes due June 17, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time under Documented Quote DQ 2026000518.

The scope covers fruits (apples, bananas, cantaloupes, oranges, pears, watermelons, honeydew, peaches), vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumbers, lettuce varieties, onions, bell peppers, radishes, tomatoes, yams, zucchini, squash), and potatoes across multiple facility kitchens. All produce must meet USDA standards for required grades, be properly labeled with identity and origin and date-coded, and include specified product grades, sizes, counts, and shelf-life minimums (salad mix and shredded lettuce require minimum 10 days shelf life upon delivery to the DOC Warehouse). Pricing must be all-inclusive under FOB Destination terms with no additional surcharges; vendors account for all delivery fees and shipping. Brand substitutions require prior written approval. Delivery windows range from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at each location. Vendors must provide three calendar days' written notice if unable to meet delivery schedules. Three missed deliveries within the agreed timeframe results in disqualification from future solicitations for three years or indefinitely.

Pricing is the primary award criterion; sample quality and lead time are secondary factors. The award will go to the responsible bidder whose quote is most advantageous to CDOC. Written inquiries are due June 15, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.; responses post June 16. Notice of intent to award and purchase order execution are both estimated for June 17, 2026. All awarded vendors must complete an Enhanced Criminal Background Investigation within 30 days of notification and comply with security provisions including background checks, fingerprinting, and drug testing for personnel accessing CDOC facilities. Vendors must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State, prove good standing, carry $1,000,000 commercial general liability insurance, and complete CORE vendor registration before purchase order execution.