Fresh Produce - Request for Quote

The Colorado Department of Corrections is requesting quotes for fresh produce delivery to seven correctional facilities across Colorado via Documented Quote DQ 2027000040, with quotes due August 5, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time and written inquiries due August 3, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. MST. No set-aside or preference program applies.

The scope covers thirty produce line items including apples, bananas, oranges, pears, carrots, celery, lettuce, onions, potatoes, peppers, cabbage, salad mix, shredded lettuce, yams, and squash, with quantities ranging from single units to 818 units per item. Delivery must occur on three consecutive days in August 2026: Monday, August 10 to Buena Vista Correctional Complex (by noon); Tuesday, August 11 to Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (by 2:00 p.m.), Central Warehouse (by 9:00 a.m.), and Sterling Correctional Facility (by 9:00 a.m.); and Wednesday, August 12 to Denver Women's Correctional Facility, Denver Reception & Diagnostic Center (both by noon), and Limon Correctional Facility (by 10:00 a.m.). All commodities must be date coded and meet current USDA standards. Salad mix and shredded lettuce must have a minimum shelf life of ten days upon warehouse delivery; apples and oranges must be consistent sizing; and potatoes must be U.S. Grade #2, size A; yams must be small fancy grade. Product brands require approval prior to award, and samples may be required for unapproved products at vendor expense. Pricing must be all-inclusive FOB Destination with no additional shipping, surcharges, or taxes. Vendors must be registered to do business in Colorado and provide three calendar days' written notice if unable to meet delivery schedules; failure to deliver on three separate occasions results in three-year disqualification. Invoicing occurs monthly by the 15th of each month.

Award will be made to the responsible bidder whose acceptable quote is most advantageous to the CDOC, with price as the primary consideration and sample quality and delivery lead time as secondary factors. The anticipated purchase order start date is August 5, 2026. Before purchase order execution, awarded bidders must provide proof of Good Standing with the Colorado Secretary of State, register in CORE through Vendor Self Service, and submit insurance certificates documenting commercial general liability coverage of $1,000,000 minimum per occurrence. Bidders must complete enhanced criminal background investigations within 30 days of award and comply with CDOC facility security requirements.