Fresh Produce - Request for Quote

The Colorado Department of Corrections is requesting quotes for fresh produce to supply correctional facility kitchens across seven locations, with quotes due August 19, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time and a virtual public quote opening the same day.

Deliveries are scheduled for three consecutive days in late August 2026: Monday, August 24 to Buena Vista Correctional Complex; Tuesday, August 25 to Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility, Central Warehouse, and Sterling Correctional Facility; and Wednesday, August 26 to Denver Women's Correctional Facility, Denver Reception & Diagnostic Center, and Limon Correctional Facility. Each delivery location has specific time windows from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All commodities must be date-coded and meet current United States Department of Agriculture standards for specified grades. Produce categories include apples, bananas, oranges, melons, broccoli, cabbage varieties, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, lettuce varieties, onions, bell peppers, potatoes, and other fresh vegetables. Salad mix and shredded lettuce must have a minimum of 10 days shelf life remaining upon delivery.

All pricing is F.O.B. Destination with costs all-inclusive; no surcharges or taxes pass to CDOC. Bidders must incorporate shipping and delivery expenses into quoted prices. Brand names specified in the solicitation establish quality standards without restricting competition; vendors may submit equal-specification products subject to nutritional approval and potential sample review prior to award. Pricing must remain firm during the purchase order term, though CDOC may elect to include an annual price increase provision not to exceed 2.5% per fiscal year if awarded, subject to mutual agreement.

No guaranteed order quantities or dollar amounts are specified. Award will be made to the responsible bidder whose acceptable quote is most advantageous to CDOC, with price as the primary consideration and other factors including sample quality and delivery lead time. CDOC reserves the right to award to multiple bidders. A Notice of Intent to Award and Purchase Order execution are estimated for August 19, 2026.

Written inquiry deadline is August 17, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Bidders must be registered with BidNet Direct and CORE, provide a W-9, complete a Colorado enhanced criminal background investigation within 30 days of award, and submit Exhibits A through G with their quote response.