Fresh Produce - Request for Quote

The Colorado Department of Corrections is requesting quotes for fresh produce delivery to seven correctional facilities across the state (DQ 2027000113), with quotes due September 30, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. MST and anticipated award the same day.

The scope covers approximately thirty fresh produce categories—apples, bananas, oranges, watermelons, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables and fruits—with specified U.S. grade standards (U.S. #1 or #2 depending on item), sizing requirements, packaging configurations, and freshness parameters. All produce must meet current U.S. Department of Agriculture standards and be properly labeled and date-coded at delivery. Brand names specified in the solicitation are mandatory; substitutions are rejected. Deliveries occur October 5–7, 2026 to Buena Vista Correctional Complex, Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility, Central Warehouse (Canon City), Sterling Correctional Facility, Denver Women's Correctional Facility, Denver Reception & Diagnostic Center, and Limon Correctional Facility, with all items arriving by specified times at each location. A modification issued September 29 increased Russet Potatoes for Central Warehouse from 325 to 375 fifty-pound bags.

All pricing is F.O.B. destination with freight prepaid and must remain firm throughout the contract term. The State is exempt from federal excise taxes and state and local sales and use taxes. Monthly invoicing is due by the 15th to designated addresses. Failure to deliver on three separate occasions within agreed timeframes may result in disqualification from future solicitations for three years or indefinitely. Award will be made to the responsible bidder whose acceptable quote is most advantageous to the Department, with price as the primary consideration and sample quality and lead time as secondary factors. Bidders must submit all exhibits, complete a W-9, provide proof of general liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence), register in CORE, complete enhanced criminal background investigations within 30 days of award, and sign a Consent to Search form authorizing facility access.