Friends and Family Package Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a vendor to operate a comprehensive Friends and Family Package (FFP) Program for offenders in state correctional facilities. This procurement will establish a customized offender direct-package program enabling eligible offenders, friends, and family members to order pre-approved products for delivery to correctional facilities on a quarterly schedule. The awarded vendor will be responsible for supplying and delivering packages for distribution by DOC Commissary staff, with a maximum order value of $80 per package. The solicitation includes detailed product listings covering categories such as soups, beverages, breakfast foods, prepared foods, snacks, and candies. Evaluation criteria will be based on 70% total cost per ounce x quantity and 30% commission, with a mandatory minimum 20% quarterly commission on gross sales. Key vendor qualifications include a minimum of 5 years' experience with a package program similar in scale to the PA DOC. The original bid was due October 26, 2017, but was subsequently extended and ultimately suspended, with the last referenced due date being February 1, 2018.

The contract opportunity appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or small businesses. The procurement is structured as a "No Cost" contract to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with all fees charged directly to end users (incarcerated offenders, family members, and friends). Vendors will be required to complete the GSPUR-89 Reciprocal Limitations Act Requirements Form, which includes disclosures about the state of manufacture for all items. The contract term is initially one year, with potential for up to four additional one-year renewal options. Based on the provided sales history document, the historical sales volume for similar package programs was approximately $8,527,572.33 over an 11-quarter period from 2015 to 2017, indicating a substantial potential revenue opportunity for the awarded vendor. The solicitation is being conducted electronically through the Commonwealth's SRM system, with all bids to be submitted through the PA Supplier Portal.