Frozen Dietary Meals

The State of California, Department of General Services, Procurement Division (DGS-PD) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Frozen Dietary Meals, with solicitation number 0000034468, due on May 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT. The procurement seeks 49 frozen meals across three dietary categories: heart-healthy, gluten-free, and plant-based, totaling approximately 452,302 annual meals for state institutions. Each meal category must meet strict nutritional specifications, including calorie limits (300 per meal), fat percentages (30%), and sodium content (500 mg), with requirements for pre-portioned, single-serve packaging suitable for reheating up to 400 degrees F. Bidders must provide comprehensive food safety documentation, including California Department of Public Health registrations, and demonstrate compliance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22. The contract will be a three-year term with two potential one-year extensions, mandatory for state departments, and awarded on an "All or None" basis to the lowest-cost, responsive, and responsible bidder. Evaluation criteria include detailed product specifications, nutritional documentation, packaging requirements, and adherence to food safety standards, with potential laboratory testing of submitted products.

The solicitation includes several set-aside and preference opportunities for small businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with potential incentives for California-grown agricultural products and businesses. Vendors must possess a California Secretary of State business number, Retailer's Seller Permit, and demonstrate capabilities across 56 state institutions, including correctional facilities, state hospitals, and specialized centers throughout Northern and Southern California. The anticipated total contract value is $4,886,732.04 over the three-year term, with provisions for limited price adjustments (twice per contract year) contingent on documented cost increases of at least 2 percent. Additional compliance requirements include adherence to the Darfur Contracting Act, California Civil Rights Laws, and Iran Contracting Act. Bidders must also address unique requirements such as Kosher and Halal certifications, potential Generative AI usage, and comprehensive reporting obligations. The procurement emphasizes a holistic approach to institutional meal services, focusing on nutritional diversity, food safety, and operational flexibility across California's state institutional network.