Frozen Food-April 2010

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services is seeking a vendor to supply frozen food items for the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township through an Invitation for Bids (IFB). The procurement involves multiple deliveries of specific frozen food products, including waffles, lima beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, pizza, hash browns, and spinach, with quantities ranging from 150 to 525 cases per delivery. Scheduled deliveries are set for April 27, May 27, and June 28, 2010, with bids due by April 10, 2010, at 1:00 pm. Vendors must submit nutrition fact labels with their bid documents and comply with security clearance requirements. The solicitation includes provisions under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, requiring vendors to provide documentation and assist with potential information requests. Evaluation criteria appear to focus on product quality, pricing (FOB destination basis), and compliance with institutional requirements, with the correctional facility reserving the right to not award an item if the cost is not deemed in its best interest.

The contract opportunity does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. However, the bid documents include the GSPUR-89 form, which outlines preferences for Pennsylvania-based businesses and manufacturers, potentially favoring in-state vendors. The Reciprocal Limitations Act requires preference to bidders offering supplies produced, manufactured, mined, or grown in Pennsylvania, with preference amounts matching those of states with similar pro-local business policies. While specific award values are not detailed, the multiple delivery schedule suggests a contract value covering three months of frozen food procurement for the correctional institution. Vendors must complete and submit the GSPUR-89 form, listing manufacturer and state of manufacture for each item, with failure to do so resulting in bid rejection. The procurement appears focused on establishing a short-term frozen food supply contract for the State Correctional Institution, with an emphasis on local economic participation and strict compliance with state procurement regulations.