Frozen Vegetables

The California Department of General Services, Procurement Division (DGS-PD) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to establish a statewide contract for frozen vegetables with bids due September 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PT, and a bidders' conference scheduled for August 20, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. PT via Microsoft Teams. Award will be made on an all-or-none basis, and the contract is mandatory for use by all State of California departments — both decision-flipping constraints.

The scope covers fourteen frozen vegetable products (green beans, broccoli, carrots, corn, mixed vegetables, peas, peas and carrots, cauliflower, chopped onions, bell peppers, chopped spinach, turnip greens, and zucchini) delivered statewide to approximately 47 state institutions including correctional facilities, state hospitals, developmental centers, and educational institutions across northern and southern California. All products must meet U.S. Grade B or better, comply with 21 CFR 110 and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and undergo mandatory USDA Agricultural Marketing Service inspection and certification prior to delivery. California-based suppliers must obtain a Processed Food Registration Certificate from the California Department of Public Health within ten calendar days after bid opening; out-of-state suppliers must provide documentation of federal or third-party food safety inspection within fourteen months prior to bid due date. Products must be maintained at zero degrees Fahrenheit or below with a minimum 120-day shelf life, and all packaging must not exceed 60 pounds per case.

The anticipated total spend over the two-year initial contract period is $10.811 million, with a potential maximum contract value of $14.4 million including two optional one-year extensions. Prices are firm fixed for the initial contract term with no adjustments permitted, though contractors must immediately notify the state of manufacturer price declines and pass full benefit to ordering agencies. All pricing must be quoted on an F.O.B. destination basis with freight prepaid. The contract includes a 5% small business preference, a 5% non-small business subcontractor preference for those claiming 25% California-certified small business participation, a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise incentive program, and optional Target Area Contract Preference Act preference. Contractors must maintain customer service capabilities with office and personnel resources available weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT, accept orders via email, facsimile, and mail, and provide monthly contract usage and participation reports. Minimum delivery quantity is $500 per order.