FY-26 IVHQ - Quarterly (Jul-Sept) Weekly Food Order - Brand Specific

The State of Illinois, specifically the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy located in Adams County, is seeking competitive quotes for a quarterly weekly food order covering fiscal year 2026, focusing on brand-specific or equivalent food products for the period of July through September 2025. The Request for Quote (RFQ) solicits comprehensive bids for 17 distinct food items, including cheese, dressings, meats, dairy, prepared foods, and side dishes, with estimated quantities ranging from 5 to 270 cases per item. Vendors must submit quotes for all line items to be considered responsive, with the option to propose equivalent products provided they meet the original specification's intended use. Quotes are to be submitted to Summer Prenger via email and entered into the Bid Buy system, with a specific two-week lead time for orders and weekly Tuesday deliveries. The procurement requires vendors to provide unit pricing for each line item, with the burden of proof for product equivalency placed on the bidder. The proposal submission deadline is May 27, 2025, with the opportunity initially posted on May 20, 2025.

The solicitation includes comprehensive standard Illinois certifications that require vendors to meet extensive legal, ethical, and operational standards across 33 different compliance areas. Vendors must attest to various requirements including non-discriminatory employment practices, financial standing, workplace standards, and compliance with state and federal regulations. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the certification process suggests a strong preference for vendors demonstrating comprehensive business integrity and compliance. The standard terms and conditions indicate potential requirements for insurance coverage, prevailing wage compliance, and alignment with minority contractor initiatives. Although no specific award value or budget range is detailed in the documents, the procurement suggests a structured quarterly food supply contract for the Illinois Veterans Home. Vendors must be prepared to navigate complex certification processes, maintain rigorous operational standards, and demonstrate the ability to consistently meet the specified food product requirements.