Green Bell Peppers for Missouri Department of Corrections

The Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB 931Y21708180) for the procurement of 26,000 pounds of green bell peppers to be delivered to their Eastern and Central Region Commodity Warehouses. The solicitation requires individually quick frozen (IQF), diced, and blanched green bell peppers with precise specifications, including a 3/4-inch dice size with a +/- 1/8-inch variance and preferred packaging in 25-pound cases. The procurement period runs from November 18, 2020, to December 16, 2020, with bids due by 2:00 PM CST on December 16, 2020. Vendors must submit their bids either electronically through the MissouriBUYS system or via hard copy to the DOC Purchasing Section in Jefferson City. The contract includes provisions for two optional one-year renewal periods, with all pricing to be firm and fixed. Evaluation will be based on the lowest responsive and responsible bid, with vendors required to complete and submit Exhibits A through F as part of their response package.

The solicitation does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor participation, indicating the bid is open to all qualified vendors. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are mentioned in the documentation. The procurement does not outline specific integration requirements with existing infrastructure or technology. Payment terms are net 45 days, with delivery specified as Free On Board Destination. While the total estimated contract value is not explicitly disclosed, the initial order is for 26,000 pounds of green bell peppers, with potential for two additional one-year renewals. The funding for this procurement will come from the Missouri Department of Corrections' budget, and interested vendors should carefully review all solicitation documents and exhibits to ensure a comprehensive and compliant bid response.