Groceries

The state of Arkansas, through the Department of Transformation and Shared Services Office of State Procurement, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to establish a non-mandatory contract for the procurement and distribution of a wide range of food products, including fresh, frozen, canned, meats, dairy, poultry, powdered, and bakery items. The estimated annual contract value is $7,000,000, with anticipated users including state agencies, public schools, and other governmental entities. Bids are due by October 4, 2021 at 2:00 PM Central Time, and the contract term is for one year with up to six additional one-year renewal options. Pricing adjustments will only be considered quarterly, and price increase requests must be approved by the Office of State Procurement. The contractor must have a recall program and procedures plan in place, and must meet performance standards related to product quality, shelf life, packaging, recalls, and on-time delivery. A convenience fee of 1% of all contract sales to the state and local entities will be required.

The IFB does not mention any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. There is also no information provided about any incumbent vendors or current contractors, or any existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The IFB does not include any listed award values or budget ranges, but the estimated annual contract value of $7,000,000 provides an indication of the potential scope of the opportunity.