HGAC Perish Food Q1 2026

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through the Department of Labor and Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, is soliciting bids for perishable and non-perishable food products for the Commonwealth Technical Institute (CTI) at the Hiram G Andrews Center in Johnstown. The procurement covers a 90-day period from February 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026, with potential for a 90-day contract extension. The institute serves approximately 350 students, requiring three daily meals and snacks, with food deliveries needed Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. The solicitation encompasses multiple food categories including fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen produce, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products, eggs, breads, bakery items, and beverages. Vendors must maintain a minimum 95 percent fill rate and ensure products meet strict labeling, temperature, and shelf-life requirements, with frozen items delivered within 90 days of processing and fresh items within 30 days. Interested bidders must submit questions in writing via email to RA-li-OIT-BAS-Procur@pa.gov by 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with the bid response deadline set for January 20, 2026.

The solicitation includes Reciprocal Limitations Act requirements that provide preference mechanisms for Pennsylvania-based bidders and Pennsylvania-produced goods, with potential preference percentages ranging from 2 to 15 percent depending on the state and product category. Bidders must be either manufacturers or authorized sellers of manufacturers' products and must provide appropriate certifications, including the Worker Protection and Investment certification and Form GSPUR-89. The Commonwealth will award the contract to the lowest-cost, responsive, and responsible bidder, with no guaranteed minimum award amount. Payment will be made using the Commonwealth Purchasing Card for awards less than $10,000, and the Commonwealth is tax-exempt. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive specifications document lists 69 line items across various food categories, suggesting a potentially significant contract value. The procurement is conducted through the HGAC (Houston-Galveston Area Council) purchasing cooperative, and all bidding must be completed through the PA Supplier Portal, requiring vendors to register, create a response, complete required questions and attachments, and submit pricing information before the deadline.