Holiday Snack Items

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC), specifically the Division of Colorado Correctional Industries (CCi) Canteen Services, is seeking vendors to provide holiday snack items for resale through the prison commissary program. This Documented Quote (DQ 2026000129) seeks a vendor to supply 16 different food and snack items, including cereals, cookies, beef jerky, donuts, candy bars, protein bars, chips, and sauces, with an anticipated initial purchase of 32,000 units per item. The procurement is targeted for Garfield County and will support the canteen service's mission of enhancing offenders' lives while providing work experience for incarcerated individuals. Strict packaging requirements mandate exclusively plastic containers with no glass, metal, or alcohol content, and items must withstand high-altitude transportation. The solicitation requires vendors to submit 4-6 samples of each item for security, religious, and nutritional evaluations, with pricing to remain firm during the initial contract term. Key deadlines include written inquiries due by October 8, 2025, mandatory samples by October 10, 2025, and quote submissions electronically via bidnetdirect.com by October 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Award selection and notification are anticipated for October 20, 2025, with a contract term running through June 30, 2026.

The procurement includes a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) goal of at least 3%, with verified SDVOSB offerors receiving a 5% quote preference. Vendors must provide proof of good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State and submit an insurance certificate prior to contract execution, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and automobile liability coverage. The award will be made to the most advantageous respondent, with price as the primary consideration, but sample quality and delivery lead time will also be evaluated. Potential vendors must complete several required documents, including a W-9, Vendor Disclosure Statement, and detailed pricing proposal. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the solicitation indicates an anticipated initial purchase of 32,000 units per item across 16 different product categories. Vendors can access support through the Colorado Supplier Diversity Navigator and must be prepared to comply with comprehensive state contract terms and conditions, including detailed provisions for information security, confidentiality, and operational standards.