IDOC Catering Services

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a catering services provider for its Training Academy located in Morris, Illinois. The procurement, identified by solicitation number 26-426DOC-CENTO-B-48493, requires a vendor to supply daily individually packaged lunch boxes for 50-75 cadets and staff members, Monday through Friday, between September 29, 2025, and July 30, 2026. Meal specifications include a variety of sandwich options (both traditional and vegetarian), two sides, and bottled water, with delivery required by 11:00am at Shabbona Middle School. The contract covers multiple training periods in 2025 and 2026, with specific service dates including holiday considerations. Vendor responsibilities include producing food products, providing nutritional fact sheets, submitting weekly menus, and complying with health and safety regulations. Bids must be submitted electronically through BidBuy by July 29, 2025, with bids remaining firm for 90 days after opening. The state will award the contract to the lowest-priced responsive and responsible bidder based on meeting specified criteria.

The procurement includes a 12% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, with an overall state aspiration of awarding 30% of contract dollars to certified diverse businesses. Specifically, there is a 3% goal for service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small businesses. Bidders must complete a Utilization Plan demonstrating good faith efforts to meet diversity participation goals, including identifying and engaging certified vendors. Vendors must be registered in the Illinois Small Business Set-Aside Program and may be eligible for tax credits if they hire qualified veterans or certain ex-offenders. While the exact contract value is not specified, the comprehensive service requirements suggest a significant commitment to providing high-quality meal services. Additional compliance requirements include submitting a Vendor Disclosure form, completing the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, and potentially paying a $15 administrative fee. Successful vendors must maintain detailed documentation and be prepared for potential monthly reporting and compliance reviews.