IDOC - Certified Kosher Prepackaged Meals

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking bids for a contract to provide certified kosher prepackaged meals for individuals in custody with religious dietary requirements. The procurement solicits shelf-stable or frozen kosher meals with a minimum of 18 distinct meal varieties, including 4 breakfast, 7 lunch, and 7 dinner options, each meal providing between 700-900 calories and meeting specific nutritional standards. The contract will have an initial five-year term with a potential maximum duration of ten years, requiring vendors to deliver approximately 54,000 prepackaged kosher meals monthly to multiple correctional centers across Illinois. Meals must be double-sealed, fully compliant with Orthodox Jewish dietary laws, and certified kosher. Vendor performance metrics include maintaining a 95% on-time delivery rate and 100% kosher certification compliance, with monthly usage reports required. The bid is exclusively for electronic submission through BidBuy by August 25, 2025, with prices remaining firm for the first six months following contract execution and potential subsequent economic adjustments based on documented government actions.

The solicitation includes a 6% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal for businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Vendors must submit a comprehensive Utilization Plan demonstrating how they will meet these diversity goals through self-performance or subcontracting with certified vendors. Bidders are required to be registered in the Illinois Small Business Set-Aside Program and can subcontract up to 49% of the contract value to businesses not meeting small business criteria. The state will award the contract to the lowest-priced responsive and responsible bidder, with the bid remaining valid for 90 days from the opening date. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the procurement suggests a substantial contract value given the monthly meal requirement of 54,000 prepackaged meals. Vendors must complete multiple compliance documents, including Vendor Disclosure forms and Business Enterprise Program documentation, and adhere to state procurement regulations, ethical standards, and non-discrimination policies.