IDOC Certified Passover Religious Diet Items

The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) is seeking a vendor to supply Certified Passover Religious Diet Items across its statewide correctional facilities through a competitive bid process (Solicitation B-49699). The procurement specifically requires vendors to provide specialized Kosher Passover food items, including Grape Juice Certified Kosher for Passover (64 FL. Oz. plastic bottles), Manischewitz Passover Matzah Crackers, and Handmade Round Shmura Matzos. The contract will have an initial three-year term with a potential maximum term of ten years, with vendors required to deliver items within seven business days after order placement and at least two weeks prior to the official start of Passover. Bid evaluation will focus on responsiveness, vendor responsibility, and lowest overall total price, with all submissions required to be made electronically through the BidBuy platform. The solicitation requires vendors to submit specific documentation including Vendor Disclosure, Offer to the State of Illinois Contract, and proof of Kosher certification. The bid response deadline is November 14, 2025, with bids required to remain firm for 120 days from the opening date.

The procurement includes a 6% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal, encouraging participation from minority-owned, women-owned, and disabled-owned businesses. Subcontractors are permitted, with specific reporting requirements for subcontracts valued at $100,000 or more. Vendors must complete an IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure form and comply with various state regulations, including provisions related to human rights, political contributions, and business practices. The state has established an aspirational target of awarding at least 30% of contract dollars to certified diverse businesses, with vendors required to either meet diversity participation goals or provide documented good faith efforts. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the procurement covers food items for multiple correctional facilities with populations ranging from 190 to 2,500 inmates. Vendors must also demonstrate compliance with USDA and Illinois Department of Public Health standards, and the state reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive minor defects in the submission process.