IDOC Certified Passover Religious Diet Items

The Illinois Department of Corrections is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) under solicitation number 26-426DOC-CENTO-B-50766 to procure certified Passover religious diet items for statewide correctional facilities over a three-year contract term with a maximum total duration not exceeding ten years including any renewals or extensions. The procurement requires vendors to supply three specific products: grape juice certified kosher for Passover in 64 fluid ounce plastic bottles (8 bottles per case), Manischewitz Passover Matzah Crackers or equivalent Streit's brand (30 1-pound boxes per case), and handmade round Shmura Matzos. All items must be clearly labeled as certified kosher and packaged to prevent contamination, crushing, or temperature-related spoilage during transport. The vendor must deliver products to various correctional centers throughout Illinois within seven business days of order placement and guarantee delivery at least two weeks prior to the official commencement of Passover. Bids must be submitted electronically through the BidBuy procurement system by February 10, 2026, and remain firm for 120 days from opening. Vendors must submit required documentation including either a Vendor Disclosure or IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, an Offer to the State of Illinois, a Contract, and a Business Enterprise Program Utilization Plan. The State will evaluate bids based on responsibility, responsiveness, and price, making award to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. Bidders may submit written questions no later than three days prior to bid opening.

The procurement includes a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal of 6% for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, with the State maintaining an aspirational goal of awarding not less than 30% of total contract dollar value to BEP-certified vendors and 3% to Veterans Business Program-certified vendors; failure to submit a completed Utilization Plan renders bids non-responsive. Bidders must demonstrate good faith efforts to meet BEP participation goals or provide comprehensive waiver documentation if unable to achieve the specified percentage. The contract utilizes F.O.B. Destination terms with pricing structured as estimated pricing, meaning the vendor bears all transportation and handling costs. Vendors must maintain general commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and auto liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence, provide proof of kosher certification with the bid response, and comply with all USDA and Illinois Department of Public Health food safety requirements. Any products arriving damaged or non-compliant must be replaced within 48 hours at no additional cost to IDOC. A $15 administrative fee is required from any awarded bidder with a contract value of $1,000 or more, to be deducted from the first check issued. The resulting contract may be partially or totally funded with Federal funds, with the specific percentage and amount to be disclosed upon notice of award.