IFB C5612609-D Canteen Chips

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) Number C5612609-D for a statewide master contract to provide chips for inmate canteens across multiple correctional facilities. The procurement seeks a vendor to supply a comprehensive range of chip products, including potato chips, tortilla chips, pork rinds, cheese curls, corn chips, popcorn, caramel popcorn, and party mix, with specific flavor and packaging requirements. Bidders must provide all five required chip flavors at identical pricing, with additional optional flavors permitted. The bid submissions are due on January 10, 2025, by 11:00 AM, with a public bid opening scheduled for January 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder who meets all specified requirements, with an initial term from February 1, 2025, through January 31, 2027, and an option to extend for an additional 12 months. Vendor qualifications include being in business for at least two years, having one year of experience with similar accounts, and completing at least one $15,000 sale to the State of California or a comparable account. The evaluation will focus on compliance with bid specifications, pricing, and overall responsiveness to the solicitation requirements.

The IFB includes provisions for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation, offering up to a 5% preference, though DVBE participation is not mandatory. Small businesses are encouraged to participate in the procurement process. While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the estimated volume requirements suggest significant potential, with projected purchases ranging from approximately 8.1 million ounces for potato chips to 39,270 ounces for party mix over the two-year contract period. A notable aspect of this procurement is the reduction of inmate canteen goods markup from 65% to 35%, effective January 1, 2024, which may potentially increase order quantities. The contract will be administered through the Inmate Welfare Fund, with individual institutions placing orders against the master contract using their institutional allotments for resale. No funds will be directly encumbered for the contract, as each correctional facility will manage its own chip purchases based on institutional needs. The procurement provides an opportunity for vendors to establish a statewide supply agreement for chip products across California's correctional system.