IFB C5613146-D, Rebid 1 - Cremation Services

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is requesting bids on cremation services across 32 geographic groups encompassing 67 CDCR facilities statewide under IFB C5613146-D, Rebid 1, with bids due September 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. and public bid opening on September 24 at 2:00 p.m. The procurement includes mandatory 25% Small Business participation per Government Code 14838, with an optional 5% price preference (not to exceed $50,000) available to certified Small and Micro Businesses; a DVBE incentive ranging from 1 to 5% is also available for qualifying disabled veteran business enterprise participation.

The scope encompasses removal of deceased incarcerated individuals' bodies, cold storage, cremation, and disposition of cremated remains across state prisons, conservation camps, and correctional facilities. All required licenses—Funeral Establishment License, Funeral Directors License, and Crematory License—must be maintained throughout the contract term. Compensation includes all labor, personnel, transportation (travel, per diem, fuel, mileage), materials, supplies, tools, equipment, permits, licenses, taxes, and fees. Bidders may select one or more of seven geographic groups but must bid on all locations within each selected group and all items within each location. The estimated volume is approximately 437 cremations annually. Each location's basis of award includes a 25% line item for additional as-needed, unforeseeable services.

The contract term runs through April 30, 2029, with anticipated service commencement upon approval. The State reserves the right to award multiple agreements for backup purposes and will contact the primary contractor first. Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder; in the event of tied bids, the State may determine award based on discount percentage or by coin toss or lot drawing. Letters of Inquiry are due September 16, 2026. Contractors may offer early-payment discounts of at least 1% (minimum $50) on invoices paid within thirty days of receipt.