IFB SD#24-00002 Pharmaceutical Courier Services

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are seeking a pharmaceutical courier services contractor through Invitation for Bid (IFB) #SD24-00002. The contractor will provide comprehensive pharmaceutical delivery services across multiple state correctional facilities, including picking up filled prescriptions within four hours from designated community pharmacies, ensuring medication transportation with strict confidentiality and temperature control protocols. Minimum qualifications for bidders include one year of pharmaceutical courier service experience, a valid California Third-Party Logistics Provider License, a California Class C Driver's License, a California-based location, and three positive service references from the past year. The IFB requires contractors to provide all labor, materials, transportation, and equipment necessary for statewide pharmaceutical courier services. Key procurement dates include IFB availability on December 12, 2024, final questions due by December 19, 2024, and bid submissions due January 9, 2025, by 3:00 PM. The proposed contract term spans February 5, 2025, through February 4, 2028, with pricing structured by distance ranges (1-138 miles) and service times including normal business hours, after-hours, holidays, and weekends.

The procurement includes specific set-aside designations and preferences, mandating a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement with additional small business and DVBE incentives ranging from 1-3% based on participation levels. Bidders must maintain licensure with the California State Board of Pharmacy as a Third-Party Logistics Provider and carry specific insurance coverage, including commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. The contractor must comply with HIPAA regulations, information security requirements, and specific conduct standards related to interaction with state prison inmates. While the total contract amount is to be determined, the rate structure will be established through a comprehensive rate sheet based on distance and service time. Notably, the procurement includes a cancellation letter dated January 13, 2025, indicating that CDCR/CCHCS has determined it is in the state's best interest not to award a contract against this IFB at this time, which may impact the final procurement outcome.