IFB #SD24-00032 Pharmaceutical Courier Services

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are soliciting bids for Pharmaceutical Courier Services through Invitation for Bid (IFB) #SD24-00032. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical transportation services between various California correctional institutions, encompassing pharmacy to institution and inter-institutional deliveries. Bidders must meet specific minimum qualifications, including one year of pharmaceutical courier experience, a valid California Third-Party Logistics Provider License, California Class C Driver's License, and a business location within California. The contract will run from May 2, 2025, through May 1, 2028, with services required during normal business hours, after hours, and on holidays/weekends across multiple state prisons. Bidders must submit detailed rate sheets for different mileage ranges and delivery timeframes, with the bid evaluation considering factors such as small business preferences and DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise) participation. The solicitation requires contractors to transport medications within four hours of request, maintain strict confidentiality, ensure medication integrity, and comply with state and federal regulations including HIPAA requirements and California Board of Pharmacy guidelines. The proposal submission deadline is April 18, 2025.

The procurement includes provisions for small business and disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) participation, potentially providing competitive advantages to qualifying businesses. Contractors must demonstrate capability to transport medications from over 50 community pharmacies to 26 correctional institutions, maintaining temperature-controlled transportation and employing trained personnel. The courier service must provide secure packaging, maintain chain of custody documentation, and adhere to comprehensive privacy and security protocols. While specific contract values are not explicitly stated, the three-year contract duration and statewide scope suggest a potentially significant procurement opportunity. The evaluation will calculate the total bid amount for the three-year term, with quantities used primarily for cost computation and determining the lowest responsive bidder. Contractors must provide proof of licensing as a Third-Party Logistics Provider and demonstrate comprehensive capabilities in pharmaceutical transportation, including detailed record-keeping and compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements. The solicitation appears designed to ensure a robust, secure, and efficient pharmaceutical delivery system for California's correctional healthcare infrastructure.