Inmate Toothpaste

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) FDC ITB-25-086 for procuring inmate toothpaste across correctional institutions statewide, specifically seeking individual toothpaste packets and clear tubes. The solicitation requires vendors to provide toothpaste with precise specifications, including a minimum sodium fluoride content of 0.243%, no animal fat, and American Dental Association certification in gel or white paste formats. Estimated annual procurement quantities include 1,500,000 individual packets and 900,000 clear tubes. Vendor submissions must include product samples, Material Safety Data Sheets, and complete various legal compliance certifications. The bid was advertised on July 1, 2025, with vendor questions due by July 9, 2025, and the final bid deadline set for August 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The Department will evaluate bids primarily based on the lowest Grand Total Price, with potential preference given to Florida-based vendors. The contract is anticipated to be awarded in September 2025 and will have a potential duration of up to five years with possible renewals.

The procurement appears open to all qualified vendors, with no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises explicitly mentioned in the documentation. Vendors must complete several mandatory certifications, including E-Verify compliance, scrutinized companies list verifications, and foreign country of concern attestations. There are no minimum order requirements specified, and pricing is expected to remain firm throughout the contract term. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the substantial annual quantities suggest a potentially significant contract value. The toothpaste must meet strict quality and compliance standards, indicating a rigorous selection process focused on product quality, safety, and regulatory adherence. The procurement's statewide scope suggests a comprehensive approach to meeting correctional facility hygiene requirements across Florida's prison system.