KD/VDC/frozen vegetables/09-26/lot BID128754

The Virginia Department of Corrections is soliciting bids for frozen vegetables on a one-time, all-or-none lot basis with bids due September 25, 2026. Vendors must possess a P.A.C.A. (Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act) license to be eligible.

Award preference is tiered: DSBSD-certified micro businesses with bids up to $10,000 receive first priority, DSBSD-certified small businesses with bids not exceeding $100,000 receive second priority, and the lowest responsive and responsible bidder of any size receives third priority, provided the agency determines the price is fair and reasonable.

Products must be completely frozen upon receipt at the VDC facility in Sandston, Virginia, with temperatures not exceeding 0 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus 5 degrees. Frozen products must meet or exceed USDA Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications, Virginia Department of Agriculture regulations, and Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requirements. Shelf life requirements vary: products with manufacturer shelf life of six months or less must have 50 percent of original shelf life remaining at delivery; products with greater shelf life must have 75 percent remaining. Deliveries are accepted by appointment only between 7:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Commonwealth holidays and scheduled inventory closings. Products must be delivered on 48-inch by 40-inch four-way entry hardwood pallets, properly stretch-wrapped with clear wrap only, with gross weight not exceeding 2,600 pounds unless otherwise noted.

Bid prices must be firm unit prices F.O.B. delivered to the VDC facility, with all freight costs included, submitted electronically through eVA. Vendors must specify the number of cases per pallet in their bids. The VDC may issue additional orders during the first 30 days after award, not to exceed 100 percent of the original contract quantity. All deliveries are subject to inspection and rejection for noncompliance; defective, damaged, contaminated, or unsuitable products must be replaced at no cost to the Commonwealth.