Mexican Entrees; Tortillas FAU25-89

The State of California Department of General Services is conducting a solicitation for two statewide contracts covering Mexican Entrees and Tortillas, targeting institutional food service for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Department of State Hospitals (DSH), and Veterans facilities. The procurement involves four specific product categories: Vegetarian Bean and Cheese Burritos (5 oz), Chicken and Bean Burritos (4 oz), Chicken Enchiladas (2 oz), Vegetarian Cheese Enchiladas (2 oz), along with fresh and frozen corn and flour tortillas. Vendors must meet stringent food safety requirements, including USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service standards, FDA trans-fat guidelines, and Current Good Manufacturing Practices. Technical specifications mandate specific product compositions, such as whole wheat or enriched flour tortillas, minimum chicken content, sodium limitations, and precise packaging standards including temperature control and shelf-life requirements. The solicitation is structured as an Invitation for Bid (IFB) with a two-year contract term and potential one-year extensions, with bids due on August 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT. A mandatory bidders' conference is scheduled for July 31, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT via Microsoft Teams, and the anticipated annual spend is estimated at $304,727.76 for Mexican Entrees and $1,672,256.58 for Tortillas.

The contract offers significant opportunities for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) and Small Business Preferences, with socioeconomic program considerations built into the evaluation process. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder with the lowest cost, factoring in applicable preference and incentive calculations. Vendors must provide comprehensive monthly reporting, including contract usage, Small Business/DVBE participation, and aging debt reports, with minimum order quantities of 10 cases for Mexican Entrees and 15 cases for Tortillas. Delivery requirements include specific temperature and packaging specifications for frozen and chilled products, with shipping containers limited to 50 pounds and temperature maintenance below 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Bidders must complete a detailed Narrative Response form documenting business registration, certification status, distribution plans, and potential international operations. The procurement covers institutions across Northern and Southern California, including over 50 state facilities such as prisons, hospitals, veterans' homes, and correctional centers. While specific award values are not definitively stated, the total estimated contract value appears to be approximately $1,976,984.34 across the two product categories, representing a significant institutional food service procurement opportunity.