October 2025 Meat and Cheese - DOC-PE

The State of Louisiana's Office of State Procurement is conducting a solicitation (RFx No. 3000025388) for the Department of Corrections Prison Enterprises (DOC-PE) to procure meat and cheese products, specifically focusing on frozen chicken, turkey, beef, pork, and cheese items. The procurement covers 45 line items with quantities ranging from 150 to 80,000 pounds, targeting delivery to the Wakefield facility with strict processing and delivery requirements. All products must be USDA and FDA compliant, processed within 90 days of delivery, and meet specific quality standards including precise packaging specifications and temperature control. The bid opening is scheduled for September 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST, with online bid submissions required through the LaGov system. Bidders must be registered vendors and will be evaluated based on lowest responsive and responsible bid, with the state reserving the right to award contracts individually or in grouped configurations. Delivery is restricted to Monday through Thursday between 7:00 am and 1:00 pm, with an expected delivery date on or before October 13, 2025.

The solicitation includes provisions that prohibit unreasonably restrictive qualifications, ensuring open competition for public agencies receiving USDA Child Food Nutrition Program funds. Louisiana preference laws provide potential advantages to Louisiana-based businesses and U.S. manufacturers, though federal regulations (7 CFR Part 3016.60(C)) mandate fair bidding practices. Potential vendors must comply with civil rights laws, accessibility requirements, and anti-discrimination provisions. The contract allows for potential renewals up to 36 months, with the initial contract period beginning after bid award. Payment will be processed through electronic methods, including LaCarte procurement cards for purchases under $5,000 and Electronic Funds Transfer for larger transactions. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive nature of the 45-line item procurement suggests a substantial contract value. Vendors must use refrigerated trucks, schedule deliveries 24 hours in advance, and meet extensive product handling and packaging requirements to be considered responsive.