October Produce-2010

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services, specifically for the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township, is seeking a produce vendor to supply fresh fruits and vegetables for a one-month period in October 2010. The procurement is a Request for Quotations (RFQ) targeting vendors capable of delivering multiple shipments of specific produce items between October 6 and October 27, 2010. Required produce includes a comprehensive list of 18 items such as bananas, cantaloupe, nectarines, peaches, pears, watermelons, oranges, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, salad mixes, tomatoes, cauliflower, and apples. The RFQ specifies detailed requirements for product grades, sizes, and packaging, with vendors required to provide unit pricing for each item. The bid submission deadline is September 23, 2010, at 1:00 PM, with the correctional institution reserving the right to not award an item if the cost is not deemed in its best interest. Quantities are estimated and will be subject to change based on inmate population, and payment will be processed upon item receipt and invoice submission.

The contract opportunity appears to have specific state-level procurement preferences through the Reciprocal Limitations Act, which provides advantages to Pennsylvania-based businesses and products. Bidders must complete detailed information about their state of manufacture and residency status to qualify for potential preference considerations. The procurement includes specific security requirements, with delivery drivers potentially needing security clearances. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the document includes provisions related to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, which outlines contractor responsibilities for document disclosure and information management. The contract is structured for a one-month period with estimated quantities, suggesting a potential value range tied to the institution's inmate population and specific produce needs. Vendors must be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation, comply with state procurement regulations, and meet strict delivery and quality specifications for the correctional facility's produce requirements.