Produce Bid - Jan. 2011

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is seeking bids for a produce supply contract for the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township. The procurement is an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for multiple fresh produce items including apples, bananas, grapefruit, oranges, and various vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and lettuce. The contract will cover deliveries from January 5, 2011 through an unspecified expiration date, with specific quantity requirements for each produce item. Bids were due by December 20, 2010 at 1:00 pm, with vendors required to submit nutrition fact labels and pricing on an FOB destination basis. Evaluation criteria include meeting detailed product specifications, packaging requirements, and compliance with the bid's terms. The procurement covers Northampton County and specifically involves the State Correctional Institution's food service needs.

The solicitation appears to have no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though it does include provisions of the Reciprocal Limitations Act, which provides preferences for Pennsylvania-based manufacturers and suppliers. Bidders are required to identify the manufacturer and state of origin for each product, with potential preference given to Pennsylvania-produced items. The contract includes provisions under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, requiring contractors to provide access to contract-related documents within 14 calendar days if requested. While specific award value is not disclosed, the procurement is for a one-month period of produce supply to a state correctional facility. The document suggests that the award will be made by group award, indicating potential multiple vendor selection based on product categories or performance criteria.