Rebid*Cheese Sandwich Crackers -DOC- PE - Addendum No. 1 - Vendor Questions and State's Responses Date Issued:

The Louisiana Office of State Procurement is conducting an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for a Blanket Order Contract to provide cheese sandwich crackers for the Louisiana Department of Corrections (DOC) Prison Enterprises canteen. The solicitation, with RFx Number 3000025564, seeks 2,232 cases of Ritz or Lance brand Cheddar Cheese crackers, specifically packaged as 1.35 oz-1.43 oz per pack with 112 packs per case. The initial contract period will run from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, with potential renewals for two additional 12-month periods, not to exceed a total of 36 months. The bid opening is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST, with online bidding available through the LaGov vendor portal. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder meeting specifications, with a minimum order amount of 20 cases and delivery terms of 14 days After Receipt of Order (ARO). Bidders must register in the LaGov system, submit pricing inclusive of freight charges, and provide all necessary documentation, including a W-9 form for new vendors.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must be prepared to meet the state's comprehensive pricing requirements, which include transportation, freight, inside delivery, unpacking, and debris removal. The contract is structured as a blanket order, meaning quantities are estimated and may be increased or decreased throughout the contract period without guaranteed specific order quantities. Payment will be processed electronically, with the LaCarte procurement card used for purchases under $5,000 and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) available for larger transactions. While no specific budget range is detailed, the solicitation indicates potential for significant volume with 2,232 cases as the initial estimated requirement. The state reserves the right to reject vendors unable to meet delivery timeframes and to reject individual line items from the award. Additionally, the procurement includes Louisiana product preferences that may allow for price adjustments for Louisiana-produced products.