Request for Quotation #25IR033 - Canned Fruit

The California Department of State Hospitals at the Atascadero facility is seeking bids for a Request for Quotation (RFQ) #25IR033 to procure canned fruit products for institutional use. The solicitation requires vendors to supply five specific canned fruit items: 784 cases of unsweetened applesauce, 672 cases of diced peaches, 784 cases of diced pears, 896 cases of pineapple tidbits, and 1,008 cases of fruit cocktail. All products must be packed in standard #10 cans with six cans per case, meeting strict quality requirements of three-year shelf stability and good quality for at least six months post-delivery. The RFQ stipulates that all fruit must be canned in water, its own juice, or unsweetened fruit juice without added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Bids are due January 1, 2026, by 3:00 PM PST, with evaluation occurring on January 2, 2026, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest-cost vendor for a period from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. Evaluation will consider pricing, with potential quantity adjustments of up to 15 percent, and delivery must be made to the Atascadero facility receiving dock during operational hours of Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding holidays.

The solicitation includes several set-aside and preference provisions, notably a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) waiver with a 3 to 5 percent incentive for DVBE participation and a small business preference option. Recycled products are required to the maximum extent economically feasible, with the Department of State Hospitals reserving the right to award based on recycled content if costs do not exceed 10 percent above non-recycled products. Bidders must submit multiple required forms, including the Darfur Contracting Act Certification, Payee Data Record, Bidders Declaration Form, DVBE Declarations Form, Recycled Content Certification Form, and Voluntary Statistical Data Sheet. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves multiple cases of canned fruit across five product categories. Vendors interested in the opportunity can contact Isaiah Rodriguez at 805-468-2591 or isaiah.rodriguez@dsh.ca.gov for procurement inquiries. The competitive advertised method will be used for evaluation, with pricing excluding tax and offering three shipping options: no shipping fee, shipping only, or shipping and handling.