Request for Quotation - Solicitation #25IR021 - BULK JUICES

The Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero is conducting a Request for Quotation (RFQ #25IR021) for bulk juice procurement, seeking vendors to supply 300 cases of Cranberry Juice Cocktail, 200 cases of Pineapple Juice, and 200 cases of Vegetable/Tomato Juice. The solicitation covers a six-month contract period from January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026, with specific requirements for 12-count, 46-ounce containers in shelf-stable cartons and a minimum six-month post-delivery shelf life. All juices except cranberry must be 100% fruit juice without added sugar, while cranberry juice cocktail must contain at least 10% fruit juice. Deliveries will be scheduled monthly to the Atascadero Receiving Dock, with specific delivery hours of Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-3:00 PM PST. Key procurement dates include a bid submission deadline of November 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM PST, with vendor evaluations occurring on November 4, 2025, and vendor questions accepted until October 27, 2025 at 3:00 PM PST. The primary evaluation criterion will be lowest cost, with the state reserving the right to award based on factors including recycled product content.

The solicitation includes several important programmatic considerations for potential bidders. The Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program requirement is waived, but an incentive of 3-5% will be applied based on DVBE participation levels, with the highest incentive (5%) for vendors demonstrating 5% or greater participation. Small Business Preference guidelines from the Department of General Services will also apply. Bidders must submit multiple required forms, including the Darfur Contracting Act Certification, Payee Data Record, Bidders Declaration Form, DVBE Declarations Form, Recycled Content Certification, and Voluntary Statistical Data Sheet. Notably, vendors must disclose any generative AI technology incorporated into their solution, with failure to do so resulting in automatic disqualification. While specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves substantial juice volume across three product categories. Pricing shall not include tax, with options for shipping that can be non-taxable or include taxable shipping and handling fees.