RFO 9RF5Z00002 2026 Sack Lunch RFO

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) issued Request for Offer 9RF5Z00002 on April 28, 2026, seeking qualified sack lunch vendors to supply meals to firefighters and personnel during the 2026 fire season and beyond. The RFO requires vendors to provide three distinct lunch configurations: 24-Hour Fire Line Lunches (regular and vegetarian options) with a minimum of 4,000 calories and specified macronutrient requirements of 575 grams carbohydrates, 148 grams protein, and 82 grams fat; 12-Hour Base Camp Lunches (regular and vegetarian options) with a minimum of 1,800 calories; and Admin Lunches (regular, vegetarian, and salad options) with a minimum of 600 calories not exceeding $19.00 per lunch. All vendors must submit complete responses including detailed nutritional specifications, product descriptions, photographs of each lunch type, company background information, comprehensive pricing for all lunch configurations with all incidental costs included, current insurance certificates, and required state certifications. The submission deadline is May 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., with questions due by May 1, 2026, and answers posted May 5, 2026; the approved vendor list is anticipated on May 29, 2026, with pricing valid from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. Vendors must maintain General and Commercial Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, Worker's Compensation Insurance with Waiver of Subrogation, and Commercial Automobile Insurance of $1,000,000, and must demonstrate 24/7 emergency order capability with 24-hour delivery and proper refrigerated transportation. All vendors must be California-based, properly licensed to conduct business in the state, with no subcontracting permitted, and must comply with all California food safety regulations and snack item requirements limiting added sugars to a maximum of 50 grams.

The RFO requires all prime bidders to declare their California business certifications, including Microbusiness (MB), Small Business (SB), Nonprofit Veteran Service Agency (NVSA), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) status, with preference consideration for certified small business and disabled veteran business enterprises. Vendors must complete the Darfur Contracting Act Vendor Certification form (CAL FIRE-720) certifying their business operations status regarding international activities, the Contractor Certification Clauses form addressing nondiscrimination, drug-free workplace compliance, National Labor Relations Board certifications, and various state and federal compliance requirements, and submit the Bidder Declaration Form disclosing all certifications and any proposed subcontractors. Responses must be submitted as PDF files via email to BSO.IncidentSupport@fire.ca.gov or mailed to CAL FIRE's Business Services Office, with all documentation requirements outlined in the RFO Checklist. Payment will be made by Purchase Order and check from the State Controller's Office, though vendors must demonstrate financial soundness to sustain operations during potential payment delays of up to 75 days during declared fire season. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in the RFO documentation. While specific budget ranges or total award values are not explicitly stated, the RFO establishes pricing parameters with Admin Lunches capped at $19.00 per unit, and vendors should anticipate variable demand contingent upon emergency incident needs throughout the contract year.