Seafood Bid - April 2011

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is seeking a seafood vendor to supply the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township with frozen fish and seafood products for a three-month period. The Request for Quotations (RFQ) specifically solicits three line items: 300 pounds of chopped frozen clam, 6,000 pounds of 4-ounce breaded frozen fish portions, and 225 cases of frozen imitation crab. Deliveries are scheduled between April 28 and June 28, 2011, with precise delivery dates specified in the document. Vendors must meet rigorous product specifications, including packaging requirements and security clearance for institutional delivery. The bid was posted on March 22, 2011, with a response deadline of April 5, 2011. Bidders are required to provide unit and total prices for each line item, and must include a nutrition facts label with their bid documents. The institution reserves the right to adjust quantities based on inmate population and may choose not to award an item if the cost is deemed inappropriate.

The procurement opportunity appears to be open to all qualified vendors, with preferences given to Pennsylvania-based businesses under the Reciprocal Limitations Act. Vendors must comply with state regulations regarding manufacturing origin and provide detailed information about their business establishment. The contract incorporates standard purchase order terms and conditions, and bid results will be published on the DGS eMarketplace website. Vendors must also adhere to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, which requires transparency and potential disclosure of contract-related information. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the estimated quantities suggest a moderate-value contract. Vendors must be prepared to provide copies of requested information within 14 calendar days and understand that the Commonwealth has sole discretion in determining public record status. The contract includes provisions for potential cost reimbursement and requires ongoing compliance with information disclosure requirements even after contract expiration.