Specialty Dog Food, Treats, Supplements & Miscellaneous Supplies

The Connecticut Department of Correction issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) DOC26GS0001AA on May 21, 2026, with a bid submission deadline of June 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT for the procurement of specialty dog food, treats, supplements, and miscellaneous supplies to support the health, performance, and well-being of the department's K-9 units. The solicitation encompasses 247 line items including nutritional consultations, dietary supplements from manufacturers such as Adored Beast, Animalbiome, and MYOS, specialty dog food products from brands including Canine Caviar, Forza10, GO!, Instinct, Nulo, and NutriSource, freeze-dried and raw food options, grooming supplies, and miscellaneous items. All products must meet nutritional standards for adult maintenance and active working dogs, be clearly labeled with ingredients, lot numbers, and expiration dates, and arrive in commercially sealed, tamper-evident packaging in sizes up to 25 pounds with a minimum remaining shelf life of 75 percent at delivery. Deliveries must occur Monday through Friday during normal business hours between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., excluding state holidays, on either a recurring or as-needed basis to designated agency locations. Bidders must demonstrate relevant qualifications by providing evidence of past performance with the State of Connecticut within the last three years and listing at least three completed projects similar in nature to the requirements; contractors must also comply with Connecticut General Statutes sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a regarding nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity, OSHA compliance, and comprehensive facility security protocols requiring background clearance through a Collect Background Report form. Pricing shall be firm and net on an F.O.B. Destination basis with payment terms specified as Net 45 days, and contractors must establish product recall procedures and immediately notify the agency of any safety concerns.

The solicitation documents do not identify any set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendors currently serving this requirement. All interested vendors are eligible to respond to this open procurement. Contractors assigned to correctional facilities must complete security clearance procedures, and any personnel changes require clearance at least 10 business days in advance of facility admittance; bidders must also acknowledge the Connecticut Department of Correction's authority to deny facility entry at any time and comply with the Guide for Contractors in the Correctional Environment covering facility entrance procedures, conduct standards, and safety protocols. The solicitation materials do not specify the estimated total contract value, quantities to be ordered, contract term length, or renewal options, nor do they disclose existing infrastructure or technology requirements for integration. Inquiries regarding the solicitation should be directed to Kelly Godreau, AFAO, at the Connecticut Department of Correction, 24 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109, by phone at 860-692-7672 or email at Kelly.Godreau@ct.gov.