STATEWIDE: Ice Cream

The State of Maryland Department of General Services, Office of State Procurement is soliciting bids for statewide ice cream products and delivery services under an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, with bids due March 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM via eMMA. The procurement is designated for Small Businesses, though non-small businesses may respond provided they achieve Small Business status by award; a 1% MBE subcontracting goal and a 20% certified local farm and fish program participation goal apply.

Vendors must demonstrate at least three years of experience distributing dairy and other perishable food products to institutional or large-volume customers and provide references. All ice cream products must be U.S. Grade A in compliance with USDA standards. Contractors must provide suitable locking freezers at no additional cost upon request, deliver within 15 working days of order receipt, and refuse no order above $200. Pricing is quoted net thirty days F.O.B. to any point within Maryland with all freight, handling, and administrative charges included; minimum order for contract pricing is $300, with freight not exceeding $40 or actual shipping costs (whichever is less) for smaller orders. Vendors must deliver no more frequently than twice monthly for orders exceeding $200 or once monthly for orders under $200. Participating farms must be located in Maryland. All MBE subcontractors must be certified by MDOT at time of bid; VSBE subcontractors must be certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Bidders unable to meet MBE or farm participation goals may request waivers.

The contract term is five years with two one-year renewal options. Quantities are approximate and not to be construed as minimum or maximum purchases. Contracts exceeding $200,000 require electronic funds transfer unless exempted. A virtual pre-bid conference is scheduled March 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM (RSVP required by March 2). Written questions are due March 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Amendment 2 (Q&A) and Amendment 1 (pre-bid meeting minutes) were posted March 13, 2026.