Statewide: Meals-Ready-to-Eat and Humanitarian Daily Rations

The Maryland Department of General Services, Office of State Procurement, is requesting bids on Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MRE) and Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDR) under a statewide Invitation for Bids, with bids due July 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM and a pre-bid conference held June 17, 2026. A 5% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) subcontracting goal applies; all MBE subcontractors must be certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation at the time of bid, with certified MBE primes counting up to 50% of the overall goal for self-performed work and remaining portions requiring other certified MBE subcontractors or a waiver. Additionally, a Small Business Preference applies to this solicitation.

The scope covers multiple award contracts supplying shelf-stable MREs and HDRs to the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and other authorized state agencies. MRE variants include Kosher options and low-sodium formulations with approximately 1,250 kilocalories per meal; HDRs must meet U.S. Department of Defense specifications and provide over 2,200 calories per ration. All items must be U.S. Grade A and mercury-free. Contractors must demonstrate capacity to deliver within 24 to 48 hours of notification in quantities ranging from 50 to 500 truckloads, with emergency delivery within 24 hours. Bidders must have at least three years' experience supplying MREs and HDRs to institutional customers and state agencies and maintain active registration on eMMA and SDAT compliance.

The resulting contracts are indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) awards with a five-year base period and two one-year renewal options. Awards are made by line item to the responsive, responsible bidder submitting the lowest price. Pricing must be fully loaded, including delivery, all administrative charges, and the one percent eMMA transaction fee. Contractors must maintain minimum insurance of $1 million commercial general liability per occurrence and $3 million annual aggregate, plus appropriate automotive or commercial truck coverage. Contract payment is by electronic funds transfer. Contractors must submit 120-day usage reports and comply with Maryland's green purchasing reporting requirements including recycled content and third-party sustainability certifications. Questions are due June 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM.