Sugar-Free/Low-Sugar Fortified Beverage Base

The State of Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of State Procurement Services, is issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) on behalf of the Department of Corrections for sugar-free and low-sugar fortified beverage bases available in both bulk and single-serve formats. The procurement seeks powdered drink mixes in six flavors (Cherry, Grape, Lemon, Orange, Tropical, and Tea) that dissolve quickly in water and produce clear beverages with no visible sediment. Products must meet specific nutritional fortification requirements including a minimum of 60 mg Vitamin C, 2 mcg Vitamin B12, 3.5 mcg Vitamin D, and 250 mg Calcium per 12 fl. oz. prepared serving, while maintaining a caloric limit of 10 calories per serving and minimal sugar content suitable for correctional facility use. The expected first-year purchase quantity is 100 cases each of bulk drink mix pouches (72 pouches per case of 5 oz. dry mix) and single-serve packets (1,000 3-gram servings per case) across all six flavors, with delivery required to five Department of Corrections facilities throughout Maine. Quotations must be submitted through the State of Maine's AdvantageME Vendor Self Service system by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on April 22, 2026. Bidders must provide detailed product documentation including manufacturer literature, complete Nutrition Facts panels, full ingredient statements, allergen information, preparation instructions for both formats, and any required warning statements. The State reserves the right to request samples at no cost during the evaluation period, and samples must be provided within 10 calendar days or the bid may be disqualified.

The resulting contract will be structured as a Master Agreement with an initial term from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, with four optional renewal periods extending through May 31, 2031. All quotations must include FOB Destination pricing with shipping charges included and must remain firm for 180 days from bid opening and guaranteed for a minimum of one year of the initial contract period. Products must have a minimum remaining shelf life of 12 months at delivery and must be shelf-stable, non-refrigerated dry mixes. The State will award one Master Agreement to the lowest-priced qualified bidder meeting all specifications on a best value basis; bidders must quote on all 12 line items to be considered. No guaranteed purchase volume is associated with this award, and actual usage may vary from estimated quantities. The State is exempt from federal, state, and local taxes and requests quotations without tax inclusion. No specific set-aside designations, restrictions on bidder types, incumbent vendors, or budget ranges are identified in the procurement documents provided.