T1103 Frozen Vegetables for Distribution and Support Services (DSS)

The New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Purchase and Property, is seeking bids for a comprehensive frozen fruits and vegetables procurement contract (Bid Solicitation #25DPP01049) for Distribution and Support Services (DSS). The solicitation covers seventeen distinct price line items of frozen produce, including green peas, corn, potato puffs, carrots, green beans, strawberries, and mixed vegetable blends. Vendors must provide frozen vegetables with a minimum 720-day shelf life, packaged in specific configurations such as 12/2.5 lb. plastic bags per case, and deliver within 30 calendar days of order receipt to the DSS facility in West Trenton, New Jersey. The contract term is four years with potential extensions up to three additional years, and bidders may quote on one, some, or all price lines, with the state intending to make one contract award per price line. Electronic questions are due by May 23, 2025, with quote opening scheduled for June 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Bidders must submit comprehensive documentation including standard procurement forms, a bidder data sheet detailing prior contract experiences, and complete pricing information.

The procurement is not designated as a small business or disabled veteran-owned business set-aside contract, allowing broad participation from various vendors. Bidders must complete multiple mandatory forms, including an Ownership Disclosure Form, Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form, and Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus Form. While specific incumbent vendor information is not provided, the solicitation indicates this is a reprocurement of an existing frozen vegetables contract. A 1% procurement efficiency program fee will be applied to all purchases. The state estimates substantial volume across the seventeen price lines, with order quantities ranging from 2,800 to 53,200 cases. Vendors must provide firm fixed unit prices, detailed product specifications, brand or manufacturer names, and net weight per case. Evaluation will likely focus on pricing, product quality, compliance with specifications, and vendor's demonstrated capability to fulfill large-scale institutional food distribution requirements.