Tomato Canned

The Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) Purchasing/Contracts Division has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the procurement of canned tomatoes, specifically seeking approximately 2,856 cases of diced tomatoes. The solicitation requires vendors to provide products with a minimum shelf life of 12 months and deliver to ODOC's Central Distribution Center located in Salem, Oregon. Bidders must submit comprehensive product details, including brand, manufacturer, nutritional facts, and documentation demonstrating compliance with FDA and USDA regulations. The procurement timeline indicates a bid closing date of August 22, 2024, with ODOC reserving the right to award one or more contracts based on the lowest responsive and responsible bid per line item, group of items, or total bid. Evaluation criteria will include product specifications, pricing, compliance with regulatory standards, and potential sample submissions that ODOC may request during the review process. Vendors must adhere to strict packaging and labeling requirements as outlined in the ITB documentation.

The solicitation demonstrates a preference for Oregon-made goods and services, with additional preferential consideration given to resident Oregon businesses. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the bid appears open to qualified vendors who can meet the technical and regulatory specifications. The procurement does not specify a precise contract value or budget range, though the volume of 2,856 cases suggests a substantial purchasing commitment. ODOC reserves significant discretion in the procurement process, including the ability to request additional information, evaluate samples, and make award determinations based on comprehensive assessment of bidder capabilities. The contract will require vendors to demonstrate ability to consistently meet nutritional, quality, and delivery standards for institutional food service procurement.