Utah State Cooperative Contract for Shelf Stable Foods

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing is seeking to establish a cooperative contract for shelf stable food items, with the potential for multiple awards to qualified vendors. The solicitation, identified as #NS26-57, aims to provide a comprehensive range of shelf stable foods for state departments, institutions, political subdivisions, colleges, universities, school districts, cities, counties, nonprofit organizations, and federal agencies. Eligible products include fruit juices, milk, water, fruit cups, salad dressings, condiments, spices, cereals, packaged snacks, soups, oils, crackers, pasta, breakfast bars, nuts, dried fruits, rice, and potatoes. The procurement employs a rigorous two-stage evaluation process, with technical criteria weighted at 70% (1,850 points possible, minimum threshold of 1,295 points) and cost evaluation weighted at 30% (792.9 points available). Vendors must guarantee pricing for three-month intervals, provide statewide delivery coverage, comply with the Buy American Provision, and demonstrate a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan. The contract term is five years, with proposals due on January 13, 2026, and an administrative fee of 0.75% applied to all transactions.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must meet comprehensive qualifications, including the ability to provide local authorized representatives with 24-hour response times, compliance with federal Child Nutrition Program requirements, and submission of an Anti-Lobbying Certificate. Historical purchasing data indicates approximately $14,975,509 in procurement volume from April 2021 through September 2025, though the State does not guarantee future purchase amounts. Vendors must submit pricing inclusive of shipping, delivery, and administrative fees, with no additional charges to end users and excluding Utah state sales tax. All proposed products must be new, of the latest model or design, and free of defects, with a one-year warranty from delivery. The State reserves the right to terminate the contract for convenience with 30 days' written notice or for cause with 10 days to cure. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive scope and historical procurement volume suggest significant potential contract value for successful vendors.