VDC 4 VaDOC/KOSHER FOR PASSOVER HORSERADISH, CHOPPED WALNUTS/12-23

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VaDOC) has issued a one-time bid solicitation for Kosher for Passover certified foods, specifically for horseradish and chopped walnuts, to be drop-shipped to Goochland County, Virginia. The procurement opportunity (ID: 6759ca0ecec761592e09fe3c) was posted on December 11, 2024, with proposals due by December 16, 2024. The solicitation requires vendors to provide two specific items: Fisher brand chopped walnuts in 25-pound packages and Gold's horseradish in 4x1 gallon plastic jars per case, both certified Kosher for Passover. Vendors must comply with the Virginia Department of Corrections Food Service Manual, specifically the Kosher Symbols reference document dated May 1, 2019, which provides a comprehensive list of acceptable kosher certification symbols. The procurement process involved five vendors submitting proposals, with Robbins Sales Co Inc ultimately being awarded the contract for both items at the lowest bid prices of $5.59 per pound for walnuts and $63.69 per case for horseradish.

The contract opportunity includes several set-aside and qualification provisions that favor diverse businesses. Robbins Sales Co Inc, the winning vendor, is certified as a SWAM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business) enterprise, aligning with Virginia's commitment to supporting diverse suppliers. Vendors must register through Virginia's eVA procurement portal and comply with the Department of General Services General Terms and Conditions, which include payment terms of 30-day cycles and transaction fees of 1% (capped at $500 for certified small businesses and $1,500 for non-certified businesses). Insurance requirements include workers' compensation, employer's liability of $100,000, and commercial general liability of $1 million per occurrence. The total bid amounts for this procurement ranged from $5,272.80 to $42,555.00, with the awarded contract likely falling on the lower end of this spectrum. Vendors must also adhere to anti-discrimination provisions, maintain ethical conduct standards, and be authorized to conduct business in Virginia.