Vegetable Transplants

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB-24-103) for Vegetable Transplants to be delivered to various correctional institutions throughout the state, with a specific focus on Jackson County. The procurement seeks vendors to provide specific vegetable transplant varieties, including Bravo and Snow Crown Cabbage, Green Magic Broccoli, Georgia Collards, Sweet Harvest Onions, and BHN 602 and 784 Tomatoes, with each pack containing 1,000 seedlings. The ITB establishes an Agency Term Contract (ATC) with an initial term of up to three years and possible renewal options. Bidders must submit firm, fixed pricing that includes all applicable fees, packaging, handling, shipping, and delivery charges, and must bid on all items within each group to be considered responsive. The evaluation criteria prioritize the lowest grand total price, with an anticipated award to the most responsive and responsible vendor. Key dates include a bid release on November 7, 2024, written questions due by November 21, 2024, anticipated responses by December 17, 2024, and bid submissions due by January 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with an anticipated award posting in February 2025.

The ITB includes provisions favoring Florida-based vendors, who may receive a 5% price preference over out-of-state vendors under certain circumstances. Vendors must meet specific qualifications, including three years of business experience, prime vendor status, legal compliance, and a Dun & Bradstreet Financial Stress Score of 1-4. The solicitation removes previous bonding requirements, specifically the Reply Bond of $1.5 million and Performance Guarantee/Bond of $1 million. Potential bidders must provide certifications for drug-free workplace, E-Verify compliance, and data security, with a requirement that all data reside and remain in the United States. Delivery locations include Apalachee CI East, Florida State Prison, Avon Park CI, and Desoto Annex, with a mandatory delivery timeline of 30 days from purchase order issuance. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the solicitation and the variety of vegetable transplants suggest a substantial contract opportunity for qualified agricultural suppliers serving correctional institutions across Florida.