WIC Infant Formula Provider and Rebate Vendor

The Georgia Department of Public Health is establishing a rebate contract with one qualified supplier for milk and/or soy-based infant formula (excluding Exempt Infant Formula and Nutritionals) for the Georgia WIC Program under eRFQ 40500-DPH0000214. The solicitation closed June 9, 2023, and Mead Johnson & Company LLC was awarded on August 1, 2023, at an estimated contract value of $1,180,168.719.

The procurement is governed by the State Purchasing Act (O.C.G.A 50-5-50 et seq.) and federal WIC regulations at 7 C.F.R. 246.2 and 246.16a. Award is based on lowest net cost to the state without application of preferences. The scope encompasses milk and soy-based infant formula in powdered, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-feed forms within the contractor's product line, distributed to Georgia WIC Program participants. Bidders must submit nationally published price lists effective on the bid opening date, per-unit wholesale prices, rebate amounts, and the Georgia Immigration Form.

Rebates apply only to contract formulas unless supply shortages or extenuating circumstances require alternative formulas. Incumbent contract discounts apply only during the final three months of the current contract term (October, November, December 2028 for benefits with first date of use on or before October 28, 2023). Confidential participant and vendor identification information will not be disclosed to manufacturers.

Participation in the mandatory bidders' conference on May 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. EDT via Microsoft Teams was required for eligibility. The public bid opening occurred June 9, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. EST. Two offerors submitted proposals: Abbott Laboratories Inc and Mead Johnson & Company LLC. Both received passing ratings across all evaluation categories. Abbott was unsuccessful as the non-low bidder. Issuing Officer Arnaz Fanning administered the procurement.