26-426DOC-CENTO-B-50555 | IDOC - Certified Halal Prepackaged Meals

The contract solicitation numbered 26-426DOC-CENTO-B-50555, issued by the Illinois Central Office Purchasing located in Springfield, IL, pertains to the procurement of Certified Halal Prepackaged Meals. This solicitation is directed toward vendors capable of supplying prepackaged meal products that meet halal certification, intended to fulfill the specific dietary requirements as set forth by the State of Illinois. The contract emphasizes compliance with applicable procurement standards, including adherence to diversity and inclusion policies designed to promote participation from certified businesses owned by women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. A significant aspect of this solicitation involves the commitment to the Illinois Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Veterans Business Program (VBP), where bidders are required to meet a 5% BEP participation goal while there is no set goal for VBP on this contract. The solicitation mandates that subcontractors must be certified and perform commercially useful functions as part of the contract execution. Vendors responding to this solicitation must submit a detailed utilization plan illustrating their compliance with these programs and demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives through the Completion of the Commitment to Diversity (C2D) forms. The evaluation of proposals will include an assessment of BEP goal compliance, subcontracting to WMD businesses, and other DEI measures, thereby integrating social responsibility objectives within the procurement process. Terry Thomas serves as the primary contact for this solicitation, and all related submissions and communications are facilitated through the Illinois BidBuy system.