Specifications: 2.1.1 The beverages provided under this contract shall conform to all mandatory specifications, terms, conditions and requirements as stated herein. Beverages not conforming to the requirements stated herein, including approved substitutions, shall not be accepted. 2.1.2 All items offered must be of retail quality and be individually commercially packaged for resale. 2.2 Item Labeling, Expiration Dates, Size and Packaging Requirements: 2.2.1 Labeling – Because all items are for resale, each item must bear an identifying barcode for individual resale. The label must also bear the nutrition facts, ingredients, net weight, the date of expiration/freshness date and name of the item. a. The Department prefers expiration/freshness dating to be in month and year format; however, Julian date codes will be acceptable. If an item expresses a Julian date code, the supplier/manufacturer should provide the formula to decode the Julian date along with the sample. In addition, if the Julian date code is not an expiration/freshness dates, the supplier/manufacturer should provide with the sample the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life in order to determine the expiration/freshness date from the Julian date code. Julian date decoding information must be received prior to an award of a contract. Any items received with a freshness date of less than three (3) months will be refused or returned at the contractor’s expense. b. Labeling: All items must bear the name of the item, net weight, the date of expiration/freshness date, and if applicable, instructions for preparation. c. There shall be no alteration of national brand manufacturer's labeling for any item. Manufacturer's bulk packaged items shall not be re-labeled for individual resale. Relabeled items and items that indicate "not for individual resale" are not acceptable. d. Labels or packaging shall not be pre-priced. e. Labeling, including trademarks, logos, graphics, etc., shall not depict violence, weapons, full or partial nudity, or illegal substances. 2.2.2 Size: The size shall be as indicated below. Items falling outside the requested size range or specified size will not be considered. a. Carbonated beverages shall be twelve (12) ounce aluminum cans only. 2.2.3 Packaging: Carbonated beverage packaging shall protect the integrity of the contents so the items are not exposed to adulteration or potential contaminants. Boxes or containers, as applicable, should be selected to the extent necessary to provide protection from physical and environmental damage during shipping and handling. Cushioning materials shall be applied, as required, to protect the item(s). a. Packaging must be no more than twenty-four (24) individual cans per case. 2.2.4 Glass containers or plastic bottles are not acceptable and will not be considered for award. 2.3 Brands and Flavors: 2.3.1 Acceptable brands for mandatory flavors are listed on the next page. Bidders may provide multiple acceptable brands for the line items if desired, but must provide all flavors listed for delivery to all institutions listed on Attachment 1. MANDATORY FLAVORS BRAND BRAND BRAND Cola Coca-Cola Pepsi Cola RC Cola Diet Cola Diet Coke Diet Pepsi Diet Rite Cola Cherry Cola Cherry Coke Wild Cherry Pepsi Cherry RC Cola Lemon-Lime Sprite Sierra Mist 7Up Diet/Zero Sugar Lemon-Lime Sprite Zero Diet Sierra Mist Diet 7UP/7UP Zero Root Beer Barq's Mug A&W
