Yogurt Products CRD, November 2024
ID: 12-3J14-Notice-25-012Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OFAGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICEUSDA AMS 3J14WASHINGTON, DC, 20250, USA

NAICS

Fluid Milk Manufacturing (311511)

PSC

DAIRY FOODS AND EGGS (8910)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/3f09af8cdddb432aa2abf0b27fbec4cd/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is seeking industry feedback regarding the revised specifications for yogurt products, effective November 2024. The updated Commodity Procurement Program outlines critical requirements, including a regulatory cap on added sugars, new container and packaging color standards, and the necessity for Kosher certification, with specific protein and sugar content levels mandated for compliance. These yogurt products are essential for USDA domestic programs, ensuring food safety and nutritional quality for diverse populations. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Haiping Li at Haiping.Li@usda.gov or Christopher Thompson at Christopher.D.Thompson@usda.gov, with contracts awarded until June 2025 adhering to a maximum sugar content of 23 grams per 6 oz, which will be reduced to 12 grams for contracts post-July 2025.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Haiping Li
    Haiping.Li@usda.gov
    Christopher Thompson
    Christopher.D.Thompson@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Yogurt Products CRD November 2024.pdf
    The USDA Commodity Procurement Program outlines the specifications for yogurt products intended for domestic programs, effective November 2024. Key requirements dictate that yogurt must comply with federal identity standards, containing specified protein levels and sugars. For contracts awarded until June 2025, the maximum sugar content is limited to 23 grams per 6 oz; this is reduced to 12 grams for contracts post-July 2025, banning non-nutritive sweeteners. All yogurt must be Kosher certified with appropriate labeling and must maintain specific temperature controls during storage and transport. Quality assurance necessitates contractors to conduct product testing and retain Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for at least seven years. Additionally, packaging guidelines highlight the necessity for commercial-grade products with appropriate labeling, which include graphic representations and compliance with shipping requirements. This document serves as a guideline for contractors, ensuring compliance with federal standards in the procurement of yogurt products for USDA domestic programs, maintaining food safety, quality, and proper nutritional content for distribution to diverse populations.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Yogurt Products CRD, November 2024
    Currently viewing
    Special Notice
    Similar Opportunities
    Final Commodity Specification for Frozen Fruit Juices November 2024
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking to finalize the Commodity Specification for Frozen Fruit Juices, effective November 2024. This procurement aims to establish updated standards, requirements, and regulations for purchasing frozen fruit juices under USDA programs, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with the latest product origin audit information and inspection requirements. The specifications are crucial for maintaining quality standards in government procurements, promoting equitable access to markets, and ensuring that products meet the necessary guidelines for federal programs. For inquiries, interested parties can contact Richard Peterson at Richard.Peterson@usda.gov.
    Final Mozzarella Cheese CRD, August 2024
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service seeks industry responses to its updated Mozzarella Cheese Commodity Requirements Document (CRD). The CRD outlines the agency's requirements for large volumes of diverse mozzarella cheese varieties, emphasizing strict quality and safety standards, detailed labeling instructions, and specific production and packaging protocols. Contact Matthew Siedschlaw at Matthew.Siedschlaw@usda.gov for more information on this expedited procurement process, which involves a substantial volume of cheese deliveries.
    Mozzarella Cheese #Bulk Processer #No Natamycin for use in Domestic Food Assistance Programs
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is seeking proposals for the procurement of mozzarella cheese without Natamycin for use in domestic food assistance programs. The solicitation aims to acquire a total of 8,595,125 pounds of mozzarella cheese, with varied delivery dates and locations across multiple states, including Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, and Texas, emphasizing compliance with federal procurement guidelines and timely delivery. This procurement is crucial for ensuring the availability of quality food products for assistance programs, and interested vendors must submit their bids by January 3, 2025, while adhering to the AMS vendor qualification requirements. For further inquiries, potential contractors can contact Jenny Babiuch at jenny.babiuch@usda.gov or Valerie Dinkel at Valerie.Dinkel@usda.gov.
    FMC Devens-Dairy-FY25-2nd Quarter
    Active
    Justice, Department Of
    The U.S. Department of Justice, specifically the Federal Bureau of Prisons, is seeking quotes for the procurement of dairy products for the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts, under solicitation number 15B20525Q00000006. The requirement includes various dairy items such as skim milk, cottage cheese, and sour cream, with specific packaging and kosher certification standards outlined in the attached documentation. This procurement is crucial for meeting the dietary needs of the inmate population, ensuring compliance with nutritional and religious standards. Interested vendors must submit their quotes by 10:00 AM EST on December 24, 2024, with the anticipated award date around December 26, 2024. For further inquiries, contact Jose Gonzalez at jxgonzalez@bop.gov or Charles Coushaine at CCoushaine@bop.gov.
    CCC Dehydrated Potatoes for use in Domestic Food Assistance Programs
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is soliciting bids for the procurement of dehydrated potatoes to support domestic food assistance programs, including the National School Lunch Program. The solicitation aims to secure products that are exclusively grown, processed, and prepared in the United States, with deliveries scheduled between April 15 and July 31, 2025. This procurement is crucial for ensuring the availability of nutritious food options for various federal food and nutrition assistance initiatives. Interested suppliers must submit their offers electronically via the Web-Based Supply Chain Management System (WBSCM) by January 8, 2025, and can contact Douglas E. Stickler or Valerie Dinkel for further information regarding the solicitation.
    Updated Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements - Domestic Programs (MSCP-D)
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), has issued a Special Notice regarding the Updated Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements - Domestic Programs (MSCP-D), effective October 24, 2024. This solicitation outlines the provisions and contract requirements for vendors interested in supplying commodities for various USDA food programs, including the National School Lunch Program and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. The updated document emphasizes compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), vendor qualification criteria, and sustainability measures, ensuring that all commodities are sourced from U.S. suppliers. Interested vendors can find more information and submit bids electronically via the Web Based Supply Chain Management system (WBSCM). For inquiries, contact David C. Jackson at davidc.jackson@usda.gov or Elizabeth Hoover at elizabeth.hoover@usda.gov.
    Final Commodity Specification for Frozen Black Bean Burgers
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), has issued a special notice regarding the procurement of Frozen Black Bean Burger Patties, which will be available for USDA Foods in Schools for the school year 2025-26. The final commodity specification outlines stringent requirements for this plant-based product, including that all ingredients must be sourced from 100% domestic origins, with specific nutritional content and size parameters, while prohibiting non-vegan components. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the nutritional offerings in federal nutrition programs, particularly in school lunch settings, ensuring quality and compliance with USDA guidelines. Interested vendors can reach out to Richard Peterson at Richard.Peterson@usda.gov for further details on the procurement process.
    Federal Purchase Program Specification (FPPS) for Pulled Chicken, Fully Cooked, Frozen
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is seeking suppliers for the Federal Purchase Program Specification (FPPS) for Pulled Chicken, Fully Cooked, Frozen. This procurement aims to provide versatile chicken products for USDA Foods in Schools, starting in the school year 2025-26, with updated specifications that include options for Grading or Auditing certification. The specifications detail product descriptions, packaging requirements, and compliance with federal food safety regulations, ensuring that the processed poultry meets high safety, quality, and nutritional standards essential for institutional food services. Interested suppliers can contact Terry Lutz at terry.lutz@usda.gov or call 202-567-1757 for further information.
    Final Supplement 507 Salmon Products
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Marketing Service, is seeking suppliers for the procurement of salmon products as outlined in the Final Supplement 507, effective November 2024. This opportunity includes updated requirements for compliance with NOAA/SIP standards, quality control measures, and specific product characteristics, including new allergen labeling and shipping protocols. The procurement is vital for federal food and nutrition assistance programs, ensuring that salmon products meet stringent federal safety and quality standards. Interested suppliers must adhere to the outlined specifications and submit their technical proposals, with further details available in the associated documentation.
    Supplement 210 to the AMS Master Solicitation for the Purchase of Miscellaneous Beef Items for Distribution
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued an updated Supplement 210 as part of its Master Solicitation for the procurement of frozen miscellaneous beef items for federal food and nutrition assistance programs. The focus is on purchasing beef roasts and diced beef from qualified suppliers. This opportunity is primarily aimed at ensuring an adequate supply of beef products that adhere to specific quality, safety, and compliance standards. The AMS seeks to engage suppliers who can meet these criteria while also adhering to humane animal handling practices and food defense requirements. Scope of Work The key tasks for the successful awardee will involve: Supplying frozen beef roasts and diced beef that meet the specified standards, including meat component, grade, and pathogen intervention requirements. Adhering to detailed harvesting, packaging, and labeling instructions, ensuring product integrity and safety. Delivering the beef items under specific temperature requirements and with appropriate sealing and labeling to ensure security and compliance. Providing a warranty, complaint resolution procedures, and a mechanism to prevent the delivery of non-conforming products. Bearing the cost of any audits or certification processes required for contract compliance. Eligibility Criteria Potential applicants should possess the capabilities to meet the extensive requirements outlined in the Federal Purchase Program Specification (FPPS). This includes the ability to harvest, process, and supply beef products that align with the specific standards detailed in the solicitation. Experience in working with the USDA and knowledge of its regulations and standards would be a distinct advantage. Funding and Contract Details The contract type and estimated funding associated with this opportunity were not provided. However, the solicitation indicates that the USDA intends to procure a significant quantity of frozen beef items over an extended period. Applicants should factor in the potential costs of compliance with the extensive requirements outlined in the FPPS. Submission Process The submission process involves a two-stepped approach: Applicants should first submit a technical proposal via email, following a specified format. This proposal should outline their capabilities and how they meet the specific requirements. Changes to the technical proposal can be made at any time before the unspecified deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their proposal remains up-to-date. Evaluation Criteria The evaluation of applications will give priority to suppliers who can demonstrate an understanding of and ability to meet the detailed requirements outlined in the solicitation. The USDA will assess applicants' capacity to adhere to the FPPS specifications, their experience in the industry, and their proposed production plans. Additionally, the USDA will conduct a food defense audit of each applicant's Food Defense Plan before opening bids. Contact Information For further clarification or questions, interested parties can contact Mark Lemon at mark.lemon@usda.gov. Suppliers should carefully consider the comprehensive requirements before submitting their applications. The solicitation, with its detailed specifications, serves as a comprehensive guide for applicants.