Final Commodity Specification for Frozen Fruit Juices November 2024
ID: 12-3J14-Notice-25-008Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Frozen Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Manufacturing (311411)

PSC

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (8915)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/7417d9e4bef746908a4f47202acd50de/view
Timeline
    Description

    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.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Richard Peterson
    Richard.Peterson@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Commodity Specification for Frozen Fruit Juices November 2024.pdf
    The document outlines the Commodity Specification for Frozen Fruit Juices, effective November 2024, as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. The main focus is to establish standards, requirements, and regulations for purchasing frozen fruit juices under USDA programs to ensure safety, quality, and compliance. Key points include the U.S. grade specifications, the necessity for 100% U.S. origin of products, packaging and labeling rules, and strict guidelines for shipping and temperature control during transport. The document mandates that contractors must provide appropriate documentation to verify domestic origin and comply with certification processes carried out by USDA inspectors. It also specifies inspection requirements, rejection criteria for non-compliance, and adequate palletization and packaging methods to secure product integrity. This specification is vital for maintaining quality standards in government procurements and ensures that products are suitable for federal programs while promoting equitable access to markets. The comprehensive guidelines provided facilitate effective procurement processes and accountability in frozen fruit juice supply chains.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Final Commodity Specification for Frozen Fruit Juices November 2024
    Currently viewing
    Special Notice
    Similar Opportunities
    Yogurt Products CRD, November 2024
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    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.
    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.
    Federal Purchase Program Specification (FPPS) for Consumer Pack Chicken, Frozen
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service seeks suppliers for its Federal Purchase Program Specification, aiming to procure high-quality, frozen chicken products. The focus is on diverse cuts, emphasizing compliance with quality standards and timely delivery. This program aims to purchase: Consumer Pack Whole Chicken, weighing 3-7 lbs., packed in fiberboard containers Consumer Pack Split Chicken Breast, packaged in 5-lb. re-sealable bags Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, weighing 3-6 lbs., with specific packaging requirements Consumer Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, packaged in tray packs Suppliers must ensure adherence to strict regulations and standards, employing humane practices and certified processing methods. Terry Lutz and Anjeanette Johnson are the primary contacts for this program, which involves an ongoing procurement process with emphasis on quality and reliability.
    Final Supplement 509 Alaska Pollock Products
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Marketing Service, is seeking suppliers for the procurement of frozen Alaska Pollock products, with a focus on compliance with updated guidelines effective November 2024. Suppliers must ensure that their products are sourced from FDA-compliant and NOAA Seafood Inspection Program approved processors, and they are required to submit detailed technical proposals outlining product specifications, production processes, and quality control measures. This procurement is vital for maintaining high standards of food quality and safety in federal food programs, ensuring that products meet strict federal standards regarding domestic sourcing and grading. Interested suppliers can contact Mark Lemon at mark.lemon@usda.gov for further information regarding the submission requirements and deadlines.
    Updated FPPS Chicken Parts, Frozen
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    Special Notice: AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF is seeking to procure updated FPPS Chicken Parts, Frozen through the AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE. This service is typically used for purchasing frozen chicken parts for federal programs. The updates to the specification include replacing kosher chicken cut-up with kosher leg quarters, adjusting the chicken cut-up WOG range, allowing a thigh or drumstick added to Leg Quarters to complete weight, increasing the date processed from 60 to 90 days, allowing an alternative to verify carcass weight, expanding UPC codes to identify primary and secondary containers, adding sesame allergen, contractor checkloading, and the vendor option allowing either grading or auditing certification.
    Section 32 Purchase Specification for Fresh Tomatoes
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    Special Notice: AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF is seeking to procure Fresh Tomatoes under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Purchase Specification. This service is typically used to purchase fresh tomatoes for various purposes. The procurement will be made under the authority of Section 5 of the CCC Charter Act. For more information, please contact Richard Peterson at Richard.Peterson@usda.gov.
    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.
    Supplement 500 Tuna Products
    Active
    Agriculture, Department Of
    The Department of Agriculture, specifically the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is seeking suppliers for the procurement of Supplement 500 Tuna Products, with updates effective August 2024. This opportunity requires compliance with FDA regulations and approval under the NOAA Seafood Inspection Program, emphasizing the necessity for a food defense plan, documentation of compliance, and adherence to "Dolphin-Safe" standards for tuna caught in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The USDA aims to source sustainable and safe tuna for federal food and nutrition assistance programs, ensuring strict quality assurance and traceability through precise labeling and packaging requirements. Interested suppliers should refer to the Final Supplement 500 Tuna Products document for detailed requirements and compliance guidelines.
    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.