Dog Food for GSA BPA Sources Sought
ID: 47QSSC-25-Q-0022Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATIONFEDERAL ACQUISITION SERVICEGSA/FAS/GSS/QSCBA/SPECIAL CONTRACTING BRANCH A AND QSCBB SPECIAL CONTRACTING BRANCH BWASHINGTON, DC, 20006, USA

NAICS

Dog and Cat Food Manufacturing (311111)
Timeline
    Description

    The General Services Administration (GSA) is seeking information from prospective vendors for a potential procurement of dog food under the National Stock Number (NSN) Program, which may lead to a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). Interested contractors are required to submit a completed Sources Sought Questionnaire by November 13, 2024, detailing their product availability, compliance with military nutritional requirements, and distribution capabilities, as the GSA aims to evaluate suppliers for Military Working Dog food. This procurement is crucial for ensuring the health and performance of military working dogs, with specific nutritional guidelines outlined to meet varying activity levels. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Stephanie Bridgewater at stephanie.bridgewater@gsa.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Stephanie Bridgewater
    stephanie.bridgewater@gsa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The GSA's Federal Acquisition Service is conducting a Sources Sought Questionnaire for contractors interested in providing dog food under the MAS Contract 47QSSC-25-Q-0022. Contractors must complete the questionnaire detailing their product availability, compliance with military nutritional requirements, and distribution capabilities. Key inquiries include the contractor's existing MAS contract status, production capacity of at least 5,000 bags per year, and CONUS and OCONUS shipping timelines. Additionally, the request emphasizes the necessity for compliance with specific military standards, world-wide availability, and the possibility of bulk discounts. The document aims to gather essential information for evaluating potential suppliers for Military Working Dog food, ensuring it meets quality and logistical requirements while fostering competition in response to the request for information (RFI). Completion and submission of the questionnaire are directed to a specified GSA official via eBuy. This process reflects the government’s structured approach in sourcing and acquiring necessary supplies efficiently.
    The General Services Administration (GSA) has outlined the nutritional requirements for military working dogs (MWDs) in attachment 2 of their Request for Proposal (RFP) 47QSSC-25-Q-0022. The document specifies that diets for MWDs must be highly digestible, complete, and balanced, accommodating varying levels of activity from very low to very high. Each nutritional level is defined by precise percentages of protein, fat, and carbohydrates tailored to the dogs' work and training intensities. For example, MWDs engaged in very low activity require 22-24% protein and less than 10% fat, while those in high-intensity training need over 28% protein and 20-25% fat. All diets should derive from the same manufacturer to maintain ingredient consistency, facilitating dietary transitions for the dogs. This detailed nutritional guideline aims to support the health and performance of MWDs, illustrating the federal government's commitment to their care and operational effectiveness within military settings.
    The document outlines the requirements for contractors working with the General Services Administration (GSA) regarding the choice between Vendor Portal (VP) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for business transactions. Contractors are encouraged to select EDI if they anticipate receiving over 50 orders per month. Essential transactional obligations include promptly acknowledging purchase orders and changes, providing shipment and delivery information, and ensuring data accuracy. All communications with GSA must be managed by the prime contractor, prohibiting subcontractor submissions, and necessitating close collaboration with GSA Contracting Officers. The document details specific requirements for both VP and EDI use, including mandatory response times and transaction handling processes. The GSA employs ANSI X-12 standards for EDI communications, with validation testing to occur following contract awards. Contractor performance will be assessed based on adherence to these requirements and timely order fulfillments, with potential offsets for late deliveries. The overall focus is on efficient order processing and communication between contractors and the GSA, hosting significant implications for federal government RFPs and contracts.
    The document outlines the Federal Standard for marking shipments destined for civil agencies, establishing comprehensive marking requirements for unit, intermediate, transport packages, and unit loads. It is primarily aimed at ensuring clarity and compliance in shipping practices within federal agencies and contractors. The document details various packages' definitions and marking requirements, including necessary information such as item names, purchase order numbers, packing lists, and shelf life markings. Additionally, it outlines barcode applications and regulations for hazardous materials, emphasizing the need for clear, legible, and permanent marking to withstand handling and environmental conditions. Special provisions for overseas shipping and caution markings are also included to enhance safety. The document serves as a regulatory guide for packaging commodity shipments, ensuring they meet federal standards and effectively communicate vital shipment information to recipients. Overall, it aims to facilitate proper handling and transportation of government commodities, highlighting the importance of compliance with established marking protocols to maintain efficiency and safety in federal logistics operations.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Sources Sought
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