Pre-Solicitation Notice for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable support for DoD Troop and USDA School Customers in the Middle Atlantic Zone
ID: SPE300-24-R-0021Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCYDLA TROOP SUPPORTPHILADELPHIA, PA, 19111-5096, USA

NAICS

Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing (311991)

PSC

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (8915)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, is soliciting proposals for an indefinite quantity contract to supply fresh fruits, vegetables, and shell eggs to DoD and USDA school customers in the Middle Atlantic Zone. This procurement is specifically set aside for small businesses, requiring vendors to provide USDA Grade Number 1 or better quality products while demonstrating the capability to source, store, and deliver these items with high customer service standards. The contract, which spans five years, emphasizes compliance with quality and pricing requirements, including the necessity for a valid Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) license and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certifications. Interested parties must submit their proposals by May 6, 2025, at 3 PM EDT, and can contact Marcus Berenato or James Barr for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines solicitation SPE300-24-R-0021 for the provision of food supplies for Middle Atlantic troops and schools. It specifies that vendors must fill out white fields only, bidding on all items listed, which include various fresh fruits and vegetables packaged by the case. The file provides detailed descriptions and estimated quantities for each item, such as apples, bananas, broccoli, and several others, totaling approximately 1,035,496 cases over 24 months. The pricing structure, categorized into tiers, is left blank for vendor completion, revealing that the government expects vendors to provide competitive pricing for delivery, including freight. Moreover, the emphasis on invoice labeling with government item numbers indicates strict adherence to tracking and accountability. This solicitation underscores the federal commitment to sourcing quality food products for troop and school provisions, illustrating the broader scope of government procurement processes for essential goods.
    The document outlines a Request for New Produce Items, intended for procurement within the Department of Defense or related federal initiatives. It includes a detailed checklist for necessary information, such as the requesting activity, contract number, whether the request is CONUS or OCONUS, and whether the items are for Troop Support or School Lunch/Tribe programs. Key fields require the complete item description, form (e.g., whole, chopped), refrigeration needs, USDA grading, and brand names. Cost details per case and unit of measure are essential for vendor pricing, alongside package size and weight specifications. The document emphasizes providing an estimate of monthly usage and instructs submitters to share this request with the DLA Catalog Account Manager for efficient item stocking. The structure is clearly itemized, ensuring all necessary data points are considered for a successful procurement process, reflecting the systematic approach in government RFPs and grants to facilitate efficient supply chain management for food products.
    The document details various federal and state delivery addresses primarily for government facilities, including military and educational institutions, across the U.S. It specifies customers' names and addresses, including the Coast Guard, Air Force, and several public schools, highlighting their need for scheduled deliveries, typically requiring "skip day delivery." The structure is categorized by loading points, shipping addresses, and customer details for both military bases and educational establishments, indicating an organized system for managing logistical support for government entities. This information supports the procurement and logistics operations within federal and local agencies, illustrating a framework for efficient delivery management relevant to government requests for proposals (RFPs) and grants aimed at enhancing service delivery in these sectors.
    The document outlines the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Implementation Guidelines for the Subsistence Total Ordering and Receipt Electronic System (STORES) by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support. It details the EDI testing and production processes essential for vendors to successfully integrate with STORES, emphasizing transaction sets such as the 832 Catalog, 850 Purchase Order, and 810 Invoice. The guidelines serve as a structured approach for vendors to ensure compliance with EDI requirements, including mandatory fields and testing procedures to validate data integrity. Key contact points for each transaction type are provided for assistance during implementation and testing. The document emphasizes the importance of timely catalog updates, proper order processing, and invoice matching to ensure accurate transactions. Additionally, it addresses potential production issues, relevant procedures for problem resolution, and guides on submission formats for different EDI transaction sets. Overall, the guidelines facilitate the electronic procurement process, enhancing efficiency in supply chain management for subsistence items within the Department of Defense. The structured EDI framework is crucial for vendors to align with government standards, ensuring streamlined operations and compliance with federal requirements.
    The file outlines the DLA Troop Support's Quality Systems Management Visits (QSMVs) and Produce Quality Audits for contractors supplying produce. QSMVs can occur unannounced to ensure compliance with contract terms, assessing aspects like quality programs and inventory control. Contractors are required to facilitate visits to their suppliers or subcontractors and must address any concerns raised during these inspections, as failure to do so may lead to contract termination. The Produce Quality Audit Program aims to verify the quality and safety of produce delivered, with audits conducted by USDA and DLA personnel. Minimum acceptable performance is set at 85%. Contractors will be audited at least once per contract period, requiring them to provide specific facility setups and documentation for items subject to evaluation. Consequences of audit failures include corrective actions and potential contract termination. Markings for traceability and quality assurance are mandated, ensuring that products comply with safety standards and can be traced back in case of recalls. This documentation serves as a measure for maintaining high-quality standards and safety in the supply chain when contracting produce for government agencies.
    The document is a solicitation for an indefinite quantity contract (IQC) by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support to supply USDA Grade Number 1 or better quality fresh fruits and vegetables and shell eggs for Department of Defense (DoD) and USDA School customers within the Middle Atlantic Zone. The solicitation is explicitly set aside for small businesses, with a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code of 311991 and a size standard of 700 employees. Bidders must have the capability to source, store, and deliver fresh produce while maintaining high levels of customer service and product quality. They are required to provide a valid Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) license and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certifications. The contract encompasses a five-year duration with three tiers, allowing for adjustments in Distribution Prices based on Economic Price Adjustments (EPA) provisions. Proposals must comply with the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation process, and noncompliance with pricing and quality requirements may lead to disqualification. The document also stresses the importance of clear communication about pricing adjustments and security program enrollments necessary to fulfill contract obligations, underscoring the expectation for ethical business practices throughout the process.
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