Name | Type | Posted | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
12-3J14-26-B-0247 | LINK | Apr 21, 2026 |
Section 32 Frozen Strawberries
Contact and place of performance
Nicholas Cavazos
Not specified
Amendment 1 - (04/24/2026) - This amendment is issued to update the Master Invitation for Bids - Domestic document to the latest version published 04/24/2026. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with part 5.101(d). This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not...
View moreInformal Forum with the Ombudsman
1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.
2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.
3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).
Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman
1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.
2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.
3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.
4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.
5. Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.
6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to [email protected] and the Contracting Officer.
Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.
The Agricultural Marketing Service is issuing a combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial products under solicitation number 12-3J14-26-B-0247 to procure frozen fruit, specifically Section 32 frozen strawberries. This acquisition is conducted as an invitation for bid (IFB) and is set-aside for small business concerns. The requirement is classified under NAICS 311411 for Frozen Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Manufacturing and PSC 8915 for Fruits and Vegetables.
Bids for this solicitation are due by April 29, 2026. The agency issued Amendment 1 on April 24, 2026, to update the Master Invitation for Bids - Domestic document to the latest version. The procurement process incorporates an agency protest program through the United States Department of Agriculture Ombudsman Program, which provides an alternative dispute resolution process for interested parties. One attachment was posted with the initial solicitation on April 21, 2026, and Nicholas Cavazos is the designated point of contact.
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