Name | Type | Posted | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
12-3J14-26-B-0277 | LINK | May 20, 2026 |
Section 32 Fresh Peaches
Contact and place of performance
Nick Wiber
Not specified
(A001)(5/20/2026)- This amendment is to answer questions received on solicitation 2000011340. Continue to page two for questions and answers. Q 1. Will you please help me and point me in the right direction of who I should be submitting a USDA Desk Audit request for stone fruit. A 1. [email protected]. Also reference the solicitation tendering text as well for the contact: “For questions or when sub...
View moreNOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program
The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO. Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.
Informal 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 solicitation 12-3J14-26-B-0277 as an invitation for bid for fresh peaches under Section 32. This combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial products is set-aside for small business concerns. The requirement is categorized under NAICS code 311991, Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing, and PSC 8915, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.
The response deadline for this opportunity is May 29, 2026, and Nick Wiber is the designated point of contact. A recent amendment to the notice provides answers to vendor questions concerning the procurement process. Vendors seeking a USDA desk audit for stone fruit must submit requests to the specific agency audit contact listed in the solicitation text. One attachment containing the solicitation details was published on May 20, 2026.
The United States Department of Agriculture provides an Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests to address concerns regarding the fairness of the procurement. This internal alternative dispute resolution process is available for both informal and formal protests through the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman. The agency aims to resolve such protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.
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