8915--Hydroponic Produce

Responses must be received no later than Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:00AM EST. THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE IS ISSUED SOLELY FOR INFORMATION AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION. THE SUBMISSION OF PRICING, CAPABILITIES FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, AND OTHER MARKET INFORMATION IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED AND ALLOWED UNDER THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH (IAW) FAR 15.201(e). DISCLAIMER: This Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this Sources Sought Notice that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. IAW FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Sources Sought Notice. SOURCES SOUGHT DESCRIPTION This is NOT a solicitation announcement. This is a sources sought notice only. The purpose of this sources sought notice is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification relative to NAICS 311991. Responses to this sources sought notice will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After review of the responses to this sources sought notice, a solicitation announcement may be published. Responses to this sources sought notice are not considered adequate responses for a solicitation announcement. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VISN 5 Network Contracting Office, is seeking sources that can provide Hydroponic Produce for the Martinsburg VA Medical Center. ITEM INFORMATION ITEM NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT 0001 144.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Gourmet Lettuce Mix -50% Green Oakleaf, 25% Red Oakleaf, 12.5% Green Incised, 12.5% Red Sweet Crisp Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2025 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 001 0002 48.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Lollo Bionda Lettuce Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2025 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 002 0003 18.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Romaine lettuce Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2025 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 003 0004 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Genovese Basil Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2025 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 004 0005 25.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Cilantro Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2025 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 005 0006 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Italian Flat Leaf Parsley Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2025 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 006 0007 53.00 CS __________________ __________________ Potatoes Yukon gold, local grown Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2025 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 007 1001 144.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Gourmet Lettuce Mix -50% Green Oakleaf, 25% Red Oakleaf, 12.5% Green Incised, 12.5% Red Sweet Crisp Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 001 1002 48.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Lollo Bionda Lettuce Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 002 1003 18.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Romaine lettuce Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 003 1004 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Genovese Basil Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 004 1005 25.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Cilantro Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 005 1006 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Italian Flat Leaf Parsley Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 006 1007 53.00 CS __________________ __________________ Potatoes Yukon gold, local grown Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 10-01-2025 POP End: 09-30-2026 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 007 2001 144.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Gourmet Lettuce Mix -50% Green Oakleaf, 25% Red Oakleaf, 12.5% Green Incised, 12.5% Red Sweet Crisp Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 001 2002 48.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Lollo Bionda Lettuce Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 002 2003 18.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Romaine lettuce Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 003 2004 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Genovese Basil Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 004 2005 25.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Cilantro Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 005 2006 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Italian Flat Leaf Parsley Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 006 2007 53.00 CS __________________ __________________ Potatoes Yukon gold, local grown Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 10-01-2026 POP End: 09-30-2027 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 007 3001 144.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Gourmet Lettuce Mix -50% Green Oakleaf, 25% Red Oakleaf, 12.5% Green Incised, 12.5% Red Sweet Crisp Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 001 3002 48.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Lollo Bionda Lettuce Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 002 3003 18.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Romaine lettuce Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 003 3004 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Genovese Basil Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 004 3005 25.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Cilantro Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 005 3006 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Italian Flat Leaf Parsley Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 006 3007 53.00 CS __________________ __________________ Potatoes Yukon gold, local grown Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 10-01-2027 POP End: 09-30-2028 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 007 4001 144.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Gourmet Lettuce Mix -50% Green Oakleaf, 25% Red Oakleaf, 12.5% Green Incised, 12.5% Red Sweet Crisp Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 001 4002 48.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Lollo Bionda Lettuce Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 002 4003 18.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Romaine lettuce Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 003 4004 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Genovese Basil Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 004 4005 25.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Cilantro Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 005 4006 8.00 CS __________________ __________________ Hydroponic Italian Flat Leaf Parsley Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 006 4007 53.00 CS __________________ __________________ Potatoes Yukon gold, local grown Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 10-01-2028 POP End: 09-30-2029 LOCAL STOCK NUMBER: 007 GRAND TOTAL __________________ FUNCTIONAL WORK/ SECIFICATION STATEMENT: The Contractor shall produce products to meet the highest customer service standards of the industry in support of the Martinsburg, VA Medical Center (VAMC). PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Base year: 04/01/2025 09/30/2025 Option Year 1: 10/01/2025 09/30/2026 Option Year 2: 10/01/2026 09/30/2027 Option Year 3: 10/01/2027 09/30/2028 Option year 4: 10/01/2028 09/30/2029 PROCEDURES FOR PROVIDING SERVICES: Contractor shall provide all necessary labor, material, equipment, supplies, and supervision to provide produce items in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MARTINSBURG, WV (VAMC): All produce will be local hydroponically grow without the use of insecticides or pesticides unless otherwise specified in the contract. All produce shall be delivered to the requested destinations as listed in the schedule. All produce products furnished under this contract shall be fresh and of the highest quality. All products furnished under this contract shall be processed and packed under sanitary conditions in strict accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, using the best commercial practices that are standard for the industry. All containers shall be clean, sound and securely covered or sealed to provide adequate protection from dirt, filth, or contamination. Unless otherwise specified in the item specification or solicitation, marking shall be in accordance with best commercial practice. Any commercial or additional labeling as specified which complies with the U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) | FDA and regulations promulgated there under, is acceptable. DELIVERY ORDERS: VAMC personnel designated at time of award will place delivery orders. VAMC will issue individual delivery orders for their service. Delivery orders will be Called in or E-mailed at least 48 hours in advance of needed date. DELIVERY: Deliveries will be made to the Nutrition and Food Services inventory control unit located VAMC Martinsburg, WV, building 500 Room GB-100 main kitchen(basement) Deliveries accepted between the hours of 5 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. All items delivered shall be in accordance with the latest Federal Hospital Subsistence Guide and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) | FDA and regulations promulgated there under. All Produce items shall be labeled, packaged, and packed in commercially acceptable containers. Where applicable, produce type, shall be labeled. hydroponically grow produce shall be harvested for delivery within 24 hours. Produce items must be freshness dated in the following method: processing date directly marked on the packaging. Contractor is required to notify VAMC Martinsburg, WV, if delivery cannot be made on normal delivery date, product is not available, or product will be shorted at least 24 hours in advance of delivery date. Contractor shall not be required to deliver products on national holidays as listed below and any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday: Federal Holidays observed by the VAMC Martinsburg, WV are: New Year s Day Martin Luther King s Birthday President s Day Memorial Day last Juneteenth National Independence Day Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day g. Emergency situations. - Delivery-within 24 hours from time of notification for In-house, and external disasters, local and national disasters, inclement weather, and medical local and national emergency INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE: A point of contact from the Martinsburg VAMC will be designated to accept or reject delivery as to quality and condition of produce. Items rejected all or in part by the VAMC shall be removed from the premises within 48 hours of notification of rejection. On a rare occurrence If the vendor needs to offer a substitute product, the substitute product must be comparable and acceptable to the VAMC and offered at the same contract price. Vendor-owned delivery trays, racks, wheeled carts, etc. shall be in clean condition at delivery time; if they are not, vendor personnel will be required to transfer produce products to government owned holding racks. Vendor-owned trays/racks, wheeled carts, etc. utilized in delivery will be held for pick-up by the vendor for reuse. The VAMC reserves the right to perform an inspection of the contractor s facility and delivery vehicles at any time during the contract period and, if it is found that the contractor is not complying with specifications, deliveries will be rejected, and the items covered by this contract will be procured in the open market. Any excess cost occasioned by this action shall be charged against the contractor s account. SANITATION AND WORKMANSHIP: Items shall be prepared, processed, and packed under sanitary conditions and in accordance with good commercial practice. All containers shall be clean, sound and securely covered or sealed to provide adequate protection from dirt, filth, or other contamination. DELIVERY LOCATION: MARTINSBURG VA MEDICAL CENTER 510 BUTLER AVENUE building 500 room GB100 MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA 25405 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes or modify any of the requirements under this contract on behalf of the Government. In the event the Contractor affects any change(s) at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, that change shall be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment in price shall be made in the contract to cover any increase in charges incurred as a result thereof. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information identified above is intended to be descriptive, not restrictive and to indicate the quality of the supplies/services that will be satisfactory. It is the responsibility of the interested source to demonstrate to the government that the interested parties can provide the supplies/services that fulfill the required specifications. If you are interested and are capable of providing the sought-out supplies/services, please provide the requested information as well as the information indicated below. If you are interested and are capable of providing the sought-out supplies/services, please provide the requested information as well as the information indicated below. Response to this notice should include company name, address, point of contact, size of business pursuant to the following questions: (1) Please indicate the size status and representations of your business, such as but not limited to: Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), Hubzone, Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Large Business, etc. (2) Is your company considered small under the NAICS code identified under this RFI? (3) Are you the manufacturer or distributor of the items being referenced above (or equivalent product/solution)? What is the manufacturing country of origin of these items? (4) If you are a small business and you are an authorized distributor/reseller for the items identified above (or equivalent product/solution), do you alter; assemble; modify; the items requested in any way? If you do, state how and what is altered; assembled; modified? (5) Does your company have an FSS contract with GSA or the NAC or are you a contract holder with NASA SEWP or any other federal contract? If so, please provide the contract type and number. (6) If you are an FSS GSA/NAC or NASA SEWP contract holder or other federal contract holder, are the referenced items/solutions available on your schedule/contract? (7) Please provide general pricing for your products/solutions for market research purposes. (8) Please submit your capabilities in regard to the salient characteristics being provided and any information pertaining to equal to items to establish capabilities for planning purposes? *** Submissions addressing Section (8) should show clear, compelling, and convincing*** evidence that all equal to items" meet all required salient characteristics. Responses to this sources sought notice shall be submitted via email to contact@example.gov. Telephone responses shall not be accepted. Responses must be received no later than Wednesday, February 12, 2024, at 10:00AM EST. If a solicitation is issued it shall be announced at a later date, and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from the responses to this request for information. Responses to this notice are not a request to be added to a prospective bidders list or to receive a copy of the solicitation.