8920--RFI for VISN 1 Bread Contract

Classification Original Set Aside: Product Service Code: 8920 - BAKERY AND CEREAL PRODUCTS NAICS Code: 311812 - Commercial Bakeries Place of Performance: West Haven, CT Bedford, MA Brockton, MA/Boston, MA Leeds, MA Manchester, NH Providence, RI WRJ, VT USA Description Dear Valued Suppliers: This is a Request for Information ( RFI ). VA NCO 1 is interested in comments and feedback regarding the Agency s fresh bread and bakeries items to VA Hospitals and Medical Centers. There is no solicitation available currently. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this RFI, nor will the Government compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing the information provided to the Government. This RFI does not constitute a commitment from the Government and any information provided in response to this market survey will be used for informational purposes only and will not be released. Any proprietary information submitted will be protected if appropriately marked. Please note that by responding to the instant Agency request, a potential offeror is not promised any future business with the Government. The sole purpose of this RFI is to conduct market research to assist the Agency in crafting an appropriate solicitation in the future. Background: The Agency intends to issue a solicitation and ultimately enter into indefinite quantity contract(s) ( IQC ) with a commercial firm(s) to supply fresh bread and bakery products to VHA and VAMC patients in New England. Acceptance of supplies awarded under this solicitation will be limited to fresh product. All products delivered under this contract must conform to the following freshness requirements: Product shall maintain freshness for a minimum of 5 days from date of delivery. Wrappers shall identify the type of product, ingredients, net weight, and name of bakery. Date and day of production must be clearly marked on label or by color-coded tie code (code to be supplied by vendor) on each package. Bread shall not be more than 24 hours old upon arrival at receiving point. Bread shall not have been frozen prior to arrival. The package shall afford adequate protection against deterioration and physical damage during shipment from the supply source to the medical centers. Bakery products shall include mold inhibitors of the proper level as allowed by the USDA. Commercial standards should be used to maintain temperatures appropriate for the items. Interested parties who consider themselves qualified to (perform the services/provide these supplies) are invited to submit a response to this RFI by 17:30 EST, 30, April 2023. All responses under this RFI must be emailed to contact@example.gov with RFI #36C24123Q0558 in the subject line. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions. Interested parties should complete the attached RFI Worksheet. Parties may submit additional information related to their capabilities. Responses to this RFI shall not exceed 8 pages. In addition, all submissions should be provided electronically in a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.