8945--Fresh Foods - Produce for VA GLA & SD

Responses must be received no later than Friday, August 28, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. PST. THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) 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 RFI IN ACCORDANCE WITH (IAW) FAR 15.201(e). DISCLAIMER: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI 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 RFI. SOURCES SOUGHT DESCRIPTION This is NOT a solicitation announcement. This is a sources sought/RFI only. The purpose of this sources sought/RFI is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification relative to NAICS 311991. Responses to this sources sought will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After review of the responses to this sources sought, a solicitation announcement may be published. Responses to this sources sought synopsis are not considered adequate responses for a solicitation announcement. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VISN 22 Network Contracting Office, is seeking sources that can provide fresh produce for the VAGLA and SD Healthcare Systems. SCOPE OF WORK: The contractor shall deliver fresh fruits and vegetables products to the VA San Diego and Greater Los Angeles Healthcare Systems. Orders shall be placed on an as needed basis, in accordance with delivery schedules listed in the Statement of Work {SOW), by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Orders shall be placed by email, telephone, in writing via fax, or given to Contractor personnel as mutually agreed upon between the facility COR and Contractor. The awarded contract shall for 12 months from the date of award. Period of Performance is 10/1/20 to 9/30/21. VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90073 VA San Diego Healthcare System 3350 La Jolla Village Drive San Diego, CA 92161 DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT 1. ORDERS: The Contracting Officer's Representative {COR) of Nutrition and Food Service shall place orders by email, telephone, in writing via fax, or any manner consistent with accepted business practices. Orders should be placed no later than 24 hours prior to delivery date. Emergency orders may be placed same day of delivery. When required, the Government shall request written confirmation of the oral calls to confirm the requested order. 2. PACKAGING: a. All products shall be prepared and packaged under modern sanitary conditions in strict accordance with the 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 and contamination. All products/ingredients shall be clean, sound, wholesome and free from evidence of rodent or insect infestation. Failure to comply with this provision shall be considered grounds for default of the contract. b. All packaging shall be in accordance with commercial labeling complying with Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and regulations promulgated there under. c. All vegetables and salads shall be grade A or U.S. NO. 1. Salads shall be thoroughly washed in water, Process/Pre-cut vegetables shall be vacuum packed/heat seal in heavy duty food grade plastic bags {2-1/2mm minimum), pin-hole free, in a temperature controlled atmosphere (i.e. vegetables are to be precooled, packed under refrigerated conditions.) Garden salad and spinach are not to be vacuum packed, but heat sealed. The level of vacuum to be adjusted to the type of product. No preservatives shall be added to per-cut items. Each bag/tray for vegetables and salads (including 4 and 8 oz.) containers, shall be stamp with a "Use-by" date label showing expiration date of five (S) days from the date of delivery. Unopened vegetables must be guaranteed to remain in fresh, crisp condition for at least five (5) days after delivery. One (1) oz. per-package carrots are to have a manufacturing Use-by date of 14 days from date of delivery. Sliced/diced tomato shall be packed in rigid containers that allow drainage of water off the product according to the latest approved industry standards to maintain a 5-day shelf life. Failure to comply with this requirement shall render this contract into default and termination. d. All items must be identified with readable, open code dates. e. Unless otherwise specified, preservation, packaging and packing shall be to a degree of protection to preclude damage during normal shipping conditions, handling, etc. and shall conform to normal commercial practices and applicable carrier rules and regulations involving shipment from contractor to the receiving activity for storage. Shipping containers shall be in compliance with National Motor Freight Classification and Uniform Freight Classification (issues in effect at time of shipment). 3. DELIVERIES: a. All deliveries shall conform in every aspect to the provisions of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, USC Title 21, Chapter 9 (FD&C Act) and regulations promulgated there under. b. Where applicable, the interpretation of requirements (descriptive terms), methods ascertaining grades, testing, etc., shall be in accordance with those contained in the U.S. Standards for the products in effect on the date of solicitation. c. Deliveries shall be made to the Nutrition and Food Service Departments unless otherwise directed by the COR. d. Deliveries shall be made of specified items in quantities indicated in the purchase order. e. Deliveries shall be made in a temperature controlled refrigerated vehicle capable of maintaining temperature between 35-41 degrees Fahrenheit. Deliveries made in a vehicle not maintaining this temperature will be rejected. f. Offloading of product shall occur in the presence of VA authorized receiving personnel only. g. Contractor shall be responsible for providing hand trucks, dollies for produce, required to affect delivery to appropriate location. h. Deliveries shall be made during specific times on specific days specified by the Nutrition and Food Service Department. i. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 6103, Executive Order 11582 and Public Law 94-97, the following holidays are observed and for the purposes of this contract are defined as "Legal Federal Official Holidays": New Year's Day 1 January Martin Luther King's Birthday Third Monday in January President's Day Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Independence Day 4 July Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veteran's Day 11 November Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day 25 December When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed as a National Holiday. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the proceeding Friday is observed as a National Holiday by U.S. Government Agencies. Also included would be any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a National Holiday. 4. INSPECTIONS: a. The Government reserves the right to inspect delivered goods for compliance of specifications, including, but not limited to, correct product(s) and quantities, proper packaging, damaged goods, etc. The contractor shall demonstrate compliance with performance standards by showing that their process adherences to an appropriately designed, Validated Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan. b. Any items determined unacceptable shall be refused with full credit/replacement, at the discretion of the Government. Replacement of rejected products shall be delivered the same day no later than 1:00 p.m., unless otherwise specified by the COR. c. The Government further reserves the right to enter and inspect any vehicle used to deliver goods for, but not limited to, compliance of sanitation conditions, proper refrigeration, etc. Such inspection shall be made on a random basis, upon delivery, at the discretion of the COR. d. Facilities: The Government may, prior to the contract award or at any time during the term of the contract, inspect the contractor's plant, personnel, equipment and process to ensure compliance with state and federal sanitation regulation requirements. All products furnished under the awarded contract shall be processed at plants that have been inspected by Federal Government. Approved inspection reports or another VA Facility or other Federal Government agency will be accepted as satisfactory evidence that the facilities/plants meets these requirements, provided that the inspections were made not more than six (6) months prior to the proposed period. (1) Contractor shall provide here under the name and address of the plant(s) to be utilized for performance of this contract: (2) In the event another Federal Agency has inspected the plant listed, within the past year, please indicate the agency's name: 5. LABORATORY REPORTS: Upon request the Contractor shall provide the Contracting Officer with a copy of laboratory reports, prepared by an official of a Federal, State, or County laboratory and shall include chemical and bacteriological examination results and certification that adequate Public Health controls are in effect at the plant and are being observed. 6. CONTRACTOR DELIVERY PERSONNEL: All Contractor delivery personnel shall be required to wear a full company uniform, which clearly displays the name of the company and the individual, and shall be of a neat, clean appearance with appropriate hair containment. Contractor's employees shall wear identification (ID) badges during the entire period off time while on VA Facility. ID badges must have an identifying picture, name of the individual and the represented company depicted. 7. EVALUTATION FACTOR FOR AWARD: The basis for award shall be made to the responsible Offeror, who conforming to this Solicitation, is determined to be the lowest price technically acceptable. 8. THE HAZARDOUS ANALYSIS CONTROL POINTS (HACCP) PLAN: The contractor shall demonstrate compliance with performance standards by showing process adherences to an appropriately designed validated HACCP plan. The contractor shall provide valid HACCP plan to the VA San Diego and VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare Systems upon request. ITEM INFORMATION ITEM NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT 0001 450.00 CS __________________ __________________ APPLE, GALA, FRESH, 2.75 INCH WASHINGTON EXTRA FANCY, 125 COUNT/CASE 0002 20.00 BG __________________ __________________ AVOCADO (HASS), FRESH, U.S. NO 1, MATURE, WELL COLORED, AND WELL TRIMMED. PACK 6 COUNT BAG 0003 2000.00 CS __________________ __________________ BANANA, PETITE, FRESH, 150 COUNT/CASE, RIPENESS SCALE #4, MORE YELLOW THAN GREEN, FIRM, CUT FULL TOP FINGER, LEVEL C PACKAGING, FED-Y-B-91D. 40 LB CASE. 0004 50.00 LB __________________ __________________ BROCCOLI, FRESH, U.S. FANCY, FREE FROM DAMAGE OR DISCOLORATION, WELL TRIMMED, BUNCHED 0005 400.00 CS __________________ __________________ CABBAGE, GREEN, FRESH, U.S. NO. 1, DICED, TRIMMED-CORED, 2 INCHES X 2 INCHES, 4/5 POUND VACUUM SEAL BAGS PER CASE. LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. 0006 700.00 BG __________________ __________________ CANTALOUPE, FRESH, 4 OZ, U.S. NO. 1, DRY, CHUNK, 1" MAX DIA. NO TALLER THAN 3" AND LABELED WITH A FIVE DAY EXPIRATION DATE. PIECES ARE TO BE FIRM, NOT WATERY, DISCOLORED. 0007 300.00 CS __________________ __________________ CARROT, BABY, FRESH, READY TO USE, PEELED, 100-2 OZ BAG PER CASE, A-A-20191B, STYLE IV, SIZE A. ALL BAGS SHOW MFG. 14 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. 0008 10.00 CS __________________ __________________ CARROT, FRESH, SHEDDED CUT, 2 INCH X 1/8 INCH, STYLE III, SIZE B. PACKED 4/5 LBS. PLASTIC BAG. ALL BAG ARE TO BE VACUUM SEALED AND LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. 0009 30.00 LB __________________ __________________ CARROTS, WHOLE, FRESH, U.S. NO 1, WELL FORMED, FREE FROM DECAY, TRIMMED TOP, 1 LB BAG 0010 300.00 BG __________________ __________________ CELERY, FRESH, DICED, 1/4 INCH, U.S. NO. 1 GRADE, PACKED IN 5 POUND VACUUM SEAL PLASTIC BAG. LABELED WITH A FIVE DATE EXPIRATION DATE. 0011 30.00 EA __________________ __________________ CELERY, FRESH, STALK, U.S. GRADE NO. 1. WELL FORMED, FREE FROM DISCOLORATION AND WILTING. BUNCH 0012 40.00 LB __________________ __________________ CUCUMBERS, WHOLE, FRESH, WELL COLORED, FIRM, FREE FROM DECAY, SHALL NOT EXCEED 5-1/2 INCHES IN LENGTH OR 1-7/8 INCHES IN DIAMETER, BUT THE LENGTH SHALL BE NOT LESS THAN 2-1/2 TIME THE DIAMETER. EACH 0013 26015.00 EA __________________ __________________ FRUIT SALAD MIX CUP, FRESH CUT, 4 OZ CUP, MIX OF FRESH FRUIT CHUNKS, 1 INCH DIA. TO BE CANTALOUP, HONEYDEW AND RED SEEDLESS GRAPES, PACKED IN PLASTIC CUP LESS THAN 3" TALL. ALL CUPS TO BE DATE LABELE 0014 200.00 CS __________________ __________________ GRAPES, LUNCH BUNCH RED, SEEDLESS, U.S. NO. 1 TABLE GRAPES, WASHED. BUNCHES ARE TO BE WELL MATURE AND WELL COLORED, FIRMLY ATTACHED TO CAPSTEMS, NOT SPLIT, CRUSHED, DRIED OR WET AND FREE FROM DECAY, MOLD, AND MILDEW AND DAMAGE. 18 POUND CASE 0015 40.00 EA __________________ __________________ GREEN ONIONS, U.S. NO 1, FREE FROM DAMAGE OR DECAY, WELL FORMED, CLIPPED TOPS, BUNCH 0016 10.00 BG __________________ __________________ LEMON, FRESH, U.S. NO. 1 GRADE, SIZE 200 COUNT, FED-Y-V-1741/10. LEVEL C PACKAGING. PACKED IN 5 POUND PLASTIC BAGS 0017 200.00 BG __________________ __________________ LEMONS, SLICES 1/4", FRESH, 5 POUND TUB. ARE TO BE LABELED WITH A FIVE (5) DATE EXPIRATION DATE. 0018 200.00 CS __________________ __________________ LETTUCE, GREEN, FRESH, LEAF CROWNS, WELL TRIMMED AND DEVELOPED, U.S. NO 1 GRADE, 300 LEAF COUNT PER CASE. PACKED 10 POUND CASE. 0019 2200.00 BG __________________ __________________ MIX, SALAD, FRESH, CHOPPED RED CABBAGE 10%, ROMAINE LETTUCE 80% AND SHREDDED CARROTS 10%. PACKED 4/5 POUND PLASTIC BAG CASE. A-A-20316, TYPE II, STYLE H. CABBAGE TYPE 1, STYLE M. ALL BAG ARE TO BE SEAL AND LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATIN DATE. ICEBERG LETTUCE IS NOT BE USED OR SUBSITUTED IN THIS MIX. 0020 200.00 CS __________________ __________________ MUSHROOM, FRESH, SLICED, WHITE, MEDIUM 1-1/4 INCH TO 1-3/4 INCH, U.S. NO 1 GRADE, PACKED 4/2.5 POUND PLASTIC BAG/CASE. LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. 0021 30.00 CS __________________ __________________ NECTARINE, FRESH, WHOLE, MEDIUM, U.S. EXTRA NO. 1, 28-56 COUNT/CASE.TO BE ORDERED JUNE-SEPT ONLY 0022 70.00 BG __________________ __________________ ONION, RED, FRESH, SLICED 1/4 INCH, PEELED, SLAB CUT, ROUGH SLICED FOR HAMBUGERS, PACKED 5 POUND VACUUM SEALED PLASTIC BAG, LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE 0023 800.00 BG __________________ __________________ ONION, YELLOW, FRESH, DICED 1/4 INCH, PEELED, PACK IN 5 POUND VACUUM SEAL PLASTIC BAG. DATE LABEL WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. FED HH-V 1867/4 0024 600.00 BG __________________ __________________ ONION, YELLOW, FRESH, SLICED 1/4 INCH, PEELED, SLAB CUT, ROUGH SLICED FOR HAMBUGERS. PACKED 5 POUND VACUUM SEAL PLASTIC BAG. LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. FED HHH-V1867/4 0025 60.00 BG __________________ __________________ ONION, YELLOW, FRESH, SLICED JULIENNE CUT 1/8 INCH, PEELED, PACKED 5 POUND VACUUM SEAL PLASTIC BAG. LABLED WITHA 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. FED-HHH-V-1867/4. 0026 100.00 CO __________________ __________________ ORANGE, FRESH, NAVEL, MEDIUM SIZE, U.S. NO 1, PEELED, 10 POUND TUB, WHOLE SEGMENT, NOT BROKEN, WATERY, DISCOLORED. LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. 0027 30,000.00 EA __________________ __________________ ORANGE, FRESH, NAVEL, MEDIUM SIZE, U.S. NO. 1, PEELED, 4 OZ CUP, CONTAINER NOT TO EXCEED 3 INCHES IN HEIGHT, WHOLE SEGMENT, NOT BROKEN, WATERY, DISCOLORED. 0028 400.00 CS __________________ __________________ ORANGE, FRESH, NAVEL, U.S. NO. 1 GRADE, 113 COUNT/CASE, LEVEL C PACKAGING, FED Y-F-1741/13. 40 POUND CASE 0029 150.00 BG __________________ __________________ PARSLEY, FRESH U.S. NO. 1 GRADE, CURLY LEAF, GOOD GREEN COLOR. FREE FROM DECAY, SEED STEMS, YELLOW OR DISCOLORED LEAVES, WILTING, FREEZING, DIRT. FED Y-F-1741/20. PACKED IN 1 POUND VACUUM SEAL PLASTI 0030 100.00 CS __________________ __________________ PEAR, BARTLETT, GREEN, FRESH, U.S. NO. 1 MATURE, FIRM, RIPE, WELL FORMED, FREE FROM DECAY AND DAMAGE, CLEAN. 135 COUNT/CASE. 0031 30.00 BG __________________ __________________ PEPPER, BELL GREEN, WHOLE FRESH, U.S. FANCY (CHOPPERS), MATURE, SWEET, FIRM, WELL SHAPED, NOT SERIOUSLY MISSHAPED, DIAMETER NOT LESS THAN 3 INCHES. LENGTH NOT LESS THAN 3 1/2 INCHES, PACK 5 POUND 0032 150.00 BG __________________ __________________ PEPPER, GREEN, FRESH, DICED 1/4 INCH, U.S. NO 1 GRADE, PACKED IN 5 POUND VACUUM SEAL PLASTIC BAG. LABELED WITH A 5 DATE EXPIRATION DATE. 0033 30.00 LB __________________ __________________ PEPPER, RED, BELL, U.S. FANCY, FREE FROM DECAY, WHOLE, FRESH, EACH 0034 30.00 CS __________________ __________________ PLUM, FRESH, BLACK, WHOLE, MEDIUM, U.S. NO 1, 50/60 COUNT/CASE. TO BE ORDERED JUNE-SEPT ONLY. 0035 700.00 BG __________________ __________________ POTATO, FRESH, PEELED, DICED 1/2 INCH, U.S. NO. 1 GRADE, RUSSET WHITE, PACKED 10 POUND VACUUM SEAL PLASTIC BAG. LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. 0036 500.00 CS __________________ __________________ POTATO, RUSSET, FRESH, 120 COUNT CASE 0037 950.00 BG __________________ __________________ POTATOES, RED, U.S. NO. 1, QUARTERED 1/2" X 2", SKIN ON, 10 POUND BAG. PACK IN VACUUM SEAL BAG AND LABELED WITH A 5 DATE EXPIRATION DATE. 0038 70.00 CS __________________ __________________ SPINACH, FRESH, LEAF, WASHED, CLEANED, U.S. NO. 1 GRADE, PACKED 4/2.5 POUND PLASTIC BAG/CASE. ALL BAGS TO BE LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. 0039 50.00 CS __________________ __________________ TANGERINE, SATSUMA, FRESH, SEEDLESS, U.S. NO. 1, 5 POUND CASE. NO LEAVES, STEM ATTACHED TO FRUIT. 0040 50.00 CS __________________ __________________ TANGERINE, TANGELO, FRESH, SEEDLESS, U.S. NO. 1, 5 POUND CASE, NO LEAVES, STEM ATTACHED TO FRUIT. 0041 900.00 CS __________________ __________________ TOMATO, FRESH, SLICED, 1/4 INCH CUT THICK, U.S. NO. 1 GRADE, 2 1/2 INCHES MINIMUM DIAMETER, LIGHT RED TO RED, 90 COUNT PER TRAY. PACK IN CONTAINER ACCORDING TO APPROVED INDUSTRY STANDARDS TO DRAIN EXCESS LIQUID AWAY FROM PRODUCT. LABELED WITH A 5 DAY EXPIRATION DATE. 0042 300.00 LB __________________ __________________ WATERMELON, FRESH, RED MEAT, DRY, U.S. NO. 1, 8 OZ PLASTIC CUP. NOT TALLER THAN 3 INCHES. CUT 1"X 1" CUBE. PEELED. ALL CUPS TO BE LABELED WITH A MIN 3 DAY EXPIRATIN DATE. PIECES ARE TO BE FIRM NOT SOFT, NOT WATERY AND DISCOLORED. 0043 10.00 CS __________________ __________________ TOMATOES, CHERRY RED, 12 PINTS CASE, GRAND TOTAL __________________ 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 re 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 regards 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 notice shall be submitted via email to contact@example.gov. Telephone responses shall not be accepted. Responses must be received no later than Friday, August 28, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. PST. 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.