A Full line of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (FF&V) Support USDA #1 or Better for non-DoD (USDA School) customers in the Houston, TX Zone - SPM300-13-R-0003

The government plans to solicit a contract for the supply of a full line of fresh fruits and vegetables meeting USDA #1 or better standards to support non-DoD USDA school customers in the Houston, TX area. This procurement is set aside entirely for small businesses under NAICS code 311991 with a size standard of 500 employees. It will be awarded as an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC) with fixed pricing and an Economic Price Adjustment tied to material costs. The contract duration is up to 4.5 years, consisting of one 18-month base period and two 18-month option periods. The award will be made using a low price/technically acceptable method. The estimated total contract value was initially set at $10 million, with a cap at 150% of that estimate ($15 million), but was subsequently updated to not exceed 200% of the estimate, allowing for a maximum of $20 million. Each 18-month period is estimated at approximately $3.33 million, with a guaranteed minimum value of roughly $333,333 for the first period. The solicitation was expected to be released by January 22, 2013, with responses due by February 25, 2013. Contract performance was scheduled to start in April 2014. Key contacts include the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer, who are responsible for managing the acquisition.