Bulk Apples for Further Processing

This contract solicitation, numbered 12-3J14-26-B-0322, is for the procurement of bulk apples for further processing under a combined synopsis and invitation for bid, aligned with FAR Part 12 and set aside exclusively for small business concerns. Bidders must submit pricing per CLIN, with no requirement for full truckload orders, though awarded contracts require full delivery of the specified quantity. Location-specific requirements are detailed for Tracy, CA and Ludington, MI, including approved apple varieties, size ranges, pressure standards, and packaging specifications—corresponding to processor needs and regional processing capabilities. Hartford, MI follows the standard USDA commodity specifications without exceptions. Set-asides are determined based on market research and small business competitiveness, with eligibility requiring SAM.gov registration under NAICS code 311991 and self-certification as a small business. New contractors are subject to a probationary limit of ten truckloads per product until they demonstrate five successful deliveries. Apple varieties listed for specific locations, such as SnapDragon and Cosmic Crisp, are dictated by contracted USDA National Processors and are not subject to geographic growing restrictions imposed on commercial producers. The solicitation includes comprehensive provisions for contract performance, quality control, and dispute resolution. Representative samples will be pressure tested at destination sites, with minimum standards enforced for maturity and defect tolerance. Packaging must meet strict criteria: corrugated bins for Tracy, clean wood or plastic bins for Ludington and Hartford, with no plastic liners or plywood containers permitted, and bins must be available for return pickup within 180 days. The USDA Ombudsman Program provides an internal avenue for protest, requiring initial escalation to the Contracting Officer before formal filing, and prohibits simultaneous external protests with GAO while the agency review is active. Protests must be filed within prescribed timelines and include all required documentation outlined in FAR 33.104. The award process allows multiple vendors per location, and responses must be submitted by July 30, 2026. All terms are final and binding, with no additional written solicitation issued, and bidders are cautioned against submitting bids with intent to modify after award.