Cheddar Products and String Cheese Mozzarella for use in Domestic Food Assistance Programs

This solicitation, numbered 12-3J14-26-B-0350, is a combined synopsis and invitation for bid issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service for Cheddar Products and String Cheese Mozzarella to support domestic food assistance programs. The procurement is structured as a set-aside specifically for hub zone and small business concerns regarding the String Cheese Mozzarella component, while Cheddar Products remain open to broader competition. The solicitation is issued under part 5.101(d) and does not require a separate written document, making this announcement the sole source of requirements. Offers are due by July 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. EDT, with the posting date listed as July 15, 2026. The North American Industry Classification System code 3115 applies, indicating the products fall under food manufacturing. The USDA has established a formal Agency Protest Process through its Ombudsman Program to provide an internal mechanism for resolving procurement disputes before escalating to external forums like the Government Accountability Office. Interested parties are required to first attempt informal resolution with the Contracting Officer, Michael Eichorst, or his secondary contact, Jenny Babiuch, both based in Washington, D.C. If concerns remain unresolved, formal protests may be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer, adhering to the timelines and detailed requirements outlined in FAR 33.104. The agency aims to resolve formal protests within 35 calendar days, and contract award or performance will be suspended during the protest unless an urgent government interest is documented. By filing a protest with USDA, bidders agree not to pursue the same issue elsewhere while the agency process is active; external filings will result in dismissal of the agency protest. All provisions and clauses referenced are accessible via www.acquisition.gov.