COOKED/CANNED MEATS: BEEF, PORK & CHICKEN PRODUCTS for use in Domestic Food Assistance Programs

This solicitation, issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites bids for cooked and canned meat products including beef, pork, and chicken intended for use in domestic food assistance programs. Identified under solicitation number 12-3J14-26-B-0248, the acquisition is structured as an invitation for bid (IFB) and is specifically set aside for small business concerns. The procurement follows commercial product and service acquisition procedures and incorporates standard provisions and clauses accessible electronically. The solicitation was posted on April 23, 2026, with a response deadline of May 8, 2026, and falls under NAICS code 311612. The USDA emphasizes fairness and promptness in contract awards and has established the Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) to address procurement concerns through an alternative dispute resolution process. Interested parties dissatisfied with the procurement process are encouraged to first seek resolution with the Contracting Officer and, if unresolved, escalate their concerns to the USDA Ombudsman. Protesters may file formal agency protests which prompt independent reviews, with the agency aiming to resolve such disputes within 35 calendar days. Protest submissions must comply with specific regulatory requirements and timelines, and filing a protest internally precludes pursuing the matter before external bodies like the Government Accountability Office. Contact points for the solicitation include Angela Pearson and Carrie Meyers, who are available to assist prospective bidders.