Fresh Fluid Milk for Use in Domestic Food Assistance Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is soliciting bids for Fresh Fluid Milk to support domestic food assistance programs under solicitation number 12-3J14-26-B-0347, issued as an Invitation for Bid with a response deadline of July 30, 2026. This procurement is not set aside for small businesses and is governed by commercial acquisition procedures, with all applicable provisions and clauses incorporated by reference and accessible through www.acquisition.gov. The contract aims to supply milk for federal nutrition initiatives, with performance anticipated to support USDA’s mission in food assistance. Bids must be submitted by the specified deadline, and all inquiries should be directed to the primary point of contact, Ashley Leviege, or secondary contact Jenny Babiuch. The USDA provides a structured internal protest mechanism through its Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests to resolve procurement disputes without resorting to external litigation. Interested parties are required to first attempt informal resolution with the Contracting Officer before escalating to a formal protest submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer. Formal protests must include all information mandated by FAR 33.104(a)(3) and be filed within the prescribed timelines; failure to comply may result in dismissal. The agency commits to resolving formal protests within 35 calendar days and will suspend contract award or performance during protest review unless an urgent justification is provided. By filing an agency protest, the protester agrees not to pursue the same issue with the Government Accountability Office or any other external forum while the internal process is active.