MVAHCS Milk Supply and Delivery Solicitation

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 23, has issued solicitation 36C26327Q0014 for the supply and delivery of dairy products to the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This is a five-year, single-award, firm-fixed-price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with an unrestricted set-aside. The requirement specifically calls for conventional refrigerated milk products, including 1% milk, skim milk, chocolate milk, and whole milk in 0.5 pt containers. An amendment has clarified that Ultra High Temperature (UHT) aseptic or shelf-stable milk is strictly prohibited; all products must be conventional refrigerated milk. The base period of performance runs from November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2027, with four potential one-year option periods. Deliveries must be made to the Minneapolis, MN facility at least twice per week, typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. local time. To ensure quality and freshness, products must be transported and held at temperatures between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and delivered no later than 72 hours after pasteurization, with a requirement that items be less than 24 hours old upon arrival. All processing and packaging must adhere to FDA and USDA sanitary guidelines, and contractors must provide a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. The contract is awarded on an FOB Destination basis, meaning the vendor is responsible for all transportation, refrigeration, and handling costs. The government will evaluate offers based on a comparative process considering technical capability and past performance to determine the most advantageous offer. Offerors must submit their proposals electronically via email, ensuring that the pricing volume includes a completed Price/Cost Schedule and Standard Form 1449. The deadline for questions is September 10, 2026, and the final deadline for offer submission is September 17, 2026, at 17:00 Central Time. Compliance with various federal regulations is required, including Buy American policies, restrictions on certain telecommunications equipment, and specific certifications regarding Iran and labor standards.