89--Market Fresh

The Department of Defense's Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to gather market feedback on supplying fresh bread and bakery products to military customers located in Texas and Oklahoma. This RFI is part of the agency’s Subsistence Produce and Market Fresh Program and is intended solely for informational purposes to aid in developing a future solicitation. There is no current solicitation available, no payment will be provided for responses, and submitting feedback does not guarantee future business. The agency emphasizes compliance with USDA-regulated freshness standards and commercial temperature controls to maintain product quality, with strict requirements that bakery items contain appropriate levels of mold inhibitors. The proposed contract, anticipated to run from October 11, 2026, through October 6, 2029, will be structured as an indefinite quantity contract (IQC), with separate awards expected for two groups—Texas and Oklahoma military customers. Respondents are expected to propose on all items within each group’s schedule, as partial bids risk disqualification. Logistical and operational details are provided in attachment documents outlining delivery schedules and specific ordering points, mainly across military installations in Texas, ensuring precise coordination of shipments. Additionally, itemized schedules with government stock numbers, descriptions, estimated quantities, and bidding instructions inform vendors of all required bread, bakery, and fresh produce products that must be included in proposals. The agency requests responses via a completed market research survey PDF by February 4, 2026, emphasizing that proposals must be comprehensive, competitive, and fully compliant with the solicitation criteria. Points of contact for submission and further inquiries include designated contract specialists based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Overall, this RFI serves as a preparatory step for a forthcoming solicitation aimed at securing reliable, high-quality fresh bakery product supply chains supporting DoD troops in these regions.