Section 32 Walnuts, Solicitation NO: 2000011363

The solicitation numbered 2000011363, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is an invitation for bid (IFB) specifically for the procurement of Section 32 Walnuts. This acquisition is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under FAR 19.5, targeting small business concerns exclusively. The solicitation follows a combined synopsis/solicitation format in accordance with part 12, meaning this announcement serves as the sole solicitation, with no separate written solicitation to be issued. Interested vendors must submit their offers by the deadline of June 9, 2026, and the solicitation falls under the NAICS code 311911, which pertains to food manufacturing. The USDA emphasizes fair and prompt handling of protests related to this procurement through its Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP). The program encourages interested parties to first resolve any issues informally with the Contracting Officer or through the USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution process before filing formal protests. Formal protests can be submitted either to the Contracting Officer or directly to the Ombudsman electronically, with the agency aiming to resolve protests within 35 calendar days. Protesters must comply with specific information and timeline requirements per FAR 33.104. Notably, by filing a protest with the USDA, participants agree not to pursue the same matter through external forums such as the Government Accountability Office (GAO), as parallel proceedings will result in dismissal of the USDA protest. The primary contacts for this solicitation are Genesys Corrado and Samantha Klagenberg, both available via email and phone for inquiries.