Sources Sought Notice for Ready-To-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF)

USDA's Farm Service Agency, Commodity Operations, is seeking information about potential qualified suppliers of the Ready-To-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF). This notice will serve as market research to determine if sources capable of providing this commodity exist. All information gathered in response to this Sources Sought Notice will be used solely for planning purposes. This is not a formal solicitation but a request for interested parties to provide information. No current solicitation exists and requests for a solicitation will be ignored. Specifications for Ready-To-Use Supplementary Food are attached to this notice in document package #1, which contains a draft Commercial Item Description for RUSF, and a draft Commodity Requirements Document (CRD). Marking exhibits for RUSF packaging will be provided in the CRD at a later date. Pursuant to Agricultural Acquisition Regulation 470.103(a), commodities and the products of agricultural commodities acquired by USDA for use in International Food Aid Programs must be products of the United States, and shall be considered as such, if grown, processed, and otherwise prepared for sale or distribution exclusively in the United States. Packaging and container components under this acquisition will be the only portion subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements, as addressed by FAR clause 52.225-5. Specific information sought from interested parties includes the following: 1. Technical equipment, facilities, and production capability to manufacture Ready-To-Use Supplementary Food, and experience with same or similar products. 2. The availability of product and components that are 100 percent domestic origin 3. The amount of time needed to be in a position to commence production. 4. What quantities could be produced over what period of time. 5. Shelf life and storage recommendations. 6. Pricing information. 7. Recommendations concerning pack sizes and packaging materials options. 8. Small Business Administration size status of your firm. 9. Information/documentation establishing which specification components of domestic origin (if any) may not be available from domestic sources at fair and reasonable market prices. 10. Any other information beneficial to the Government (e.g., industry practices with regard to producing, distributing, and supporting such commodities, type of contract, terms for warranties, buyer financing, packaging, risks associated with the products, etc.) Responses must be received no later than 30 days after publication of this notice.