Sources Sought Notice - High Protein Blended Yogurt

This is a Request for Information (RFI) as defined in FAR 15.201(e). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is researching the commercial availability additional flavors of nonfat high protein (Greek-style) blended yogurt (other than vanilla, strawberry & blueberry) in the 4 oz. single serving size. USDA is also interested in the availability of nonfat high protein (Greek-style) blended yogurt in an institutional or bulk pack size, larger than the 32 oz. tub, for Federal Domestic Food Distribution Programs. Refer to USDA Commodity Requirements Document, DYO1, dated June 17, 2013 (see link below). http://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Yogurt%20Products%20%28DYO1%29%20effective%20June%2017%2C%202013.pdf This RFI Notice will serve as market research to obtain information and preferences for the most commercially popular flavors (other than vanilla, strawberry and blueberry) for 4 oz. single serve pack size; along with the most commonly utilized institutional or bulk pack size(s) in the commercial market. All information gathered in response to this RFI/Notice will be used solely for planning purposes. This is not a formal solicitation, but a request for interested parties to provide information. No solicitation published by this office for new flavors of yogurt or institutional pack sizes of yogurt currently exists. Process: All information provided with regard to the commercial practices for high protein yogurt should take into account USDA's 100 percent domestic origin requirement. Interested parties should answer the following questions and provide the requested information: 1) Your company's interest in supplying this product(s); 2) Complete description of the product and product brand name; 3) Product labeling information to include: a. ingredients list; b. allergen statement; c. nutrition facts panel; d. Kosher and/or Halal certification, if applicable. 4) Packaging and shipment configurations for both 4 oz. and the larger-than 32 oz. options: a. net weight per unit (case, carton, etc.); b. estimated gross weight per unit (case, carton, etc.); c. units per truck (case, carton, etc.); d. number of cases per pallet; e. number of pallets per truck; f. net weight per truck; g. estimated gross weight per truck including weight of pallets; h. gross weights in pounds. 5) Describe your ability to deliver through commercial distribution channels in less-than truckload quantities, and the minimum order quantity you deliver; 6) Shipping requirements. a. temperature requirements; b. any special storage requirements 7) Distribution Limitations. a. Volume Constraints. Estimated capacity/quantity available on a monthly basis. b. Geographic limitations if any. Ability to provide product throughout the United States. 8) Provide a list of the most popular blended yogurt flavoring options (excluding vanilla, strawberry & blueberry) for the 4 oz. size; 9) Provide a comprehensive list of your commercially available bulk sizes and units per case (larger than 32 oz.) 10) Estimated cost or market price per unit. 11) Anticipated shelf life of the product. 12) Product fact sheet/bulletin and commercial warranty information; 13) Small Business Administration (SBA) size of your firm 14) Any other relevant information, recommendations, comments, issues and/or concerns that would be beneficial to the Government; 15) Name, Title, contact information, and organization name, as applicable; and All vendors that are considering offering high protein yogurt to USDA must comply with all applicable Federal and State mandatory requirements and regulations relating to the preparation, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution of the product within the commercial marketplace. The delivered product shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, and regulations promulgated there under. Responses and questions shall be emailed to the attention of Shirley Clayton at shirley.clayton@ams.usda.gov and to Bill Lang at william.lang@ams.usda.gov These are requested to be received no later than October 21, 2015.