Subcontractor Grower Network (Small Farm Participation)

This contract opens an opportunity for small agricultural producers to serve as subcontract suppliers within a dedicated network focused on sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables. Designed as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under SBA guidelines, it ensures that only small businesses as defined by the Small Business Administration can compete, creating a targeted pathway for small farm participation in federal procurement. The North American Industry Classification System code 111211 confirms the focus on crop production, specifically for fruits and vegetables, aligning the contract with the production capabilities of small-scale growers. The prime contractor is incentivized to prioritize procurement from these small agricultural enterprises, fostering economic development within rural and underserved farming communities. The solicitation is managed by the Directorate of Subsistence under the Department of Defense, with responses due by August 28, 2026, and the performance location is tied to federal subsistence supply chains, though specific geographic details are not provided. Participation requires submission through the DIBBS platform by the deadline to be considered for inclusion in this supply network.