United States Department of Agriculture 

1400 Independence Avenue, 

S.W. - Room 3522 

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. 

Room 3522-S, STOP 0239 

Washington, DC 20036 

SOLICITATION 

Domestic Commodity Invitation 

Bid invitation Overview 

Information 

Description: 12-3J14-24-B-0228-0001 

Bid invitation number: 2000009877 

Purchasing Group: AMS-Fruit and Veg 

Bid Timezone: Central Time 

Start Date: 02/06/2024 16:30:00 

Offer Due Date : 02/20/2024 13:00:00 

Opening date: 02/20/2024 13:00:00 

Invitation Type : Definite Delivery 

Additional requested information: 

Tendering text - Header : 

Fresh Fruit, SOLICITATION NO: 2000009877 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) invites offers to sell fresh apples and pears pursuant to the 

AMS Master Solicitation for use in the National School Lunch Program and other Federal Food and 

Nutrition Assistance Programs. Acceptances will be announced by midnight, March 6, 2023. Deliveries 

are to be made between April 1, 2024 and June 26, 2024. 

The Contract Specialist handling this purchase will be Nick Wiber at nick.wiber@usda.gov. The Contact 

Officer handling this purchase will be Samantha Klagenberg,(Samantha.Klagenberg@usda.gov) Please 

contact the specialist first. 

2023 and 2024 crop year only 

Small Business Set Asides for NAICS code 311991 with a size standard of 500 employees or less are 

as follows: 

100517,,APPLES EMPIRE FRESH CTN-40 LB- 100% Small Business Set Aside 

110560,,PEARS FRESH PKG-12/3 LB- 100% Small Business Set Aside 

110543,,APPLES GRANNY SMITH FRESH CTN-40 LB- 100% Small Business Set Aside 

100522,,APPLES FUJI FRESH F CARTON-40 LB- 100% Small Business Set Aside 

100521,,APPLES GALA FRESH G CARTON-40 LB- 10- 100% Small Business Set Aside 

111422,,PEARS D#ANJOU FRESH CTN#40 LB- 100% Small Business Set Aside 

111424,,PEARS BARTLETT FRESH CTN#40 LB- 100% Small Business Set Aside 

This purchase must meet all relevant requirements such as packing, packaging, labeling, inspection and 

shipping temperatures of the Commodity Specification for Fresh Fruit July 2019. 

(110561)- APPLES FRESH PKG-12/3 LB1. Grade - U.S. Fancy. (State grades will be acceptable provided the apples meet the requirements of 

the U.S. Fancy Grade). 

2. Types of Pack and Size Requirement: 

a. Tray pack - minimum size 150; maximum size- 100 

b. Cell pack - minimum size 140; maximum size # 96 

c. Consumer units packed within master containers - minimum size 2 1/8 inches in diameter, maximum 

size 3 inches in diameter. Consumer units shall be 12/3-pound poly film bags. 

d. Apples, when Tray or Cell packed, in each offer unit ordered delivered by USDA shall contain 

product of not more than three (3) adjacent sizes nor be in more than three locations at the time of 

inspection. Each size shall be segregated in the shipment with a minimum of intermingling of the sizes. 

If shipment is by truck, the location and count of each size in the truck (front, center, and tail) shall 
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SOLICITATION Information 

Domestic Commodity Invitation Description: 12-3J14-24-B-0228-0001 

Bid invitation number: 2000009877 

be noted on the shipping manifest by the contractor. 

3. Apples shall also meet the United States Condition Standards for Export. 

4. Tenderness and Maturity # not more than an average of five percent in any lot and ten percent in 

individual containers may be further advanced in maturity than firm ripe. 

5. Intermingling of the varieties in the truckload is permitted but not on the pallet. 

6. Must be loaded into a refrigerated trailer capable of holding air temperature not to exceed 40° F. 

7. Refrigerated shipment at 32° to 38° F air temperature. 

8.Varieties: Empire, Fuji, Gala, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. 

(110560)- PEARS FRESH PKG-12/3 LB1. Grade # U.S. No. 1. Provided that the pears do not contain more than five percent condition 

defects. State Grades will be acceptable provided that the pears meet the minimum requirements of the 

U.S. No. 1 Grade (i.e., Oregon/Washington Extra Fancy). Varieties: Anjou and Bartlett. 

2. Tenderness and Maturity - not more than an average of 10 percent of the pears in any lot or more 

than 15 percent in any container, may be further advanced in stages of ripeness than firm. 

3. Pack and Size Requirement: 

a. Pack - Consumer units packed within master containers # 12/3 lb. poly film bags and master 

containers meeting the specification. Consumer units packed within master containers 12/3 lb. poly film 

bags (which may include gusseted bags) and master containers meeting the specification. 

b. Size - Pears should be packed to a minimum size of 2 1/8 inches in diameter and a maximum size 

of 2 3/4 

inches in diameter. 

4. The grade, quality, condition, count, size pack, and the stage of firmness requirements referred to 

herein are defined in United States Standards for Grades of Summer and Fall Pears, and the United 

States Standards for Grades of Winter Pears. 

5. Intermingling of the varieties in the truckload is permitted but not on the pallet or in the bag. 

6. Must be loaded into a refrigerated trailer capable of holding air temperature not to exceed 40° F. 

7. Refrigerated shipment at 34° to 40° F air temperature. 

Every bidder must include a letter of support with their bid from all current and approved supplier(s). 

The templates for the letter of support are attached to the solicitation with the required elements. Each 
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SOLICITATION Information 

Domestic Commodity Invitation Description: 12-3J14-24-B-0228-0001 

Bid invitation number: 2000009877 

letter of support is only good for one solicitation. A new letter of support will be required for every 

solicitation, from every supplier. The supplier must include the quantity in cases they are committing to 

the bidder. USDA will not award a quantity that exceeds the sum of all supplier#s committed quantities 

to a particular bidder. 

For a new-to-USDA contractor and existing contractors who are bidding on new products, a 

probationary period may be implemented in which awards are limited to 10 truckloads per product. 

Contractor must demonstrate successful delivery of at least five (5) truckloads of product in order to 

be removed from probationary status on future solicitations. For the purposes of this rule, successful 

delivery is defined as product delivered on-time and in acceptable condition according to the terms and 

conditions of the contract. Any delivery problems directly attributable to the Government will not be 

held against the contractor. 

Vendors or subcontractors who are supplying fresh fruit crops to the United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) must ensure that each of their suppliers/subcontractors who grow, harvest, pack, 

hold, and handle product have approved and current food safety verification audits PRIOR to the bid 

opening date of this solicitation. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) 

scopes which are necessary to meet the minimum requirement to be deemed responsive are as follows: 

GAP - Farm Review AND Field Harvesting & Field Packing Activities 

GHP - House Packing Facility AND Storage & Transportation 

All these requirements shall be met PRIOR to the bid opening date. 

Brokers are exempt from the USDA GAP/GHP requirements themselves, HOWEVER 

suppliers/subcontractors performing under the contract shall have the applicable USDA GAP/GHP 

certification(s). 

Verification audits shall be performed by the USDA, AMS, SCP-SCID representatives only. 

In order to be found responsive the contractor and/or its subcontractors/suppliers must be in compliance 

with USDA GAP/GHP certification. Offerors must include in their bid the GAP and GHP Audit 

Verification attachment, which is found in the attachments section of this solicitation. Offerors who do 

not complete this form in its entirety, do not include the form as an attachment to their bid, or are 

missing the required USDA GAP/GHP scopes listed above shall be deemed nonresponsive. 

All audits are valid for one year after the date the audit was conducted. More information on USDA 

GAP/GHP audits can be found here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/gap-ghp or by reaching 

out to scaudits@usda.gov. 

Awardees may ship and supply from any location found here: 

https://apps.ams.usda.gov/GAPGHP/reportG01.aspx 

If USDA/AMS finds that suppliers used by the contractor are not in compliance with AMS GAP/GHP 

certification requirements after the product is delivered, the following courses of action will apply: 

1. A cure notice shall be issued informing the contractor of their failure to comply with the required 
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SOLICITATION Information 

Domestic Commodity Invitation Description: 12-3J14-24-B-0228-0001 

Bid invitation number: 2000009877 

elements of this solicitation. The USDA will then deduct a 50% discount from the invoice for all 

noncompliant deliveries shipped or invoiced prior to the date listed on the cure notice. 

2. If the contractor ships noncompliant product after the date of the cure notice: 

a. USDA/AMS will deduct a 50% discount from the invoice for all noncompliant deliveries; 

b. The contract will be terminated for cause; and 

c. The contractor will be suspended from participating in all future USDA/AMS fresh fruit and vegetable 

solicitations for a period of one year from the date of contract termination. 

This solicitation may show multiple stops on some line items; however, the number of stops will be 

limited to a maximum of three. To determine the number of destinations, review the "Tendering Text" 

for the lot, which will indicate the City and State for each stop. Bidders may submit different prices 

for each stop. However, a price is required on all line items within the lot. 

For offshore destinations (Puerto Rico, Hawaii, etc.), offerors have the option to choose to enter their 

bids direct to the offshore destination or to the port. Purchases will be made on an f.o.b. destination 

basis to cities on this solicitation. Destination quantities listed are estimates and subject to adjustment 

based on offerings, changes in recipient needs, market conditions, and program operations. 

All prime vendors are reminded that they are prohibited from subcontracting with companies or 

individuals that have been suspended or debarred. 

Offers must be submitted electronically via the Web-Based Supply Chain Management System 

(WBSCM). Offers submitted by any means other than WBSCM will be deemed nonresponsive. Offerors 

must be active in WBSCM and have the required bidder roles in order to submit offers under this 

solicitation. Once connected, follow the online procedures. A "HELP" button provides detailed 

instructions or call (202) 720-4517 for assistance. 

Offerors are cautioned to bid only quantities they can reasonably expect to produce and deliver. 

Inquiries about the Master Solicitation dated November 7 2023; The Commodity Specification for Fresh 

Fruit; or this solicitation should be directed to the Contracting Officer; USDA, AMS, Room 3522-South; 

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.; Washington, D.C. 20250-0239. Telephone: (202) 720-4517. FAX: 

(202) 720-2782. 

The USDA prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on 

the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and 

where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or 

part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic 

information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not 

all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.) To file a complaint of 

discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 

1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free 

Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), or (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users). 
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SOLICITATION Information 

Domestic Commodity Invitation Description: 12-3J14-24-B-0228-0001 

Bid invitation number: 2000009877 

See attached documents: 

1 . CommoditySpecificationforFreshFruitJuly2019

 2 . USDA GAP and GHP Audit Verification Document

 3 . Templates for Supplier Agreement Letter

 4 . Master Solicitation November 7, 2023 

Attributes : 

OFFEROR CERTIFIES THAT THE OFFER IS MADE SUBJECT TO THE MASTER SOLICITATION; 

COMMODITY SUPPLEMENT AND/OR SPECIFICATION(S); THIS SOLICITATION; THE AGRICULTURE 

ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (AGAR) AND THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR). 

Timely performance: Offeror and any subcontractor have completed required performance of any 

USDA contract prior to this bid opening. 

Permitted values: - Have been delivered 

- Have not been delivered 

- Have not been delivered, but the Offeror has notified the Contracting Officer 

- There are no existing contracts/purchase orders 

OFFEROR REQUESTS HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESS PRICE EVALUATION PREFERENCE. APPLIES 

ONLY TO FIRMS CERTIFIED IN THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION#S HUBZONE PROGRAM 

(FAR SUBPART 19.13).MUST BE THE MANUFACTURER/PRODUCER OF THE PRODUCT TO RECEIVE 

A PRICE PREFERENCE 

Furnish name, title, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address of person submitting this bid 

(must be an officer of the company or a person authorized to execute contracts/purchase orders on 

behalf of the bidder). 

IS THE OFFEROR AN ENTITY THAT HAS FILED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION IN ONE OF THE 

FIFTY STATES, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, OR THE VARIOUS TERRITORIES OF THE UNITED 

STATES? YOU MUST ANSWER THE NEXT 3 QUESTIONS IF THE ANSWER FOR THIS QUESTION IS 

YES. 

HAS THE OFFEROR BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY CRIMINAL VIOLATION UNDER FEDERAL OR 

STATE LAW IN THE 24 MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE OF OFFER? 

HAS THE OFFEROR HAD ANY OFFICER OR AGENT OF OFFEROR CONVICTED OF A FELONY 

CRIMINAL VIOLATION FOR ACTIONS TAKEN ON BEHALF OF OFFEROR UNDER FEDERAL OR STATE 

LAW IN THE 24 MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE OF OFFER? 

DOES THE OFFEROR HAVE ANY UNPAID FEDERAL TAX LIABILITY ASSESSED, WHICH ALL 

JUDICIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED/LAPSED, THAT IS NOT 

BEING PAID IN A TIMELY MANNER PURSUANT TO AGREEMENT WITH THE AUTHORITY 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOLICITATION Information 

Domestic Commodity Invitation Description: 12-3J14-24-B-0228-0001 

Bid invitation number: 2000009877 

RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING IT? 

Offeror attached the required Supplier Agreement Letter for every supplier they intend to subcontract 

Bid invitation Item details 

Item Material Description Required by ZipCode Quantity 

10 FRUIT, FRESH 

20 APPLES EMPIRE FRESH CTN-40 LB 

30 IMPERIAL CA 

40 100517 APPLES EMPIRE FRESH CTN-40 LB 06/03/2024-06/05/2024 92251 CS 

924.000 

Total Quantity for APPLES EMPIRE FRESH CTN-40 LB CS 

924.000 

50 APPLES FUJI FRESH F CARTON-40 LB 

60 EAST POINT GA 

70 100522 APPLES FUJI FRESH F CARTON-40 LB 05/13/2024-05/15/2024 30344 CS 

924.000 

80 LAS VEGAS NV 

90 100522 APPLES FUJI FRESH F CARTON-40 LB 06/03/2024-06/05/2024 89030 CS 

924.000 

Total Quantity for APPLES FUJI FRESH F CARTON-40 LB CS 

1,848.000 

100 APPLES GALA FRESH G CARTON-40 LB 

110 EAST POINT GA 

120 100521 APPLES GALA FRESH G CARTON-40 LB 06/24/2024-06/26/2024 30344 CS 

924.000 

Total Quantity for APPLES GALA FRESH G CARTON-40 LB CS 

924.000 

130 APPLES GRANNY SMITH FRESH CTN-40 LB 

140 EAST POINT GA 

150 110543 APPLES GRANNY SMITH FRESH CTN-40 04/01/2024-04/03/2024 30344 CS 

LB 924.000 

160 LOT: 435981978 DENVER CO / GRAND JUNC... 

Tendering text - Item : LOT: 435981978 DENVER CO / GRAND JUNCTION CO / 

170 110543 APPLES GRANNY SMITH FRESH CTN-40 04/08/2024-04/10/2024 80239 CS 

LB 693.000 

180 110543 APPLES GRANNY SMITH FRESH CTN-40 04/08/2024-04/10/2024 81505 CS 

LB 231.000 

Total Quantity for APPLES GRANNY SMITH FRESH CTN-40 LB CS 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOLICITATION Information 

Domestic Commodity Invitation Description: 12-3J14-24-B-0228-0001 

Bid invitation number: 2000009877 

Item Material Description Required by ZipCode Quantity 

1,848.000 

190 PEARS BARTLETT FRESH CTN#40 LB 

200 LAS VEGAS NV 

210 111424 PEARS BARTLETT FRESH CTN#40 LB 05/20/2024-05/22/2024 89030 CS 

980.000 

Total Quantity for PEARS BARTLETT FRESH CTN#40 LB CS 

980.000 

220 PEARS D#ANJOU FRESH CTN#40 LB 

230 ELMSFORD NY 

240 111422 PEARS D#ANJOU FRESH CTN#40 LB 05/13/2024-05/15/2024 10523 CS 

980.000 

250 111422 PEARS D#ANJOU FRESH CTN#40 LB 06/10/2024-06/12/2024 10523 CS 

980.000 

Total Quantity for PEARS D#ANJOU FRESH CTN#40 LB CS 

1,960.000 

260 PEARS FRESH PKG-12/3 LB 

270 SAN DIEGO CA 

280 110560 PEARS FRESH PKG-12/3 LB 04/29/2024-05/01/2024 92121 CS 

980.000 

290 110560 PEARS FRESH PKG-12/3 LB 05/06/2024-05/08/2024 92121 CS 

980.000 

300 EAST POINT GA 

310 110560 PEARS FRESH PKG-12/3 LB 04/22/2024-04/24/2024 30344 CS 

980.000 

320 110560 PEARS FRESH PKG-12/3 LB 06/03/2024-06/05/2024 30344 CS 

980.000 

Total Quantity for PEARS FRESH PKG-12/3 LB CS 

3,920.000 

Total Quantity for Invitation CS 

12,404.000 

Amendment Details 

Amendment : 12-3J14-24-B-0228-0001 Date : 02/06/2024 

Action Item Material Description Type 

Field Old Value New Value UOM 

See comments in the amendment header text for specific details. 
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SOLICITATION Information 

Domestic Commodity Invitation Description: 12-3J14-24-B-0228-0001 

Bid invitation number: 2000009877