1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Room 3932-S, STOP 0256

Washington, DC 20250-0201

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION May 2012

PURCHASE OF FRESH BONELESS BEEF PRODUCTS FOR FURTHER 

PROCESSING

FOR DISTRIBUTION TO CHILD NUTRITION AND

OTHER FEDERAL FOOD AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS

This document provides additional USDA requirements and specifications for the purchase of 

ground beef items described in the attached CHECKLIST AND REFERENCES TO 

APPLICABLE BID AND CONTRACT PROVISIONS (Exhibit A). In addition to product 

descriptions, this exhibit also provides information on the Technical Requirements Schedule 

(TRS)-BB-2012, Fresh Boneless Beef Items, dated May 2012 (Attachment I).

I. INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS

A. The fresh, boneless beef items will be purchased on a competitive bid basis from 

suppliers who have met the requirements described in Section I.B. Interested suppliers 

may submit a technical proposal at any time during this purchase program. Suppliers 

should allow 10 working days from receipt of the technical proposal by USDA for 

notification of the results of the evaluation of the technical proposal from the Contracting 

Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR). A supplier is deemed eligible to bid after 

notification by the COTR.

Submission of a technical proposal is not binding on USDA. Actual purchases will be on 

a competitive bid basis as described in the AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity 

Procurements (AMS Master Solicitation), this Supplement, and separately issued 

solicitation.

B. Documentation and Assessment Requirements 

To become an eligible supplier, the following must be submitted electronically to the

Standardization Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, for evaluation and approval prior to bidding:

1. Technical Proposal Requirement:

a. Include a detailed description of the beef item offered and each of the production 

steps that are taken to meet or exceed the minimum product requirements set forth 

in the applicable specification. (Plan/Do)

b. Describe all the quality assurance methods used to verify conformance to all 

requirements. This will include the monitoring and measurements taken during 

the process to verify conformance with each requirement. All measurement 

results shall be recorded and made available to AMS. (Check)
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 2

c. Identify all corrective actions to be taken if deviations from contractual and 

specification requirements occur during production, and all preventative actions to 

be taken to preclude a reoccurrence. (Act)

d. The technical proposal shall follow the format as describe in Section III.,

Technical Proposal format. Offeror’s proposal should be brief and concise.

e. The technical proposal shall be preceded by the following, as required by the

template:

1) Table of Contents listing the major areas as they appear in the technical 

proposal template; and

2) List of attachments, forms provided with the proposal, if appropriate.

f. The technical proposal should be written in the following format:

1) Plan and Do - A description of the planning and production steps taken to 

meet each requirement.

2) Check - Describes all the quality assurance methods that will be used to verify 

conformances to each requirement. This will include the monitoring and 

measurement taken during the process (all measurements results shall be 

recorded and made available to AMS upon request).

3) Act - Identifies all corrective actions to be taken if deviations from contractual 

and specification requirements occur during production and all preventative 

actions taken to preclude reoccurrences.

The COTR will review each technical proposal to determine if the proposal is 

adequate and will notify the supplier of the status of their technical proposal. See 

Section III for instructions for submission of technical proposals. 

Once a supplier is notified by the COTR that the technical proposal meets the 

applicable criteria, the Grading and Verification Division (GVD) will contact the 

supplier to set up a pre-award onsite capability assessment.

2. Assessment by the GVD

After the technical proposal(s) are evaluated and approved, a GVD auditor will 

perform an onsite assessment of the facility(s), processes, food security plan, and 

quality control program used to produce the product(s) to determine the supplier’s 

ability to meet contractual requirements. The following assessments will apply:
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 3

a. Pre-Award Onsite Capability Assessment

The pre-award onsite assessment (audit) will include, but is not limited to, a 

thorough evaluation of the potential contractors’ and subcontractors’ facility(s), 

processes, food security plan, quality control program, equipment, procedures, and 

the appropriate documents and forms used during the production of the beef item. 

Documentation must support: 1) the production of the beef item that complies 

with the applicable specification and the potential contractor’s approved technical 

proposal, and 2) the contractor’s or subcontractor’s food security plan. In 

addition, the audit will consist of the review of records related to purchasing, 

receiving, production, quality control, inventory and shipping records, and 

interviews with management and production personnel.

Upon completion of the onsite capability assessment, the auditor will provide a 

report to the Contracting Officer for final review. After the supplier has 

satisfactorily completed the pre-award onsite capability assessment, the supplier 

will receive written notification from the Contracting Officer of their eligibility to 

bid. 

If the report demonstrates that the process or food security plan is inadequate, the 

applicant will be notified by the Contracting Officer that they are ineligible to bid. 

The applicant will have an opportunity to correct identified deficiencies, modify 

their process, food security plan, and/or technical proposal, and resubmit for 

further consideration. Eligibility will depend on whether the modifications 

demonstrate that: 1) the process is capable of delivering fresh boneless beef 

products in compliance with the applicable specification, 2) they are in 

compliance with their food security plan, 3) includes the applicable assessment by 

USDA, and 4) they comply with other applicable contractual requirements.

b. Post-Award Assessment

Eligible suppliers who receive contracts must have their documented food security 

plan, technical proposals, and supporting documentation readily available for 

review by the COTR or AMS agents. Records may be maintained on hard copy or 

electronic media. However, records maintained as electronic media will be made 

available in printed form immediately upon request by AMS or its agents.

The GVD will conduct an onsite audit of the contractor’s and subcontractor’s 

facility(s) and processes when production commences for the first contract 

awarded. Additional audits will be conducted as determined by the Contracting 

Officer, but not less than once per month for contractors or subcontractors with 

continuous or multiple contracts, or once per contract for intermittent contractors. 

At the discretion of the Contracting Officer, more frequent audits may be 

conducted when audit deficiencies are detected.
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 4

c. Post-Award Actions

Any deviation from contractual requirements will be immediately reported by the 

contractor to the Contracting Officer and COTR. The Contracting Officer or 

COTR will notify the contractor regarding eligibility to continue to participate as a 

contractor.

Contractor will assure that the delivered product complies with the provisions of 

the applicable specification, the applicable assessment by USDA, and the 

contractor’s technical proposal approved by the COTR.

Once a supplier is eligible to bid, the supplier must follow instructions stated in the 

AMS Master Solicitation.

C. Animal Welfare Requirements

All contractors and subcontractors must meet the animal handling and welfare 

requirements set forth in Attachment II - Technical Requirements Schedule - Animal 

Handling and Welfare 2010 (TRS-AHW-2010), effective May 2010. 

D. Responsibility/Eligibility

Facilities used in fulfilling USDA contracts must be operating under the provisions of the 

Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq., and the regulations issued 

thereunder. 

Subcontractors or suppliers of beef are: (1) ineligible if they are currently delivering late 

on USDA contracts, or USDA-approved subcontracts and late delivery is not due to 

causes beyond their control; and (2) nonresponsible if they are not operating under the 

provisions of the Federal Meat Inspection Act or have been suspended or debarred under 

the provisions of 48 C.F.R. Subpart 9.4

E. Past Performance

1. Supplier Monitoring Program Requirements

Boneless beef suppliers’ performance as a subcontractor on contracts awarded by the 

Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be evaluated on a 180 consecutive day 

(rolling) cycle. The evaluation will consist of all non-conformances (NC) that were 

identified by the GVD auditor. The NC’s will be categorized as critical, major, or

minor based on their impact on the quality, safety, or value of the involved product. 

The accumulation of at least two critical NC’s, one critical/two major NC’s, three 

major NC’s, or a total five NC’s in any combination, (i.e., critical, major, or minor) 

within the 180-cycle will result in the boneless beef supplier being deemed ineligible 
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 5

by the COTR to supply boneless beef to Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 

contractors to fill USDA contracts. 

To regain eligibility status, the boneless beef supplier must submit appropriate 

corrective and preventative measures to AMS for evaluation and the measures must 

be verified by AMS as effective. The COTR will notify the boneless beef supplier 

and affected contractors when eligibility to supply boneless beef has been reinstated. 

The microbial test results will be analyzed separately under statistical process 

controls. 

The criteria for the three categories of non-conformances are as follows:

a. Critical

Production non-conformances--a complete breakdown of the production process 

has occurred. It is apparent that the company cannot produce product that 

complies with contract requirements.

b. Major 

Production non-conformances--major deviation from the production process has 

occurred that significantly impacts the quality or performance of the product. It is 

questionable if the company can consistently produce product that complies with 

contract requirements.

c. Minor

Production non-conformances--minor deviation from the production process has 

occurred that minimally impacts the quality or performance of the product. It is 

likely that the company can produce a product that complies with contract 

requirements.

2. Sustained Acceptable Performance

A contractor or subcontractor will be deemed ineligible to supply boneless beef 

or ground beef for the USDA purchase programs if:

a. The contractor or subcontractor is subject to a Class I recall; or

b. Based on an evaluation of all AMS test results for E. coli O157:H7 and 

Salmonella during the previous calendar quarter, the incident rate for either 

boneless beef or ground beef exceeds the central line (cl) values referenced in 

Appendix B of TRS-GB-2012.

If deemed ineligible, a contractor or subcontractor must perform a cause-and-effect 

analysis and have corrective and preventative actions reviewed, audited, and approved 

by AMS prior to final consideration for eligibility by the COTR.
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 6

F. Loading and Sealing of Vehicles (AMS Master Solicitation, Section H)

Loading of the vehicle may also be conducted by a person authorized in a contractor’s 

approved technical proposal.

G. Domestic Requirements

The contractor agrees to include this domestic origin certification clause in its entirety in 

all subcontracts for meat or meat products used in fulfilling any contracts awarded under 

this Supplement and AMS Master Solicitation. The burden of proof of compliance is on 

the Contractor. All raw materials will be shipped in containers labeled as “Domestic 

Only Product” on the principle display panel and the bill of lading accompanying the 

shipment will contain the statement “Domestic Only Product.”

II. SUBMISSION OF OFFERS

The following Item will be included in the attribute section of the offer submitted in Web 

Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system (see Exhibit 2 of the AMS Master 

Solicitation):

9. Offeror certifies that all product conforms with the (applicable specification) and no 

changes to the production process or production plan have occurred without proper 

approval by the Contracting Officers Technical Representative.

 Does 

III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

The following procedures establish the acceptable minimum requirements for the format and 

content of the proposals:

A. The Government has provided a technical proposal format which is to be used in 

preparing the technical proposal (see Exhibit B). The offeror shall submit the technical 

proposal in an electronic format through the company’s external portal site maintained by 

the AMS Commodity Procurement Division (see Exhibit C for instructions to obtain an 

external portal site). When submitting the technical proposal through the company’s 

external portal site, e-mail notification to the COTR must be provided 

(darin.doerscher@ams.usda.gov or steve.whisenant@ams.usda.gov). The technical 

proposal shall be saved in a non-portable document file format (not PDF; e.g., Microsoft 

Word). The technical proposal must be submitted in its entirety. The collection of 

attachments and appendices may be submitted as a separate document. This format and 

electronic form provided will aid in the evaluation of the technical proposal.

B. The technical proposal must be submitted by an authorized agent of the company.
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 7

C. While it is not the desire of the Government to penalize an offeror for noncompliance 

with formatting instructions, technical evaluators may have difficulty evaluating the 

technical proposal to the fullest extent possible if the proposal is not presented in the 

proper format. Technical evaluators will not be required to search other subsections or 

sections of the offeror’s technical proposal for information requested for evaluation.

D. Technical Proposal Revisions

Changes to an offeror’s technical proposal may be submitted based on the Government’s 

Amendments, Clarification Request, monitoring program, or at the request of the offeror. 

Maintenance of the integrity and clarity of each technical proposal is critical. All 

technical proposal revisions must meet the following criteria:

1. Any changes to a technical proposal made by the offeror after its initial submittal 

shall be accomplished by submitting the entire technical proposal. A cover letter 

must be submitted with the changes identified and an explanation of the need for the 

change. The offeror shall include the revision date and the appropriate page 

number(s).

2. Changes from the original technical proposal shall be highlighted and deletions in 

strikeouts.

Note: When revisions to the approved technical proposal are submitted in their 

external portal site, the contractor must provide an e-mail notification to the COTR.

IV. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND AUDIT SERVICES

A. Specifications for fresh, boneless beef are identified in Exhibit A. If documents are 

amended, appropriate amendments must be referenced.

B. Compliance with processing requirements as described in TRS-BB-2012 and contractor’s 

process documentation and quality control program will be verified through audits by 

AMS agents. The cost of all audits, including the pre-award, onsite assessment, must be 

borne by the contractor. 

C. Questions concerning GVD auditors should be discussed with the GVD at 202-309-1506.

D. Cost associated with laboratory analysis of boneless beef samples for microbial 

requirements specified in TRS-BB, dated April 2005 will be borne by AMS.
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 8

E. Disposition of Lots Outside Specification Limits

Any lot that, in any test, including FSIS test, tests positive for E. coli O157:H7 or 

Salmonella, or exceeds the critical limit criteria of APPENDIX B of TRS-GB, cannot 

be used to produce ground beef or any other product purchased by USDA.

V. QUALITY INSPECTION PLAN

Not required under this Supplement.

VI. INVOICES AND PAYMENT

In addition to the referenced payment documents in the AMS Master Solicitation, please 

include a copy of the Contractor’s Certificate of Conformance (see Exhibit D).

Purchases of the materials under this supplement require that a “three-way match” must be 

completed in WBSCM, i.e., Purchase Order (PO), Good Receipt, and Invoice with supporting 

documents attached.

VII. AMS CLAUSES

A. Contractor Checkloading

Contractor will perform checkloading examinations as described in the applicable 

specification at the time of shipment and issue contractor’s certificate to accompany each 

shipment that includes all of the following information:

1. Purchase Order Number and Purchase Order line item number;

2. Sales Order Number and Sales Order Item number;

3. Name of product;

4. Shipping Date;

5. Production lot number(s) and date each lot was produced;

6. Count of shipping containers and total projected net weight in each production lot;

7. Identity of car or truck (car numbers and letters, seals, truck license, etc.) as 

applicable;

8. Contractor certification that product conforms with the applicable specification;

9. Count and projected net weight verified; and

10. Signature of company official responsible for checkloading.
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 9 

VIII. PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

FAR Provisions as show in Section XII of the AMS Master Solicitation are modified as 

shown below: 

A. 1.52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (MAR 2012) 

(a) (1) The North American Industry Classification System code for this acquisition is 

311611. 

(2) The small business size standard is 500 employees. 

ve Tuckwiller, Director 


ommodity Procurement Division 


Agricultural Marketing Service 


Attachments 
Room 3932-S, STOP 0256

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250-0201

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A

DATED MAY 2012

CHECKLIST AND REFERENCES TO APPLICABLE BID AND CONTRACT PROVISIONS

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 

for

FRESH BONELESS BEEF ITEMS

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION OFFER/CONTRACT PROVISIONS

WBSCM 

Material 

Description

Specifications 

Listed in 

Priority 

Order

WBSCM 

Material 

Number

Packaging 

and Packing

Minimum 

Offer Unit 

Size/Shipping 

Unit

Tolerance 

Section

Delivery 

Period 

Federal/State 

Plants 

Section I.D.

Competition 

(See 

Solicitation)

BEEF 

FRESH 

BNLS 

COMBO20/2000 LB

Technical 

Requirements 

Schedule-BB2012, Fresh 

Chilled, 

Boneless Beef 

for Further 

Processing, 

May 2012

100155 20 lined 

combo bins 

packed to 

approximately 

1,850 to 2,250 

lbs. in each 

combo bin

40,000 lbs.

20 combo bins

NONE 3-day 

delivery 

period

Federal & 

State

Full & Open

BEEF 

FRESH 

BNLS 

GRASS 

FED CMB20/2000 LB

110091 20 lined 

combo bins 

packed to 

approximately 

1,850 to 2,250 

lbs. in each 

combo bin

40,000 lbs.

20 combo bins

NONE 3-day 

delivery 

period

Federal & 

State

Full & Open
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B

PAGE 1 OF 3

Cover Page: 

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

Contact Person, including title, phone number, including emergency contact information, 

e-mail address (must be authorized to represent the company).

Technical proposal for: [Supplement Number] and [Specification]

Table of Contents (all pages and attachments must be number and identified--any 

attachments must be identified and referenced in the Technical proposal)

The technical proposal should include all phases of production that meets or exceeds the 

requirements stated in the specification to produce complying product. 

I. SCOPE

Brief Description of what the company plans to do to meet the requirements stated in the 

applicable specification (including the applicable documents).

II. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS - CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS

A. ITEMS - Please provide a brief description of the product that will be addressed in the 

technical proposal.

B. MATERIAL - Please provide a brief description of the planning, production steps (do), 

check and corrective/preventive (act) measures that the company will do to assure 

compliance with the material section of the specification.

1. Domestic Origin and Harvest (slaughter) Requirements – (plan, do, check, act)

a. Quality Control Program

1) Domestic Origin

2) Humane Handling

3) Spinal Cord Removal

4) Pathogen Intervention Steps 

5) Carcass Testing

6) Grass Fed

2. Boneless Beef Requirements – (plan, do, check, act)

a. Quality Control Program (QCP) – for each boneless beef supplier – QCP must 

include at a minimum (plan, do, check, act) for the “Material” section that applies 

to the production of the boneless beef.

b. Traceability 

c. Handling

d. Boneless beef- XF trimmings

e. Objectionable Materials 
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B

PAGE 2 OF 3

f. Mechanical separation

g. Lot

h. Microbial Testing

1) Sample Preparation and Handling

2) Sample Selection

3) Testing and Results

4) Statistical Process Capability

5) Contractor’s Responsibility

C. STATE OF REFRIGERATION - Please provide a brief description of the planning, 

production steps (do), check and corrective/preventive (act) measures that the company 

will do to assure compliance with the State of Refrigeration section of the specification.

1. Bulk Packaged Boneless Beef Items – (plan, do, check, act)

2. Shipping – (plan, do, check, act)

D. FAT LIMITATIONS - Please provide a brief description of the planning, production 

steps (do), check and corrective/preventive (act) measures that the company will do to 

assure compliance with the Fat Limitations section of the specification.

1. Process Capability – Sampling plan and recording results (plan, do, check, act)

2. AMS Process Assessment

E. PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY - Please provide a brief description of the planning, 

production steps (do), check and corrective/preventive (act) measures that the company 

will do to assure compliance with the Preparation for Delivery section of the 

specification.

1. Packaging and Packing – (plan, do, check, act)

2. Net Weight – (plan, do, check, act)

a. Fresh Boneless Beef

3. Closure – (plan, do, check, act) – Shipping containers

4. Marking of Containers – (plan, do, check, act)

a. Fresh Boneless Beef, Package Labels 

b. Shipping Containers

All labeling shall be illustrated in the Offeror’s technical proposal.

5. Palletized Unit Loads

6. Total New Weights Per Delivery Unit

7. Sealing

F. USDA QUALITY ASSURANCE - Please provide a brief description of the planning, 

production steps (do), check and corrective/preventive (act) measures that the company 

will do to assure compliance with the USDA Quality Assurance section of the 

specification.
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B

PAGE 3 OF 3

1. Warranty and Complaint Resolution - (plan, do, check, act)

a. Warranty

b. Complaint Resolution

1) AMS Monitoring & Production Assessment

2) Control of Non-Conforming Product

3) Checkloading - Contractor must address Checkloading in their Technical 

Proposal.

III. ATTACHMENTS OR APPENDIXES

Please attach all referenced documents with the applicable document name and reference 

number.
Commodity 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.

Procurement Room 3522, STOP S-0239

Staff Washington, DC 20250-0239

In order for a company to submit documents electronically as prescribed in the applicable procurement 

documents, a company must have an external portal site set up in the Livestock and Seed Contractor 

Information (LSCI) site. Please complete the form below, print, and send the completed form by e-mail to 

sue.olson@ams.usda.gov. To assure that the accounts and names are set-up correctly the form must be filled 

out electronically. If additional space is needed, please submit an additional form. 

Company: 

Address: 

City: 

State: Zip code: 

Please provide the information below for each company personnel who need access to the company site.

First Name Middle 

Initial

Last Name E-mail address Title Phone Number

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT C UPDATED 10/2012
SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT D

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE

LIVESTOCK AND SEED PROGRAM

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE FOR

THE PROCUREMENT OF BONELESS BEEF ITEMS, FRESH

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE

I certify the following:

(1) On [shipping date(s) ], [Contractor’s name] furnished the (insert the appropriate 

commodity description) called for by Purchase Order/Purchase Order Item Number:

 / via [Carrier] under Sales Order Number(s)/Sales 

Order Item Number: / .

(2) The (insert the appropriate material name) is of the quality specified and conforms in all 

respects with the purchase order requirements, including [Contractor’s name] Technical Proposal 

or Production Plan as approved by the AMS Standardization Division, COTR. 

(3) Product identification, (i.e. production lot number(s)) is in the quantity shown on the 

attached acceptance document.

(4) Contractor assures all meat or meat products used in fulfilling this contract was produced 

in the United States as defined in the Supplement 212, section I.G, and the AMS Master 

Solicitation for Commodity Procurements, Section I.E.

Date: 

Signature: 

(Signed by an officer or representative authorized to represent the company)

Title: 
Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

 Date Revised: 05/22/12 

 

UNITED STATES 

DEPARTMENT OF 

AGRICULTURE 

AGRICULTURAL 

MARKETING 

SERVICE 

LIVESTOCK AND 

SEED PROGRAM 

Washington, D.C. 

20250-0254 

TECHNICAL 

REQUIREMENTS 

SCHEDULE – BB - 2012

FOR USDA PURCHASES OF 

FRESH CHILLED, BONELESS 

BEEF FOR FURTHER 

PROCESSING 

Effective: May 2012 

Preparing Activity: 

USDA, AMS, LS, SD--Rm. 2607-S 

Supersedes: TRS-BB-2010

Changes - In blue 

LSP-SD-TRS-BB-2012 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
2 

Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1.0 SCOPE .................................................................................................................. 3

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS ............................................................................... 3

3.0 CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 3

3.2 MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FRESH-CHILLED BONELESS BEEF ......... 3

3.3 STATE OF REFRIGERATION .............................................................................. 8

3.4 FAT LIMITATIONS................................................................................................ 8

3.5 PACKAGING AND PACKING .............................................................................. 9

4.0 CONTROL OF NON-CONFORMING PRODUCT ............................................... 10

5.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE ..................................................................................... 10

APPENDIX A................................................................................................11 

APPENDIX B................................................................................................12 

APPENDIX C................................................................................................14 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
3 

Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

1.0 SCOPE 

1.1 This Technical Requirements Schedule (TRS)–Boneless Beef (BB)–

2012 is for use by a contractor of the United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Commodity 

Procurement Division (CPD) to deliver fresh-chilled (never previously 

frozen) boneless beef for further processing. 

2.0 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

 

2.1 The following documents are incorporated as part of this USDA, TRSBB-2012: 

2.1.1 Grading and Verification Division (GVD) Procedures Manual. 

2.1.2 Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Directive 10,010.1 

Revision 3. 

2.1.3 Applicable Supplement to AMS Master Solicitation. 

3.0 CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS 

3.1 The contractor’s technical proposal must describe a process plan with 

a documented quality control program that includes procedures, 

records, forms, etc., that demonstrate conformance with the following 

Checklist of Requirements. The Contracting Officer’s Technical 

Representative (COTR) may request changes to the technical proposal 

at any time. 

3.2 MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FRESH-CHILLED BONELESS 

BEEF 

3.2.1 Domestic Origin and Harvest (Slaughter) Requirements – The 

harvester’s quality control program must be documented and have 

received a satisfactory onsite capability assessment by GVD prior to 

supplying materials for the program. Additionally, each plant is 

subjected to verification audits conducted by GVD during production 

activities that demonstrate their adherence to the documented 

program. Boneless beef shall be derived from cattle harvested at 

facilities that comply with the following origin and harvest requirements. 

3.2.1.1 Domestic Origin - All beef will originate from U.S. produced livestock as 

defined within the Supplement. 

3.2.1.2 Humane Handling - All cattle shall be humanely handled in accordance 

with all applicable FSIS regulations and AMS requirements. 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
4 

Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

3.2.1.3 Spinal Cord Removal – All spinal cord tissue must be removed during 

the harvesting process. 

3.2.1.4 Pathogen Intervention – The harvest process must include at least two 

pathogen intervention steps. One of the intervention steps must be a 

critical control point (CCP) in their FSIS recognized harvest process 

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan and the CCP 

intervention(s) must be scientifically validated to achieve a three log 

reduction of enteric pathogens. 

3.2.1.5 Carcass Testing - Routinely test carcasses for Shiga-toxigenic 

Escherichia coli O157:H7 (including O157:H7 and O157:Non-Motile 

(NM); herein referred to as E.coli O157:H7) at CCP to verify 

effectiveness of interventions. 

3.2.1.6 Grass Fed – When specified in the invitation, boneless beef destined to 

be labeled as grass fed shall be supported by documentation and the 

FSIS approved label which substantiates such a claim. 

3.2.2 Boneless Beef Requirements 

3.2.2.1 Traceability – Boneless beef shall be traceable to sources that comply 

with the above domestic origin and harvest requirements. 

3.2.2.2 Handling - All boneless beef must be maintained in excellent condition. 

The contractor’s technical proposal shall include detailed production 

scheduling that addresses time and temperature controls necessary to 

maintain excellent condition of the boneless beef. 

3.2.2.3 Boneless beef commonly referred to by the industry as XF trimmings 

(e.g., Beef Fat with Visible Lean) is not allowed as a standalone raw 

material source. 

3.2.2.4 Objectionable materials - The following objectionable materials shall be 

excluded: 

3.2.2.4.1 Major lymph glands (prefemoral, popliteal, and prescapular), thymus 

gland, sciatic (ischiatic) nerve (lies medial to the outside round), 

internal fat (kidney, pelvic, and heart fat). 

3.2.2.4.2 All bone, cartilage, and the following heavy connective tissues: 

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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

3.2.2.4.2.1 White fibrous – Shoulder tendon, elbow tendon, silver skin from the 

outside round, sacrociatic ligament, opaque periosteum, serous 

membrane (peritoneum), tendinous ends of shanks, patellar ligament 

(stifle joint), gracilis membrane (from the inside round), and achilles

tendon. 

3.2.2.4.2.2 Yellow elastin – Back strap and abdominal tunic. 

3.2.2.5 Mechanical Separation - Boneless beef that is mechanically separated 

from bone with automatic deboning systems, advanced lean (meat) 

recovery (AMR) systems or powered knives, will not be allowed. 

3.2.2.6 Lot - A lot shall consist of a single combo sized bin of approximately 

2,000 pounds of boneless beef produced within a day, between 

“cleanup to cleanup” (see APPENDIX C) and that is from a single 

harvester or from a single processor. 

3.2.2.7 Microbial Testing – All lots of fresh chilled boneless beef must be 

tested for all microbes listed in APPENDIX B. All samples will be sent 

to the AMS designated laboratory (ADL). 

3.2.2.7.1 Sample Preparation and Handling - The ADL will be responsible for 

supplying procedures for sample preparation, and submission. The 

laboratory shall require contractors to submit this form as an official 

record with each sample. The laboratory will also be responsible for 

supplying shipping supplies (including sampling bags and shipping 

materials), to each contractor. Contractor’s technical proposal will 

include and describe sample collection and preparation procedures 

provided by the ADL. 

3.2.2.7.2 Sample Selection 

3.2.2.7.2.1 For Beef Manufacturing Trimmings – The composite sample will be 

selected as described within FSIS Directive 10,010.1 Revision 3 (N-60 

Sections 8, 9 and NOTE). 

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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

3.2.2.7.2.2 For every lot of beef Manufacturing Trim, three (3) samples will be 

prepared from seventy (70) pieces of trim from seventy (70) different 

pieces of beef product. The sample for E. coli O157:H7 will be sixty 

(60) pieces and weigh 325 grams ± 10 percent; the sample for 

Salmonella will be five (5) pieces and weigh 25 grams ± 10 percent; 

the sample for indicator organisms (aerobic plate count, total coliform 

and generic E. coli) will be five (5) pieces and weigh 25 grams ± 10 

percent. 

3.2.2.7.2.3 When boneless beef has been exposed to any anti-microbial 

treatment, no sample units shall be selected for at least 15 minutes 

after such treatment. All anti-microbial treatments (e.g. techniques and 

procedures) administered during production and post-production shall 

be described in the supplier’s technical proposal.

3.2.2.7.3 Testing and Results 

3.2.2.7.3.1 The microbiological testing for all microbes will be in accordance with 

the applicable AMS-approved testing methodologies. 

3.2.2.7.3.2 Notification for presence of pathogens and exceeding critical limit 

criteria - When presence of E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella is 

presumptive positive or confirmed positive or any critical limit is 

exceeded for indicator microbes: 

3.2.2.7.3.2.1 The ADL will immediately notify FSIS (pathogens only) and the COTR. 

3.2.2.7.3.2.2 When pathogen results are positive, FSIS and the COTR will be 

notified by the boneless beef supplier of the final disposition of the 

affected lot. 

3.2.2.7.3.2.3 When the critical limit is exceeded for indicator organisms, the 

boneless beef contractor will notify the COTR of the final disposition of 

the affected lot. 

3.2.2.7.3.2.4 Confirmed pathogen - The boneless beef contractor shall conduct a 

cause and effect analysis to determine the appropriate corrective 

action necessary to eliminate the probable cause. 

3.2.2.7.3.3 The ADL will record results of all microbial analysis in a format that can 

be easily captured and analyzed. 

3.2.2.7.3.4 The ADL will record all results on spreadsheets and calculate the 

process capability (CPU, Cl) for microbial tests performed on 

production lots as outlined in Section 3.2.2.7.4.

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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

3.2.2.7.3.5 Any lot that tests positive for E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella, or 

exceeds the critical limit criteria of APPENDIX B cannot be delivered to 

the USDA. 

3.2.2.7.4 Statistical Process Capability – The statistical process capability of a 

boneless beef contractor to comply with microbial requirements will be 

based on the assessment of calculated process capability (CPU, Cl) 

derived from the individual combo test results representing one (1) 

2,000 pound combo lot randomly selected by the ADL from every five 

(5) consecutive individual 2,000 pound combo lots produced each 

production day. In the event that a production day concludes with less 

than five (5) consecutive individual 2,000 pound combo lots, a 

randomly selected test result will be utilized from one of the remaining 

lots. The spreadsheets will be maintained so that process capability 

assessment on the twenty (20) lots can be determined as described 

within APPENDIX B. Test results involving all boneless beef offered 

for testing for AMS purchase programs will be monitored by AMS and 

the contractor, to determine individual lot acceptance and/or capability 

of their process according to APPENDIX B. Ineligible boneless beef 

contractor may petition AMS to re-enter the program under conditional 

status provided corrective actions have been submitted for review and 

approved, implemented and a satisfactory onsite assessment audit by 

GVD has been conducted. Upon notification by the COTR that the 

plan has adequately addressed the issues that resulted in the ineligible 

status determination, the boneless beef contractor may re-enter the 

program under conditional status. 

3.2.2.7.5 Contractor’s Responsibility - The contractor will provide results and 

process capability status (as applicable) involving each lot of boneless 

beef to be delivered to the USDA. Test results and process capability 

status (as applicable) for individual lots shall be provided to the GVD

agent upon request. In the event a boneless beef contractor has been 

deemed ineligible, and wants to continue in the program, the ineligible 

boneless beef contractor may petition AMS to re-enter the program 

under conditional status provided corrective actions have been 

submitted for review and have been deemed approved, implemented 

and a satisfactory onsite capability assessment audit by GVD has been 

conducted. Upon notification by the COTR that the plan has 

adequately addressed the issues that resulted in the ineligible status 

determination the boneless beef contractor may re-enter the program 

under conditional status. 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

3.3 STATE OF REFRIGERATION

3.3.1 Fresh-chilled boneless beef shall be maintained and delivered at a 

temperature not to exceed 40o

F. 

3.4 FAT LIMITATIONS 

3.4.1 Requirements - The contractor will establish a target average of 15 

percent fat of all boneless beef destined for all USDA destinations. 

The upper and lower specifications limits will be 18.0 and 12.0 percent 

fat respectively. Production lots with average fat results that are not 

within the upper and lower specification limits will not be shipped to 

USDA. 

3.4.2 Process Capability -The processors capability (Cpk) value shall be one 

(1) or higher when the average results from twenty (20) consecutive 

production lots (which always will include the last production lot) are 

calculated. 

3.4.3 Documentation - The contractor shall declare within their technical 

proposal: 

3.4.3.1 Lot size, number of samples, selection and preparation procedures, 

3.4.3.2 The laboratory and a test method, 

3.4.3.3 Data management and storage of fat results, 

3.4.3.4 Statistical Process Control (SPC) charting methods which will include a 

process capability report (histogram) that is capable of calculating a 

Cpk value (see Exhibit A). 

3.4.4 Assessment by AMS - AMS reserves the right to: 

3.4.4.1 Check production records of the recipient where the contractor’s 

boneless beef is further processed; 

3.4.4.2 Select and analyze samples at the further processor. The results may 

be used by the contracting officer as a “check” to determine if fat 

content is in compliance with the fat limitation requirements; and/or 

3.4.4.3 Deem a contractor as unreliable for failure to comply with the above 

requirements. 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

3.5 PACKAGING AND PACKING 

3.5.1 The contractor’s technical proposal and process will assure that 

all packaging, packing, closure, marking, and palletizing comply 

with the National Motor Freight Regulations and FSIS regulations 

and the requirements listed below. The contractor also must 

have procedures for verifying the net weight of shipping 

containers. 

3.5.1.1 Packaging and Packing – The contractor shall bulk package the 

boneless beef within lined “combo bins” in such a manner to maintain 

the product in excellent condition. The combo bins of boneless beef 

shall be sealed so that the container is tamper proof and arrives at the 

destination intact. 

3.5.1.2 Net Weight – The contractor shall have procedures that accurately 

determine the net weight of the boneless beef. Each filled combo bin 

shall weigh from 1850 to 2250 pounds. AMS reserves the right to 

perform net weight examinations at destination. 

3.5.1.3 Marking of Containers – All shipping container markings shall include 

all information required by FSIS regulations and the following 

information: 

3.5.1.3.1 “Complies with TRS - BB - 2012 - Boneless Beef for Further 

Processing”: 

3.5.1.3.2 A code number that will indicate traceability to production lot and date. 

3.5.1.3.3 USDA Shield (at least 2 inches high). 

3.5.1.3.4 Purchase Order Number. 

3.5.1.3.5 Fat Declaration. 

3.5.1.3.6 The appropriate material number listed in the table below for each of 

the items. 

Item Material Number 

Boneless Beef Combo, Fresh 100155 

Boneless Beef Combo, Grass Fed, Fresh 110091 

Note: All labeling shall be illustrated in the Contractor’s technical proposal. 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

3.5.1.4 Total net weights per delivery unit - The delivery unit will be 40,000 

pounds. 

3.5.1.5 Sealing - All products must be delivered to AMS assigned destinations 

under seal with tamper proof, tamper resistant, serially numbered, high 

security seals that meet the American Society for Testing and Materials 

Standard F 1157-04 as required under this supplement. 

4.0 CONTROL OF NON-CONFORMING PRODUCT 

4.1 The contractor must include a plan to assure that non-conforming 

product is not delivered under USDA contracts. The plan must 

address 1) control and segregation of non-conforming product, 2) 

removal of any USDA markings, and 3) disposition of non-conforming 

product, including vendor notification in writing to the COTR of final 

disposition (e.g., diverted to cooked product or destroyed). 

5.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE 

5.1 Warranty and Complaint Resolution 

5.1.1 Warranty – The contractor will guarantee that the product complies 

with all specification requirements, technical proposal declarations, and 

provisions set forth in the program Supplement. 

5.1.2 Complaint Resolution – Customer complaint resolution procedures will 

be included in the technical proposal. These procedures will include: a 

point of contact, investigation steps, intent to cooperate with AMS, and 

product replacement or monetary compensation. The procedures will 

be used to resolve product complaints from recipient agencies or AMS.

5.2 Checkloading – Invoice for payment must be supported by: 

5.2.1 Recipient's signature on the bill of lading; 

5.2.2 Consignee's receipt evidencing date shipped and received; or 

5.2.3 Other commercial receipt evidencing delivery of the product. 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
11 

Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

APPENDIX A 

DATA ENTRY AND PROCESS CAPABILITY VALUE 

Data Entry 

The ADL will record microbiological test results on spreadsheets and to have those 

spreadsheets readily available to AMS and its contractors/suppliers. Quantitative (plate 

count) results will be expressed as colony forming units (CFU) per gram or per ml 

reflecting the original sample measurement. Test results will be entered as a whole 

number (i.e., no decimal places, no preceding < (less than) symbol). Qualitative results 

for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella will be recorded as a 1 for a positive results and as 

a 0 for negative results. 

The ADL will provide the calculated process capability values (CPU, Cl) in the 

spreadsheets so that the supplier’s process capability assessment can be determined, 

as described in APPENDIX B. 

Process Capability Values – CPU or Cpk 

The process capability value (CPU) is calculated by the ADL. CPU will be used for 

microbiological tests since these requirements only have an upper specification limit. 

Cpk will be used for fat testing requirements that have an upper and lower specification 

limit (see section 3.4.2). The upper specification limits (USL) for microbiological 

requirements will be found in APPENDIX B. The calculations for CPU and Cpk are as 

follows: 

Calculation of process capability (CPU) with an

upper specification limit only

Step 1.  The first calculation will determine the Z‐

value (upper):

     

Z‐value (upper) = (USL – Process Average) /

Standard Deviation

Step 2.  The Z‐value divided by 3 will calculate the

CPU:

     

CPU = Z‐value (upper) / 3

Calculation of process capability (Cpk) with an

upper and lower specification limit

Step 1.  The first set of calculations will determine

the smaller value of the two Z‐values

(upper or lower):

Z‐value (upper) = (USL – Process Average) /

Standard Deviation

Z‐value (lower) = (Process Average – LSL) /

Standard Deviation

Step 2.  The smaller of the two Z‐values (upper or

lower) divided by 3 will calculate the Cpk.

CPU = Z‐value (smaller value of the upper or

lower) / 3

Process Capability Value – Cl 

The central line (Cl; x-bar) is the process average or arithmetic mean that indicates the 

incidence of positive E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella results. 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

APPENDIX B 

AMS BONELESS BEEF PROCESS REQUIREMENTS FLOW CHART 

Quality Control Program – Prior to bidding on 

boneless beef contracts with the USDA, the 

documented quality control program as 

described within the approved technical 

proposal must have received a satisfactory 

onsite capability assessment by GVD. AMS 

will audit and monitor the program. The quality 

control program must specifically address 

management of microbial data to comply with 

the AMS Process Requirements Flow Chart 

and the following descriptions. 

Process Assessment Status - A process 

assessment involves sampling and testing of 

20 consecutive lots (which will include the last 

recorded result as defined within APPENDIX 

C) of boneless beef (see Section 3.2.2.7.4) 

destined for USDA contracts for the microbes 

listed within the table below. 

Process Capable? – Flow chart decision step 

that involves test results for up to 20 

consecutive lots (which will include the last 

recorded result) recorded in spreadsheets, 

where the process capability (CPU or Cl) value 

is calculated (See APPENDIX A) for 

evaluation. A process that is not capable shall 

be declared to the COTR immediately when 

results are known and will result in switching 

from process assessment status to conditional 

status or switching from conditional status to 

ineligible status when: 

 The CPU values do not meet the levels 

specified in the table below; 

 The Cl values do not meet the levels 

specified in the table below for Salmonella

or E. coli O157:H7; 

 Two results exceed any of the critical limits 

in the table below; * or 

 After 2 or more results, the CPU value is negative.* 

*Immediate action will be taken prior to completion of 20 lots. 

Quality Control Program 

Approved by AMS 

Process Assessment 

Status 

Process 

Capable? 

Conditional Status 

Not to exceed 60 calendar days 

Process 

Capable? 

Ineligible Status 

Satisfactory 

AMS 

Assessment 

Audit? 

Yes 

No 

No 

Yes 

Yes 

AMS PROCESS 

REQUIREMENTS FLOW CHART 

No 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

Conditional Status –To regain process capable status, the boneless beef contractor 

must notify the COTR that the process is not capable, and then have 20 consecutive 

results that meet the ‘Process Capable’ criteria within 60 calendar days or in 

accordance with a production schedule pre-approved by the COTR. Change in status 

begins after a cause and effect analysis has been performed and corrective actions 

have been implemented. The boneless beef contractor may also declare itself ineligible 

at any time.

Ineligible Supplier/Contractor – An ineligible boneless beef contractor will not be 

allowed to supply boneless beef to USDA until a cause and effect analysis has been 

performed and corrective actions have been submitted to AMS for review and approved,

implemented and a satisfactory AMS assessment audit has been completed. Once 

satisfactorily becoming eligible, subsequent production will be under Conditional 

Status. The AMS COTR reserves the right to declare a boneless beef contractor 

ineligible at any time. 

AMS MICROBIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BONELESS BEEF 

Microbial Test USL (cfu) Critical Limits (cfu) CPU or Cl Value 

Standard Plate Count 50,000 / gram 100,000 / gram CPU > 1 

Total Coliforms 100 / gram 1,000 / gram CPU > 1 

E. coli 100 / gram 500 / gram CPU > 1 

Salmonella Positive (+) result / 25 

grams 

Cl < 0.05 

E. coli O157:H7 Positive (+) result / 325 

grams 

Cl < 0.05 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

Figure 2

AMS Microbial and fat Results 12-7/20

Total Coliform Count

COMPANY = Noname's Packing

Individ.: cl: 47.7419 ucl: 179.465 lcl: -83.9811 * Rule violation

Subgrp Size 1

O

O O

O

O

O

O O O O O O

O

O

O

O O O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

Individ.

cl

lcl

ucl

-100

-50

0

50

100

150

200

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

 

APPENDIX C 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 

Cause and Effect Diagrams – A cause and 

effect analysis is used to identify the cause or 

source of non-conformities. It categorizes the 

source as derived from impact on a process 

presented by Human, Machinery, Material, 

Methods, Environment, and Measurement (Test). 

The Cause and Effect Diagram will assist in 

evaluating a process and assigning the 

appropriate control point (see Figure 1). 

"Cleanup to cleanup" - Part of a HACCP 

program that the establishment has in place to 

support statistically distinguishing one portion of 

production from another. Production destined for USDA contracts is to be commenced 

on clean equipment. "Cleanup to cleanup" may be an effective means of preventing 

cross contamination of one part of production to another with E. coli O157:H7. 

However, "cleanup to cleanup" without other supporting documentation may not be 

adequate to statistically distinguish one portion of production from another. If a sample 

analysis yields a positive result, any product produced in the same time frame with the 

same process or equipment is suspect, unless an intervention occurred that would 

indicate a change in the status of the process/equipment. 

Control Charts – A control chart is a 

run chart with statistically derived 

upper and lower control limits (ucl 

and lcl). The control chart 

demonstrates if a process is in 

statistical control. When properly 

designed, control charts provide an 

early warning of problems allowing 

for adjustments to be made before 

production of non-conforming 

products. Microbial test results may 

be plotted on control charts for 

individual measurements and fat test 

results may be plotted on control charts featuring average and range of the fat test 

results (See Figure 2). 

Effect

Cause Cause

Cause Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Cause

Figure 1

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
15 

Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

AMS Fat Data

Average Fat

Company = B

Samples: 20

Mean: 15.3664

Std Dev: .8421

Cpk: 1.042 Spec Lim: ( 12, 18) Est % out: ( .0032012, .088179)

Act % out: ( .0000, .0000)

Mean

-3sp +3sp

LSL USL

Target

0

2

4

6

8

10

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Cpk – Process Capability Value (Cpk) is a capability analysis index used to determine if 

a process can meet specification limits. A Cpk value of 1 indicates that the process is 

producing at least 99.73% within the specification limit. Cpk values of 1 for many 

organizations have become the minimum requirement. However, the larger the Cpk 

values the better. Cpk differs from other process capability analyses since it considers 

the process average along with the distribution of test results. Since there is no lower 

specification limit for USDA microbial requirements, the calculation for Cpk will not 

involve relating the process average with a lower 

specification limit. 

CPU - Process Capability Value (CPU) is the 

same as Cpk except that there is no lower 

specification limit. The process performance 

index is correctly known as a Centered Process 

Capability Upper Specification Limit only (CPU) 

(See Figure 3). 

Excellent Condition - All product must be in 

excellent condition (e.g., exposed lean and fat 

surfaces shall be of a color and bloom normally 

associated with the class, grade, and cut of meat 

and typical of meat which has been properly 

stored and handled). Cut surfaces and naturally exposed lean surfaces shall show no 

more than slight darkening or discoloration due to dehydration, aging, and/or microbial 

activity. The fat shall show no more than very slight discoloration due to oxidation or 

microbial activity. No odors foreign to fresh meat shall be present. Changes in color 

and odors characteristically associated with vacuum 

packaged meat in excellent condition shall be acceptable. 

Also, product shall show no evidence of mishandling. Beef 

must be maintained in excellent condition through 

processing, storage, and transit. 

Flow Charts – Flow charts depict all of the steps of a 

process. Standard symbols are used to identify the start, 

finish, processing steps and decision steps. It can be used 

to simplify a complex process so that it can be analyzed 

(Figure 4). 

Histograms – The histogram shows a pictorial 

representation of the frequency of distribution of microbial 

test results over time. Sometimes referred to as process 

capability charts, histograms compare the distribution of 

the test results with AMS specification requirements. Use 

histograms along with control charts to better understand 

process capability (See Figure 3). 

Start

Process Step

Decision

Finish

No

Yes

Figure 4

Figure 3

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

Figure 5 

Pareto Diagrams – The Pareto diagram ranks the importance of different nonconformities. Typically, non-conformities are measured against frequency of 

occurrence. The Pareto analysis is helpful 

in identifying and justifying which problems 

will need to be solved first (see Figure 5).

Process – For the purpose of this 

specification, a single process involves the 

input of a raw material on a production line 

with a value added activity resulting in a 

output that can is be further processed or 

meet a customer’s need. A complex 

process involves output being another 

processes input. The production of ground beef is a complex process. 

Process Capability Assessment on 20 consecutive lots – For the purpose of this 

specification, process capability assessments are conducted on data results from each 

lot for fat and microbial requirements. A process assessment involves sampling and 

testing of 20 consecutive lots (which always includes the last recorded result). 

Information from each lot will be evaluated with information from the preceding 19 lots 

(i.e., while in process assessment of the first 20 lots, the process was found to be 

capable, then assessment will continue on lot numbers 2-21). This has often been 

referred to as a ‘Rolling 20’. This assessment takes into account process variations that 

may be attributed to product, management, sources, and time (see Figure 6). 

Random Sampling – A process of selecting a sample from a lot whereby each unit in 

the lot has an equal chance of being selected and is representative of the lot’s 

production. 

Figure 6

Boneless defects

Frequency (%) - Samples 1 to 9

CONN TIS

LYMPH

BONE

FATINT

BLOOD CL

Category

35

21

20

10

4

Count

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
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Approved by ________ MEO 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 05/22/12 TRS-BB-2012 

Statistical Process Control (SPC) – SPC is the primary analysis tool of quality 

improvement. The objective of any quality improvement strategy is to identify and 

reduce the amount of variation. SPC analyzes the variation in a process and is the 

applied science that assists suppliers to collect, organize and interpret microbial and fat 

test results on processing of ground beef destined for USDA. 

SPC provides tools to help measure, identify, and eliminate variation from customer 

requirements (see Table 1). 

Tools for Statistical Process Control 

Flow Charts Scatter Diagrams 

Pareto Diagrams Run Charts 

Cause and Effect Diagrams Control Charts 

Histograms Capability Assessment 

Upper and lower control limits (ucl and lcl) – Control limits are statistical calculations 

of the distribution of test results. Upper and lower control limits represent +/- 3 standard 

deviations of the process results. Data plotted outside the limits represent special 

causes of variation. A process may be considered “out of statistical control” when 

results are outside these limits. Upper and lower control limits are not to be confused 

with specification limits. A supplier wishing to be an eligible participant in the Boneless 

Beef Program shall have a process that is capable of producing within the specification 

limits (See figure 2). 

Upper and lower specification limits (USL and LSL) – Normally, the customer sets 

the specification limits. The objective of the Boneless Beef Purchase Program is to 

procure from boneless beef processors that are statistically capable of meeting the 

upper specification limits specified within the TRS-BB. The specification limits reflect 

customer needs (See Figure 3). 

Table 1 

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I
Animal Handling and Welfare 

1.0 General 

1.1 Program Approach 

The contractor and all subcontractors must develop and implement a written program that is 

consistent with a systematic approach to humane handling and welfare as outlined in 

69 FR 54625. The program will ensure proper animal handling and welfare techniques are 

conducted from the time the transportation conveyance enters the facility’s premises through 

the stunning and exsanguination processes of the animal. 

1.2 Program Submission 

The program will be submitted as a supporting document to the firm’s approved technical 

proposal and must address the requirements outlined in Section 2.0 – Program 

Components. 

2.0 Program Components 

The contractor must ensure that any facility that harvests animals for the program has a: 

2.1 Mission Statement 

Mission Statement on Animal Handling and Welfare that is distributed to all employees and 

conspicuously displayed at the premises. 

2.2 Training Program 

Training program on Animal Handling and Welfare that: 

 is provided to all employees interacting with animals; 

 covers Chapter 3: Transportation Audit Guidelines, Core Criteria 1 and 3 of the AMI 

Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Guide 2010 Edition;

 

 

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS 

SCHEDULE – ANIMAL HANDLING AND 

WELFARE 2010 (TRS-AHW-2010) 

Contracting Officer Technical 

Representative (COTR) Standards, 

Analysis, and Technology Branch 

Room 2607 S-Bldg, Phone: (202) 720-

4486 

Effective: May 2010

SUPPLEMENT 212 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT II
2

 covers Chapter 4: Auditing Animal Handling and Stunning 7 Core Criteria of the AMI 

Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Guide 2010 Edition;

 is conducted no less frequently than once a year for each designated employee; and, 

 requires signed documentation from each employee and confirmation by signature of the 

designated trainer upon successful completion of training. 

2.3 Quality Management Plan 

Written quality management plan (internal) which addresses the provisions of Chapter 3: 

Transportation Audit Guidelines, Core Criteria 1 and 3, and Chapter 4: Auditing Animal 

Handling and Stunning, 7 Core Criteria, of the AMI Recommended Animal Handling 

Guidelines and Audit Guide 2010 Edition, found at the following web site: 

http://www.animalhandling.org/ht/d/sp/i/26752/pid/26752

2.4 Non-Ambulatory and U.S. Suspects 

2.4.1 Cattle 

Written protocol in-place and enforced that precludes the receipt of or having nonambulatory, disabled cattle on the harvest facility premise. In the event that animals become 

non-ambulatory or disabled at any time while present at the harvest facility, the animal will be 

humanely euthanized and the carcass removed from the premise in a timely manner through 

contracted services or other means.

2.4.2 Hogs and Sheep 

Written protocol in-place and enforced that ensures all animals designated by FSIS as U.S. 

Suspects (9 CFR 301.2) that are slaughtered are appropriately segregated during the 

harvest and production processes and precluded from inclusion in any products purchased 

by AMS. 

3.0 Program Evaluation and Eligibility 

The program will be audited (external) by a firm accredited by AMS. The accreditation of the 

firm will be conducted by the Audit, Review and Compliance Branch through the 

LS ISO Guide 65 Program. Alternatively, at the option of the contractor or subcontractor, 

the audits can be performed by AMS auditors. 

3.1 Audit Format 

The AMS accredited auditing firm must conduct audits utilizing the following format: 

3.1.1 Transportation Segment (Chapter 3: AMI Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines 

and Audit Guide 2010 Edition) 

Audited firms must pass Core Criteria 1 with a minimum scoring of excellent and Core 

Criteria 3 with a minimum scoring of acceptable each time an audit is performed. 

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3.1.2 Animal Handling and Stunning Segment (Chapter 4: AMI Recommended Animal 

Handling Guidelines and Audit Guide 2010 Edition) 

Audited firms must pass Core Criteria 1 through 5 with a minimum scoring of acceptable 

while Core Criteria 6 and 7 must be adhered to with full compliance (zero tolerance) each 

time an audit is performed. 

3.2 Initial Audit 

Initial audit must be performed prior to award of contracts. 

3.3 Audit Failure 

If an audit is failed for any of the Core Criteria, the firm is not eligible to provide product until 

such a time that corrective and preventative actions are approved by the Contracting Officer, 

implemented and proven effective. 

3.4 Audit Frequency and Status 

 STANDARD - Until four (4) consecutive successfully passed audits are attained, an audit 

must be conducted within 3 months of the previous audit. 

 MONTHLY - If at any time an audit identifies any of the Core Criteria not meeting the 

pass requirements while in the STANDARD phase, auditing will be required to be 

conducted on a monthly basis once corrective and preventative actions have been 

approved by the Contracting Officer, implemented and proven effective. This schedule 

will be for a period of time until four (4) successive audits are found to meet the pass 

requirements noted within Chapter 3 (Core Criteria 1 and 3) and Chapter 4 (Core Criteria 

1 through 7) of the AMI Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Guide 

2010 Edition; at which time audits shall be conducted on the STANDARD basis. 

 If four successfully conducted audits are sequentially completed within a one year period 

while in STANDARD auditing phase, the facility may move to a SEMI-ANNUAL audit 

basis. 

 SEMI-ANNUAL - Semi-annual audits may continue until such time that a failed audit is 

reported or a period of greater than six months has elapsed without any audits being 

performed; at which time the audits must resume as described for STANDARD audits. 

4.0 Contracting Officer 

The contracting officer can declare a contractor’s and/or subcontractor’s Animal Handing and 

Welfare Program out of compliance at any time. 

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