SUPPLEMENT 603 TO THE 

AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 

FOR THE PURCHASE OF 

FROZEN BISON PRODUCTS 

FOR DISTRIBUTION TO 

FEDERAL FOOD AND 

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE 

PROGRAMS 

APPROVED 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 

Livestock and Poultry (LP) Program 

Standards and Specification Division (SSD) 

Room 2628-S, STOP 0258 

Phone: (202) 690-3148 

Supersedes: Supplement 603 March 2021 

Effective: March 2022 

100 OVERVIEW 

110 This document provides additional program requirements for the purchase of Frozen 

Bison Products by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), including the applicable 

Federal Purchase Program Specification (FPPS) (Exhibit A). 

200 INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS 

210 The frozen Bison products shall be purchased on a competitive bid basis from qualified 

suppliers who have met the requirements described in this Section. Interested 

suppliers may submit a technical proposal at any time during the purchase program. 

Suppliers should allow 10 working days, from USDA’s receipt of the technical proposal 

for notification of evaluation results. A supplier is deemed eligible upon notification of 

approval of the technical proposal by the Standards and Specification Division (SSD). 

220 Submission of a technical proposal is not binding on USDA. Supplier eligibility for 

USDA purchase programs will be based on the technical approval of the supplier as 

well as the completion of additional contractor requirements described in the AMS 

Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements, this Supplement, and/or a 

separately issued Solicitation. Actual purchases shall be described in the AMS Master 

Solicitation for Commodity Procurements and Solicitations. 

230 Documentation Requirements 

231 Technical Proposal Requirement 

231.1 Include a detailed description of the Bison product(s) offered and each of the 

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

set forth in the FPPS. (Plan/Do) 

Approved by DBJ 

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231.2 Describe all the quality assurance methods used to verify conformance to all 

requirements. This shall 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) 

231.3 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) 

231.4 The technical proposal shall follow the format as shown in Exhibit C. Technical 

proposals should be brief and concise. 

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

template: 

231.5.1 Table of Contents listing the major areas as they appear in the technical proposal, 

and 

231.5.2 List of attachments and forms provided in the technical proposal with the applicable 

document name and reference number. 

232 The SSD shall review each technical proposal to determine if it is adequate and shall 

notify the supplier of the status and their eligibility to bid. 

300 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL 

310 The following procedures establish the acceptable minimum requirements for 

the format and content of the technical proposal: 

310.1 The Government has provided a technical proposal format to be used in preparing the 

technical proposal (see Exhibit C). The supplier shall submit the technical proposal as 

an email file attachment to TechnicalApprovals@usda.gov and 

Steve.Whisenant@ams.usda.gov). The technical proposal shall be saved in a nonportable document file format (not PDF, e.g., Microsoft Word). The technical proposal 

shall be submitted in its entirety. If the file size of the technical proposal is too large to 

send in a single email, it may be divided and sent in multiple emails (i.e., Part 1, Part 2, 

Part 3, etc.). The collection of attachments and appendices may be submitted as a 

separate document as well. 

310.2 While it is not the desire of the Government to penalize a supplier for non-compliance 

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 shall not be required to search other subsections 

or sections of the supplier’s technical proposal for information requested in the 

evaluation. 

320 Technical Proposal Revisions 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 06/10/12 

Date Revised: 03/02/22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

321 Changes to a supplier’s technical proposal may be submitted at any time or at the 

request of the SSD. All technical proposal revisions shall meet the following criteria: 

321.1 Any changes to a technical proposal made by the supplier after its initial submittal is 

approved shall be accomplished by submitting an entire technical proposal. A cover 

letter shall be submitted with the changes identified and an explanation of the need 

for the change. The supplier shall include the revision date and the appropriate page 

number(s). 

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

strikeouts. 

400 ASSESSMENT BY THE QUALITY ASSESSMENT (QA) DIVISION 

410 Once a supplier is notified by the SSD that the technical proposal meets the 

applicable criteria, the Quality Assessment (QA) Division shall contact the supplier to 

set up a pre-award onsite capability assessment audit 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. 

420 Pre-Award Onsite Capability Assessment Audit 

421 Food Defense Assessment 

421.1 The QA Division shall conduct a food defense audit that shall include, but is not 

limited to, a thorough evaluation of the supplier’s food defense plan. Documentation 

shall support the supplier’s food defense plan. If the report demonstrates that the 

food defense plan is inadequate, the supplier shall be notified by the SSD that they 

are ineligible to bid. The supplier shall have an opportunity to correct identified 

deficiencies, modify the food defense plan and resubmit a brief description for further 

consideration. Eligibility shall depend on whether the modifications demonstrate 

compliance with the food defense plan. 

422 Harvesting Requirement 

422.1 The QA Division shall conduct monthly harvesting and humane handling audits based 

on the requirements stated in the attached FPPS and the company’s approved 

technical proposal. Documentation shall support the supplier’s adherence to meeting 

the harvesting and humane handling requirements as set forth in the FPPS. 

423 Documentation shall support: 

423.1 the production of the Bison product that complies with the applicable FFPS and the 

potential supplier’s approved technical proposal, and 

423.2 the supplier’s food security plan. In addition, the audit shall consist of the review of 

records related to purchasing, receiving, production, quality control, inventory and 

shipping records, and interviews with management and production personnel. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 06/10/12 

Date Revised: 03/02/22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

424 Upon completion of the onsite capability assessment, the auditor shall provide either 

a verbal or email notification of the audit findings to the SSD to determine (based on 

the audit findings), supplier eligibility to bid. Supplier shall be notified by the SSD and 

the official final report shall be sent once released from the QA Division. 

424.1 If the audit findings demonstrate that the process or food security plan is inadequate, 

the applicant shall be notified by the SSD that they are ineligible to bid. The supplier 

shall have an opportunity to correct identified deficiencies, modify the process, food 

security plan, and/or technical proposal, and resubmit for further consideration. 

424.2 Eligibility shall depend on whether the modifications demonstrate that: 

424.2.1 the process is capable of delivering Bison product(s) in compliance with the FPPS, 

424.2.2 the supplier is in compliance with the food security plan, 

424.2.3 a successful QA Division corrective action audit is conducted, and 

424.2.4 the supplier complies with other applicable contractual requirements. 

430 Post-Award Assessment Audit 

431 Eligible suppliers who receive contracts shall have their documented food security 

plan, technical proposal, and supporting documentation readily available for review by 

the SSD or AMS agents. Records may be maintained on hard copy or electronic 

media. However, records maintained as electronic media shall be made available in 

printed form immediately upon request by the SSD or AMS agents. 

432 The QA Division shall conduct an onsite audit of the supplier’s facility(s) and 

processes when production commences for the first contract awarded. Additional 

audits shall be conducted as determined by the SSD, but not less than once per 

month for suppliers with continuous or multiple contracts, or once per contract for 

intermittent suppliers. At the discretion of the SSD, more frequent audits may be 

conducted when audit deficiencies are detected. 

440 Post-Award Actions 

441 Any deviation from contractual requirements shall be immediately reported by the 

contractor to the Contracting Officer and SSD. The Contracting Officer or SSD shall 

notify the supplier regarding eligibility to continue to participate as a supplier. 

442 Suppliers shall assure that the delivered product complies with the provisions of the 

FPPS, the applicable assessment by AMS, and the supplier’s technical proposal 

approved by the SSD. 

450 The cost of all audit, product monitoring, and certification services performed by the 

AMS agents shall be borne by the supplier. This includes, but is not limited to, audits, 

examinations, supervision, official documentation, and related services. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 06/10/12 

Date Revised: 03/02/22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

451 Questions concerning charges and the availability of AMS agents can be directed to 

USDA/AMS, LPS Program’s QA Division field office or the Director of the QA 

Division, LPS Program, AMS, USDA, Room 3953-S, STOP 0258, 1400 

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0258, telephone (202) 720-

3271. 

500 QA DIVISION MONITORING AND EVALUATION PROGRAM 

510 Eligible suppliers who receive USDA contracts must have a QA Division agent 

present during the production of the frozen bison products. The QA Division agent will 

monitor and verify the production based on the contractor’s approved technical 

proposal and the FPPS. The contractor must provide a copy of the approved 

technical proposal and have the supporting documentation readily available for review 

by the AMS agent. 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. 

600 ANIMAL WELFARE REQUIREMENTS 

610 The contactor and all subcontractors must meet the animal handling and welfare 

requirement set forth the in the attached Exhibit B (FPPS-BHW-2022). 

700 RESPONSIBILITIES AND ELIGIBILITY 

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

the Voluntary Exotic Animal Inspection Program of the FSIS contained in Title 9 

C.F.R. Subpart 352. The firm must also be approved under an AMS pre-award 

supplier capability assessment audit prior to submitting an offer under this 

Supplement. Firms must also comply with the provisions of FSIS Final Rule for 

Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control (HACCP) Systems. 

720 Subcontractors or suppliers of frozen bison products 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) non-responsible if they are 

not operating under the provisions of the Voluntary Exotic Animal Inspection Program 

of the FSIS contained in Title 9 C.F.R. Subpart 352 or have been suspended or 

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

600 DOMESTIC ORIGIN CERTIFICATION CLAUSE 

610 The supplier shall include the below 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 Master Solicitation. The burden of proof of compliance is 

on the Contractor. All raw materials shall be shipped in containers labeled as 

“Domestic Only Product” on the principal display panel and the bill of lading 

accompanying the shipment shall contain the statement “Domestic Only Product.” 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 06/10/12 

Date Revised: 03/02/22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

700 CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE (COC) 

710 In addition to the referenced payment documents required in the Master Solicitation, 

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

800 CONTRACTOR CHECKLOADING 

810 Contractor shall perform checkloading examinations as described in the FPPS 

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

shipment that includes all of the following information: 

810.1 Purchase Order Number, 

810.2 Sales Order and Sales Order Item Number, 

810.3 Name of product and material number, 

810.4 Shipping Date, 

810.5 Production lot number(s) and date each lot was produced, 

810.6 Count of shipping containers and total projected net weight in each production 

lot, 

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

applicable 

810.8 Destination of shipment, 

810.9 Count and projected net weight verified, and 

810.10 Sample average fat content analysis of each production lot of ground bison. 

900 EXHIBITS 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 06/10/12 

Date Revised: 03/02/22 
 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

APPROVED 

FEDERAL PURCHASE 

PROGRAM SPECIFICATION 

(FPPS) FOR GROUND

BISON AND BISON STEW 

MEAT, FROZEN 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 

Livestock and Poultry (LP) Program 

Standards and Specification Division (SSD) 

Room 3932-S, STOP 0258 

Phone: (202) 690-3148 

Supersedes: FPPS BIS 2016 – Changes from previous 

requirements in blue 

Effective: March 2021 

100 SCOPE 

110 This FPPS – Ground Bison and Bison Stew Meat (BIS) – 2021 is for use 

by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service 

(AMS), Commodity Procurement (CP) Staff for the procurement of frozen 

ground bison and bison stew meat. For this program, AMS shall utilize the 

Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) descriptions and 

requirements for beef for stewing as specification requirements for the 

production of bison stew meat. 

200 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS 

210 The following documents are incorporated as part of this USDA FPPSBIS-2021: 

210.1 Quality Assessment (QA) Division Procedures Manual. 

210.2 Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Directive 10,010.1, Revision 4. 

210.3 Applicable Supplement to AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity 

Procurements. 

210.4 IMPS General Requirements, effective June 1996. 

210.5 IMPS for Fresh Beef Products, Series 100, effective November 2014. 

210.6 IMPS Quality Assurance Provisions, effective June 1997 

300 ORDERING DATA: TO BE SPECIFIED BY THE PURCHASER 

Approved by DBJ

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 
 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

310 GROUND BISON AND BISON STEW MEAT 

311 (Section in the IMPS 100 Series) For the purpose of this FPPS, references 

to “Beef for Stewing” (IMPS Item No. 135A) are changed to Bison Stew 

Meat. 

312 The ground bison and bison stew meat shall be produced from bison 

harvested in, and the finished product shall be prepared and handled in, 

an establishment(s) operating under the Voluntary Exotic Animal 

Inspection Program of the USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service 

(FSIS) and shall comply with the Sanitation Performance Standards 

provisions of 9 CFR 416.1-416.6. 

312.1 Ground Bison – Ground bison shall be produced from fresh bison cuts and 

trimmings from any portion of the carcass, which yields product that meets 

the end item requirements. Frozen, boneless bison may be used provided 

it is ground into the final product within 60 days from date of pack. 

312.2 Bison Stew Meat – Bison stew meat shall be prepared from fresh bison 

cuts and trimmings from any portion of the carcass, which yields product 

that meets the end-item requirements for IMPS Item 135A. 

320 MATERIAL 

321 The contractor’s technical proposal shall describe a process that includes 

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

following Checklist of Requirements and have received a satisfactory 

onsite capability assessment by the QA Division. 

322 The contractor shall ensure, through their technical proposal that the 

product complies with the MATERIAL section of IMPS Item No. 135A for 

bison stew meat, and the following additional criteria: 

322.1 Domestic Origin – All bison shall originate from U.S. produced livestock as 

defined in the Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements and 

Supplement. 

322.2 Harvest Requirements – Contractor shall have documentation and a 

program in place that verifies the source of raw materials used in each lot 

of production. All bison shall be harvested in facilities that comply with the 

following additional requirements: 

322.2.1 Humane Handling – All bison shall be humanely handled in accordance 

with all applicable FSIS regulations and AMS requirements. 

322.2.2 Pathogen Intervention Steps – The harvest process shall include at least 

two pathogen intervention steps. One of the intervention steps shall be a 

critical control point (CCP) in the supplier’s FSIS recognized harvest 

process HACCP plan and the CCP intervention(s) shall be scientifically 

validated to achieve a three-log reduction of enteric pathogens. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

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SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

322.2.3 Spinal Cord Removal – All spinal cord tissue shall be removed during the 

harvesting process. 

322.2.4 Traceability – Boneless bison shall be traceable to sources that comply 

with the above domestic origin and harvest requirements. 

322.2.5 Residue Prevention – Harvest and production establishments shall have a 

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system to control 

veterinary drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residues per 

FSIS regulations. Helpful information is available in the FSIS Compliance 

Guide for Residue Prevention 2013. 

322.3 Mechanical Separation – Bison meat that is mechanically separated from 

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

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

322.4 Objectionable Materials – The following objectionable materials shall be 

excluded: 

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

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

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

322.4.1.1 White fibrous – Shoulder tendon, elbow tendon, silver skin (from the 

outside round), sacrosciatic ligament, opaque periosteum, serous 

membrane (peritoneum), tendinous ends of shanks, gracilis membrane, 

patellar ligament (associated with the stifle joint), and achilles tendon. 

321.4.1.2 Yellow elastin – Back strap and abdominal tunic. 

330 PROCESSING 

331 The contractor’s technical proposal and process shall assure compliance 

with the following requirements: 

331.1 Grinding and Blending 

331.1.1 Ground Bison - Boneless bison shall be ground twice, with the final grind 

SDVVLQJWKURXJKDǩ-inch grinding plate. Blending after final grinding is 

allowed only to the extent that it doesn’t affect the appearance of the 

finished ground bison. 

331.1.2 Fat Break-Outs - The grinding, blending, and packaging process shall be 

conducted in a manner that precludes large fat “break outs” (solid chunks 

of fat greater than 1.0 cubic inch) or objectionable fat “smears” in the 

finished product. 

331.2 Ground Bison Processing –Frozen, boneless bison may be used provided 

it is ground into the final product within 60 days from date of pack. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

331.3 Ground bison production shall be traceable to the boneless bison lots and 

their associated microbial test results. 

331.4 Bone Collector / Extruder System – A bone collector/extruder system shall 

be in operation to remove remaining bone, cartilage, and heavy 

connective tissue during the final grind of product. 

332 Bison Stew Meat – Bison stew meat shall comply with the following 

additional requirements: 

332.1 Bison Stew Meat Processing – Bison Stew Meat shall be processed to 

meet the end item requirements listed within IMPS Item No. 135A. 

332.2 Dicing – The meat shall be either hand-diced or mechanically diced 

(grinding is not permitted). 

332.3 Handling – To facilitate dicing, meat may be frozen and/or tempered one 

time only. 

332.4 Shank or Heel Meat – No shank or heel meat is permitted. 

333 Ground bison and bison stew meat shall be delivered within 60 days of 

production date. 

340 METAL DETECTION 

341 All products shall be free of metal contaminants. Detection of stainless 

steel, ferrous, and non-ferrous (e.g., lead, copper, and aluminum) metals 

is required. The contractor's technical proposal shall identify and describe 

the equipment, location, detection procedure, sensitivity levels, frequency 

of equipment validation, and corrective action procedures. 

400 STATE OF REFRIGERATION 

410 All finished bison products shall be frozen to an internal temperature of not 

higher than 0°F (-17.8°C) within 72 hours from the time of final fabrication 

of the lot. 

500 FAT LIMITATIONS 

510 Ground Bison 

510.1 The average fat content shall not exceed 10 percent, and the number of 

grams of fat per 112 gram serving shall be declared in the nutritional facts 

panel on the package label. The fat content shall be certified by AMS in 

accordance with IMPS QAPs. The 4 individual fat results shall be put into 

ascending order from the lowest to the highest value for evaluation (e.g., 

8.30, 9.79, 10.63, and 11.20). The 4 individual fat test results shall be 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 4 
 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

used to calculate average, median and range. Results not meeting the 

following requirements shall cause rejection of the lot: 

510.1.1 Average – The average of the 4 individual results cannot exceed 10 

percent (e.g., average of the 4 test results = 9.98). 

510.1.2 Median – The median, which is the average of the middle two test results, 

cannot deviate from the average of the four individual samples by more 

than 2.0 percent (e.g., median is equal to the average of 9.79 and 10.63 = 

10.21). 

510.1.3 Range – The difference between the highest and lowest test results 

cannot exceed 5 percent (e.g., 11.20 – 8.30 = 2.90). 

511 Bison Stew Meat 

511.1 Surface and seam fat shall not exceed 1⁄4-inch in thickness at any point. 

600 PACKAGING AND PACKING – The contractor’s technical proposal and 

process shall assure that all packaging, packing, closure, marking, and 

palletization comply with the National Motor Freight Regulations and FSIS 

regulations and the requirements listed below. The contractor also shall 

have procedures for verifying the net weight of shipping containers. 

610 Packaging – All immediate containers (casings or packages) shall function 

as a tamper evidence indicator to provide added assurance of product 

integrity through the method of sealing or closure. 

610.1 Package Net Weight – Ground bison and bison stew meat shall be 

packaged as specified within the Contracting Officer’s invitation: 

610.1.1 Ground Bison 110001 1-pound. 

610.1.2 Bison Stew Meat 100085 1-pound. 

610.2 Package Method - Ground bison and bison stew meat shall be packaged 

using one of the following methods: 

610.2.1 Mechanical Packaged – Mechanically packaged into tamper-proof 

commercial casings. 

610.2.2 Vacuum Packaged – Vacuum packaged in accordance with the IMPS 

General requirements. 

620 Packing. 

620.1 Shipping Container Net Weight. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 5 
 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

620.1.1 Ground Bison – Forty (40) 1-pound packages of ground bison shall be 

packed into non-perforated shipping containers to a net weight of 40 

pounds, without slack filling or overfilling. Spacers or fillers may not be 

used to satisfy this requirement. 

620.1.2 Bison Stew Meat - Forty (40) 1-pound packages of bison stew meat shall 

be packed into non-perforated shipping containers to a net weight of 40 

pounds, without slack filling or overfilling. Spacers or fillers may not be 

used to satisfy this requirement. 

620.2 Style and Size of Container – Only one style and size of shipping 

containers may be used in any one delivery unit. 

620.3 Commingling – Commingling of ground bison and bison stew meat in the 

same shipping container shall not be allowed. 

630 Closure – Shipping containers shall be closed by strapping, taping, or 

gluing. When strapping is used, the initial closure (usually the bottom of 

container) shall be secured by the gluing or taping method. 

640 Marking of Containers* – Immediate and shipping containers shall be 

labeled to include all information required by FSIS regulations. In addition, 

each immediate and shipping container shall have the following markings: 

640.1 Immediate Container – Each immediate container (package) shall have 

the following information included on commercially labeled packages. 

640.1.1 Name of Product. 

640.1.2 Safe Handling Instructions. 

640.1.3 "Best-if-used-by" Date – A date that is 365 calendar days from the date of 

production. 

640.1.4 Traceability Code – A code that is traceable to production lot and date. 

640.1.5 Nutrition Fact Panel – Include fat declaration for number of grams of fat 

per 112 grams (ready-to-cook) serving. 

640.1.6 FSIS Establishment Number and any other FSIS required markings. 

640.2 Shipping container – The following markings shall be included on the 

shipping containers: 

*All primary and shipping container labeling illustrations shall be provided within the 

technical proposal. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

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SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

640.2.1 Appendix A – Shipping containers shall be marked in accordance with 

Appendix A. However, contractors may vary the placement of the 

required information shown in Appendix A. Additional markings (e.g., 

company bar codes, logos, etc.), that are consistent with all other 

commercial labels may be included. 

640.2.2 Traceability Code – A code that is traceable to production lot and date. 

640.2.3 Nutrition Fact Panel – Include fat declaration for number of grams of fat 

per 112 grams (ready-to-cook) serving (Optional). 

640.2.4 The appropriate product name and material number listed in the table 

below for each of the items. 

Item Material Number 

Ground Bison, Frozen – 1-pound 110001 

Bison Stew Meat, Frozen – 1-pound 100085 

640.2.5 USDA Shield (at least 2 inches high and appearing on the top of the 

container or on the principal display panel). 

640.2.6 Purchase Order Number. 

640.2.7 Ingredient declaration (including single ingredient products). 

640.2.8 An allergen statement in a format which complies with the Food Allergen 

Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) for any product which 

contains milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, or 

wheat; e.g. Allergen: This product contains ______. 

650 Palletized Unit Loads 

650.1 All products shall be stacked on new or well-maintained pallets and 

palletized with shrink wrap plastic. 

660 Lot Size and Delivery Unit: 

660.1 Lot Size – For finished product, the lot size shall not exceed the amount 

specified by the purchaser as a delivery unit. 

Approved by 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

DBJ 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 7 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

700 USDA CERTIFCATION 

710 Product Shall Be Certified By USDA, AMS, QA Division – AMS agents 

shall perform examinations in accordance with IMPS General 

Requirements, IMPS QAPS, and QA Division Instructions and as specified 

below: 

710.1 Product Examinations. 

710.1.2 Bison Stew Meat – Refer to LOT ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA section for 

diced items within QAPS. In TABLE 100 H, delete defect numbers 218 in 

its entirety. Replace defect number 218 with the following defect: 

710.1.2.1 218 Presence of any portion of the popliteal, prescapular, or prefemoral 

lymph glands or any other exposed lymph glands measuring 1.0 inch or 

more in one dimension and 0.5 inch in a second dimension. 

710.1.2.2 Delete defect 194 in its entirety. Insert the following note at the bottom of 

the table: 

710.1.2.3 Note: The presence of any non-meat components not listed as defects 

above (e.g., spinal cord, organ tissue, foreign materials, etc.) shall cause 

rejection of the product by AMS. 

710.2 Fat Content Analysis – Fat content analysis for Ground Bison shall be in 

accordance with the QAPS and FAT LIMITATIONS section of this 

specification. 

710.3 Traceability Code – Stamping (sealing) of shipping containers by the AMS 

agent is not required. The AMS agent shall ensure that each primary and 

shipping container has a traceability code that is traceable to a production 

lot and date. 

710.4 All USDA bison products shall be stored, shipped, and delivered at 

temperatures that do not exceed 0oF. 

720 Purchase Unit Size – The purchase unit size for ground bison and bison 

stew meat is 40,000 pounds net weight (1,000 shipping containers) plus 

the amount for use in making box fills at the time of laboratory sample 

withdrawal. 

730 Sealing 

731.1 All products shall 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 

(ASTM) F1157-04 and/or the International Organization for Standards 

(ISO) 17712-2013 as required under the Master Solicitation. Seals shall 

EHǩth-inch diameter cable, high-security bolt, or equivalent. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 8 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

800 MICROBIOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUND BISON 

800.1 Boneless Bison for Grinding. 

800.1.1 Lot – A lot shall consist of a single combo sized bin of approximately 2,000 

pounds of boneless bison produced within a day, between “cleanup to 

cleanup” and that is from a single harvester or from a single processor. 

800.1.2 Microbial Testing – Samples from all lots of fresh chilled boneless bison 

shall be sent to an AMS designated laboratory (ADL). Samples from each 

lot shall be tested for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and indicator 

microorganisms. 

800.1.3 Sample Preparation and Handling - The ADL shall be responsible for 

supplying sampling procedures for sample selection, preparation, and 

submission. The laboratory shall require suppliers to submit a sample 

submission form as an official record with each sample. The laboratory 

shall also be responsible for supplying shipping supplies (including 

sampling bags and shipping materials) to each supplier. Suppliers’ 

technical proposal shall include and describe sample collection and 

preparation procedures provided by the ADL. 

800.1.4 For Bison Manufacturing Trimmings – The sample shall be selected as 

described within FSIS Directive 10,010.1 Revision 4 (N-60 Sections 8, 9 

and NOTE). 

800.1.5 For every lot of Bison Manufacturing Trimmings, two samples shall be 

prepared from 65 pieces of trim from 65 different pieces of bison product. 

The sample for co-enrichment of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella shall be 

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

microorganisms (aerobic plate count, total coliform and generic E. coli) 

shall be five pieces and weigh 25 grams ± 10 percent. 

800.1.6 When boneless bison 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. 

800.2 Testing and Results. 

800.2.1 The microbiological testing for all microbes shall be in accordance with the 

applicable AMS-approved testing methodologies. 

800.2.2 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, the ADL shall immediately notify FSIS (pathogens only) and the 

Standards and Specification Division (SSD). 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 9 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

800.2.3 The ADL shall record results on spreadsheets for each Microbial Testing 

performed on each approximately 2,000-pound lot. 

800.2.4 Any lot that tests positive for E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella or exceeds 

the critical limit criteria for indicator microbes set forth in Appendix B 

cannot be used to produce ground bison or any other product purchased 

by USDA. 

800.2.5 Any lot subjected to microbial analysis by FSIS or other regulatory 

authority that results in a positive finding for E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella 

or exceeds the critical limit criteria for indicator microbes set forth in 

Appendix B cannot be used to produce ground bison or any other product 

purchased by USDA. 

810 Ground Bison Microbial Requirements. 

810.1 Lot – For the purpose of microbiological testing, a lot is defined as the 

amount of finished ground bison product produced within a day, between 

“cleanup to cleanup” which shall be further divided into sub-lots not to 

exceed 10,000 pounds. 

810.1.2 Microbiological Testing – All lots of ground bison shall be tested for all 

microbes listed in Appendix B after final grinding and before freezing. All 

samples shall be sent to the ADL. 

810.1.3 Sample Preparation and Handling – The ADL shall be responsible for 

supplying sampling procedures for sample selection, preparation, and 

submission. The laboratory shall require suppliers to submit a sample 

submission form as an official record with each sample. The laboratory 

shall also be responsible for supplying shipping supplies (including 

sampling bags and shipping materials), to each supplier. Suppliers’ 

technical proposal shall include and describe sample collection and 

preparation procedures provided by the ADL. 

810.1.4 Sample Selection – Production processes of ground bison shall be subject 

to the following sampling strategy. 

810.1.4.1 Sub-lot Microbial Testing – For every sub-lot, two original and reserve 

samples shall be prepared from four individual sample units for each 

microbial test. The sub-lot samples shall be 325 grams ± 10 percent for 

co-enrichment of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella and 25 grams ± 10 

percent for indicator organism tests, respectively of finished ground bison, 

randomly selected throughout each 10,000 pounds of production. The four 

individual sample units shall be composited to produce a sample that 

represents each microbial test for each sub-lot. The contractor shall 

describe in their technical proposal the procedure in which the four sample 

units shall be selected throughout the sub-lot to be composited for each 

microbial test. These samples shall be submitted to the ADL for analysis. 

The reserve samples shall be held for testing in case the SSD deems it 

Approved by 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

DBJ 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 10 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

necessary. The contractor shall describe, in their technical proposal the 

method to be used to maintain the identity and traceability of each sub-lot. 

No more than 10,000 pounds shall be produced during each sub-lot, 

except for the last sub-lot produced in the lot may exceed the 10,000-

pound limitation by five percent. 

810.1.5 Testing and Results – The sample from each sub-lot shall be analyzed by 

the ADL for all microbes listed in Appendix B. 

810.1.5.1 The microbiological testing for all microbes shall be in accordance with 

AMS-approved testing methodologies. 

810.1.5.2 Any sub-lot that tests positive for E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, or any 

critical limit criteria for indicator microbes set forth in Appendix B that is 

exceeded shall result in that sub-lot and adjoining sub-lots (one preceding 

and one following within “clean up to clean up”) being ineligible for this 

program or any other USDA purchase program. Additionally, any sub-lot 

subjected to microbial analysis by FSIS or other regulatory authority that 

results in a positive finding for E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella or exceeds 

the critical limit criteria for indicator microbes set forth in Appendix B shall 

result in that sub-lot and adjoining sub-lots being ineligible for this program 

or any other USDA purchase program. Other sub-lots produced within 

that lot unit shall be deemed ineligible for this program unless the 

contractor can demonstrate a scientific or other data-supported basis for 

defining the sub-lot(s) relative to test results and why ground bison 

produced from same source material that resulted in the ineligible 

determination should not be considered affected by the test results. 

810.1.5.3 Notification for presence of pathogens or when critical limit is exceeded – 

When presence of E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella is presumptive positive 

or confirmed positive; any critical limit is exceeded for indicator microbes: 

810.1.5.4 The ADL shall record results on spreadsheets for each test performed on 

each sub-lot. 

810.1.5.5 The ADL shall immediately notify FSIS (pathogens only) and the SSD. 

810.1.5.6 The ground bison associated with the positive pathogen test results or 

critical limit is exceeded results shall be ineligible for any USDA purchase 

program. 

900 PRODUCT ASSURANCE 

900.1 WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT RESOLUTION 

900.1.1 Warranty – The contractor shall guarantee that the product complies with 

all specification requirements, technical proposal declarations, and 

provisions set forth in the Master Solicitation. 

Approved by 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

DBJ 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 11 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

900.1.2 Complaint Resolution – Customer complaint resolution procedures shall 

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

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

product replacement or monetary compensation. The procedures shall be 

used to resolve product complaints from recipient agencies or AMS. 

900.2 NON-CONFORMING PRODUCT 

900.2.1 The contractor shall include a plan and supporting documentation to 

ensure that non-conforming product (i.e., boneless bison, ground bison, 

bison stew meat) is not delivered under USDA contracts. The plan shall 

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

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

including vendor documentation of final disposition (e.g., diverted to 

cooked product or destroyed). 

900.3 AMS Monitoring and Production Assessment 

900.3.1 A QA Division agent shall be present during the production of the finished 

product for all USDA Bison contracts. The QA Division agent shall monitor 

and verify the processing steps, quality assurance activities, and any 

corrective actions to assure that all requirements outlined in the approved 

technical proposal are complied with. The QA Division agent shall be 

conducting the monitoring and production verification in accordance with 

applicable QA Division procedures and IMPS General Requirements and 

QAPS. Any deviations to contractual requirements shall be reported to 

the contractor and SSD. The SSD shall make all determinations as to the 

acceptability of the product relative to findings documented by the QA 

Division agent. 

900.4 Contractor Checkloading 

900.4 Contractor shall perform checkloading examinations at the time of 

shipment and issue contractor’s certificate to accompany each shipment 

that includes all of the following information: 

900.4.1 Purchase Order Number/Purchase Order Line Item Number; 

900.4.2 Sales Order Number/Sales Order Line Item Number; 

900.4.3 Destination of shipment; 

900.4.4 Name of Product and applicable Material Number; 

900.4.5 Shipping Date; 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 12 
 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

900.4.6 Production lot number(s) and date each lot was produced along with 

shipping container and immediate container code(s) and the code used 

that provides traceability to establishment number, production lot and 

date; 

900.4.7 Count of shipping containers and total projected net weight in each 

production lot; 

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

as applicable; 

900.4.9 Sample average fat content analysis of each production lot for ground 

bison only (calculated to 2 decimal places, e.g., 8.25); 

900.4.10 Contractor certification that product conforms with the applicable 

specification (FPPS-BIS-2021); 

900.4.11 Count and projected net weight verified and; 

900.4.12 Signature of company official responsible for checkloading. 

Approved by 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

DBJ 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 13 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

APPENDIX A 

SHIPPING CONTAINER MARKINGS: COMMERCIALLY LABELED SHIPPING CONTAINERS SHALL 

INCLUDE THE INFORMATION SHOWN BELOW. MANUFACTURER’S NAME AND ADDRESS SHALL 

APPEAR. THE NUTRITION FACTS PANEL, USDA SYMBOL, AND DONATED STATEMENT SHALL BE 

BLACK, FLAT, WATERFAST, AND NONSMEARING. THE USDA SYMBOL SHALL BE AT LEAST 2.0 INCHES 

HIGH. ALL OTHER PRINTING OR STENCILING SHALL BE OF A SIZE AND CONTRASTING COLOR TO 

STAND OUT PROMINENTLY AND COMPLY WITH THE USDA-FSIS REGULATIONS OR STATE 

REGULATIONS. 

PERISHABLE 

FROZEN - STORE AT 

0°F (-17.8°C) 

Boxes shall include Safe Handling instructions in 

accordance with FSIS Mandatory Safe Handling 

Statements on Labeling of Raw Meat and Poultry. 

Manufacturer's Name and Address (here 

or on principle display panel) 

Product Name DATE 

Material Number___ PACKED 

LOT#___ 

Purchase Order No. BOX___ 

KEEP FROZEN 

NOTES: DATE PACKED SHALL BE THE MONTH, DAY, AND YEAR OF PACKING. 

SERIAL PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER SHALL BE FURNISHED BY USDA. 

LOT NO. AND BOX NO. MAY BE PLACED ON THE SAME LINE OR AS SHOWN ABOVE. 

BOX NUMBERS SHALL BE SEQUENTIAL. 

PER 9 CFR 317.4 & 317.5, PRIOR APPROVED LABELS NEED NOT BE RESUBMITTED. CONTRACTORS THAT DO NOT HAVE APPROVED LABELS 

ON FILE SHALL SUBMIT LABELS IN SKETCH FORM ONLY TO THE APPROPRIATE USDA, FSIS, OR STATE AGENCY. 

Approved by 

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

DBJ 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 14 
 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT A 

APPENDIX B 

AMS MICROBIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BONELESS & GROUND BISON 

Microbial Test Critical Limits (cfu) 

Standard Plate Count 100,000 / gram 

Total Coliforms 1,000 / gram 

E. coli 500 / gram 

Salmonella Positive (+) result / 325 grams 

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

Approved by DBJ

Date Issued: 04/26/04 

Date Revised: 03/24/21 15 
 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B

APPROVED 

FEDERAL PURCHASE 

PROGRAM SPECIFICATION 

(FPPS) FOR BISON

HANDLING AND WELFARE 

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) 

Livestock and Poultry (LP) Program 

Standards and Specification Division (SSD) 

Room 2628-S, STOP 0258 

Phone: (202) 690-3148 

Supersedes: FPPS-BHW-2021 March 2021 

Effective: March 2022 

100 GENERAL 

101 This document is for use by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), AMS, LP 

Program to ensure that the bison handling and welfare requirements for 

Federal nutrition assistance programs reflect industry best practices. 

110 PROGRAM APPROACH 

111 All bison harvest facilities that supply raw materials from bison for the 

production of AMS destined finished products must develop and implement a 

written program that is consistent with a systematic approach to humane bison 

handling and welfare as outlined in 69 FR 54625. The program will ensure 

proper bison handling and welfare techniques are conducted from the time the 

transportation conveyance enters the facility’s premises through the stunning 

and exsanguination of the bison. 

120 PROGRAM SUBMISSION 

121 The program will be submitted as a supporting document to the organization’s 

approved technical proposal and must address the requirements outlined in 

Section 200 – PROGRAM COMPONENTS. 

200 PROGRAM COMPONENTS 

201 The contractor must ensure that any facility that harvests bison has a: 

210 MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT 

211 Steering Committee (internal) which is ultimately accountable for bison handling 

and welfare initiatives within the organization. 

212 Mission Statement on bison handling and welfare that is distributed to all 

employees and conspicuously displayed at the premises. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 10/28/10 

Date Revised: 03/01/22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B

220 TRAINING PROGRAM 1, 2 

221 Training program on Bison Handling and Welfare that: 

221.1 is provided to all employees interacting with bison; 

221.2 covers the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) Recommended Animal 

Handling Guidelines & Audit Guide: A Systematic Approach to Animal Welfare. 

221.3 is facilitated by an employee that has earned and maintained a certification of 

bison handling and welfare training, such as that offered through the 

Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) or an 

equivalent. 

221.4 is conducted no less frequently than once a year for each designated 

employee; and, 

221.5 requires signed documentation from each employee and confirmation by 

signature of the designated, certified trainer upon successful completion of 

training. 

230 QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN 1, 2 

231 Written quality management plan (internal) which addresses all provisions of 

Chapter 4: Transportation Audit Guidelines, 7 Core Criteria and Chapter 5: 

Auditing Animal Handling and Stunning, 7 Core Criteria, of the NAMI 

Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines & Audit Guide: A Systematic 

Approach to Animal Welfare, found at the following web site address: 

231.1 http://animalhandling.org/producers/guidelines_audits 

232 This internal quality management plan must also provide for routine 

assessment and monitoring of humane handling through the use of a numerical 

scoring system conducted by a trained employee. 

233 All bison harvest facilities that supply raw materials for the production of AMS 

destined finished products must have a fully functioning back-up stunning 

device onsite wherever bison stunning is performed. 

1Guidlines and audit criteria specified for cattle in Chapter 4: Transportation Audit Guidelines, 7 Core 

Criteria and Chapter 5: Auditing Animal Handling and Stunning, 7 Core Criteria, of the NAMI 

Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines & Audit Guide: should be emulated, to the extent possible, 

for bison. 

2Core Criteria 5: Vocalization in Chapter 5: Auditing Animal Handling and Stunning 7 Core Criteria of the 

AMI Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Guide shall be amended to so that 

vocalization only is evaluated at the lead up chute prior to the restrainer with five percent or less 

vocalization being an acceptable score. Grunting should not be counted. 

Approved by 

Date Issued: 10/28/10 

DBJ 

Date Revised: 03/01/22 2 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B

240 REGULATORY OVERSIGHT 

241 Bison/carcasses that are inspected and passed by the Food Safety Inspection 

Service (FSIS) are eligible for AMS purchase programs. 

300 PROGRAM EVALUATION AND ELIGIBILITY 

301 The program will be audited (external) by AMS or a firm accredited by AMS. 

The accreditation of the firm will be conducted by the Quality Assessment 

Division (QAD) through the USDA ISO Guide 17065 Program. 

302 Audit findings will be communicated to the establishment’s Food Safety and 

Inspection Service (FSIS) Inspector in Charge (IIC) or designee. 

310 AUDIT FORMAT 

311 Audits will be conducted utilizing the following format: 

312 TRANSPORTATION SEGMENT (CHAPTER 4: NAMI Recommended Animal 

Handling Guidelines & Audit Guide: A Systematic Approach to Animal Welfare). 

312.1 Audited organizations must pass Core Criteria 1 and 6 with a minimum scoring 

of excellent, Core Criteria 2 through 5 with a minimum scoring of acceptable 

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

each time an audit is performed. 1, 2 

313 ANIMAL HANDLING AND STUNNING SEGMENT (CHAPTER 5: NAMI 

Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines & Audit Guide: A Systematic 

Approach to Animal Welfare). 

313.1 Audited organizations must adhere to Core Criteria 1, 2, 6 and 7 with full 

compliance (zero tolerance) and to Core Criteria 3, 4 and 5 with a minimum 

scoring of Acceptable each time an audit is performed. 1, 2, 3 

313.2 The auditor shall inform FSIS and organization officials in writing of all audit 

findings, including any observations of missed stuns and/or bison regaining 

sensibility following stunning, upon completion of the audit during the exit 

interview. 

1Guidlines and audit criteria specified for cattle in Chapter 4: Transportation Audit Guidelines, 7 Core 

Criteria and Chapter 5: Auditing Animal Handling and Stunning, 7 Core Criteria, of the NAMI 

Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines & Audit Guide: should be emulated, to the extent possible, 

for bison. 

2Core Criteria 5: Vocalization in Chapter 5: Auditing Animal Handling and Stunning 7 Core Criteria of the 

AMI Recommended Animal Handling Guidelines and Audit Guide shall be amended to so that 

vocalization only is evaluated at the lead up chute prior to the restrainer with five percent or less 

vocalization being an acceptable score. Grunting should not be counted. 

3Religious harvest (Kosher and Halal) shall be exempt from the AMS auditing of Core Criteria 6: Effective Stunning. 

Approved by 

Date Issued: 10/28/10 

DBJ 

Date Revised: 03/01/22 3 
 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B

320 INITIAL AUDIT 

321 Initial audit must be performed prior to award of contracts. 

330 AUDIT FAILURE 

331 If an audit is failed for any of the Core Criteria, the organization is not eligible to 

provide product until such a time that corrective and preventative actions are 

approved by the Standards and Specification (SS) Division, implemented and 

proven effective. 

340 AUDIT FREQUENCY AND STATUS 

341 STANDARD - Until four (4) consecutive successfully passed audits are 

attained, an audit must be conducted within 3 months of the previous audit. 

342 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 SS Division, implemented and proven 

effective. This schedule will be for a period of time until four (4) successive 

audits are found to meet the passing requirements noted in SECTION 310 – 

AUDIT FORMAT; at which time audits shall be conducted on the STANDARD 

basis. 

342 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 SS Division, implemented and proven 

effective. This schedule will be for a period of time until four (4) successive 

audits are found to meet the passing requirements noted in SECTION 310 – 

AUDIT FORMAT; at which time audits shall be conducted on the STANDARD 

basis. 

343 If four successfully conducted audits are sequentially completed within a oneyear period while in STANDARD auditing phase, the facility may move to a 

SEMI-ANNUAL audit basis. 

344 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. 

345 FOR-CAUSE – Any official enforcement actions issued by FSIS for missed 

stuns or for an animal regaining sensibility following stunning shall result in an 

immediate for-cause bison handling and welfare audit by AMS. Subsequent 

audit frequency will be determined by results of the AMS audit, as described 

above. 

Approved by 

Date Issued: 10/28/10 

DBJ 

Date Revised: 03/01/22 4 
 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B

400 SS DIVISION 

401 The SS Division can declare an organization’s Bison Handing and Welfare 

Program out of compliance at any time. 

402 The organization shall immediately notify the SS Division when any bison 

handling and welfare official enforcement action is issued by FSIS. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 10/28/10 

Date Revised: 03/01/22 5 
 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT C 

Cover Page: 

Company Name 

Company Address 

Contact Person, including title, phone number, including emergency contact information, email address (shall be authorized to represent the company). 

Technical Proposal for: [Supplement Number] and [FPPS] 

Table of Contents (all pages and attachments shall be number and identified – any 

attachments shall be identified and referenced in the Technical Proposal). 

The technical proposal should document a quality control program that includes procedures, 

records, forms, pictures, etc., which demonstrates conformance with the following checklist of 

requirements: 

100 SCOPE 

200 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS 

300 ODERING DATA 

310 ITEMS 

320 MATERIAL 

322 IMPS Requirements 

322.1 Domestic Origin of Meat Component 

322.2 Harvest Requirements 

322.2.1 Humane Handling 

322.2.2 Pathogen Intervention Steps 

322.2.3 Spinal Cord Removal 

322.2.4 Traceability 

322.3 Mechanical Separation 

322.4 Boneless bison requirements 

330 PROCESSING 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 06/10/12 

Date Revised: 03/02/22 
 

 

 

331.1 Ground bison processing 

331.2 Traceability 

331.3 Bone collector/extruder system 

332 Bison stew meat 

332.1 Bison stew meat processing 

332.2 Dicing 

332.3 Handling 

332.4 Shank or heel meat 

333 Production date 

340 METAL DETECTION 

400 STATE OF REFRIGERATION 

500 FAT LIMITATIONS 

510 Ground bison 

511 Bison stew meat 

600 PACKAGING AND PACKING 

610 Packaging 

620 Packing 

630 Closure 

640 Marking of containers 

650 Palletized unit loads 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 06/10/12 

Date Revised: 03/02/22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

700 USDA CERTIFICATION 

710 Product examinations 

720 Lot size 

730 Contractor Checkloading 

800 MICROBIOLOGICAL REUIREMENTS FOR GROUND BISON 

800.1 Lot 

800.1.2 Microbial testing 

800.1.3 Sample preparation and handling 

800.1.4 Bison manufacturing trimmings 

800.2 Testing and results 

810 Ground bison microbial requirements 

810.1 Lot 

800.1.2 Microbiological testing 

800.1.3 Sample preparation and handling 

800.1.4 Sample selection 

800.1.5 Testing and results 

900 PRODUCT ASSURANCE 

900.1 Warranty and complaint resolution 

900.2 Non-conforming product 

Attachments or Appendixes - Please attach all referenced documents with the applicable 

document name and reference number. 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 06/10/12 

Date Revised: 03/02/22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENT 603 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT D 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE 

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PROGRAM 

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE FOR 

THE PROCUREMENT OF FROZEN BISON 

PRODUCTS 

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE 

I certify the following: 

(1) On [delivery date(s) ], [Supplier’s name] furnished the (insert the appropriate commodity 

description) called for by Purchase Order Number via [Carrier] under Sales Order 

Number/Item number(s): . 

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

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

Proposal as approved by the AMS, LP Program, SSD. 

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

attached acceptance document. 

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

the United States as defined in the AMS Master Solicitation Section I.E. 

Date: 

Signature: 

(Signed by an officer or representative authorized to sign offers) 

Title: 

Approved by DBJ 

Date Issued: 06/10/12 

Date Revised: 03/02/22