Dairy, Grains & Oilseeds

Questions and Answers from 

2016 Industry Meeting

Trevor J. Wilson, 

Contract Specialist

October 24, 2017
Question 1

What is USDA doing to address the unbalanced 

orders/delivery periods between first-half 

second-half of the month? As well as addressing 

large volumes of cheese being ordered during 

first 4 months of school’s year in the fall, when 

loads could be rationed and delivered in the 

January-March periods. 
Answer 1

FNS will continue to provide education to the 

States and emphasize the importance of 

spreading out orders, and AMS and FNS will 

work to stabilize the quantities of orders on 

solicitations. 

This will also be addressed through the BMI 

effort. 
Question 2

When USDA issues a solicitation for 

barrel cheese, how is that cheese 

used? 
Answer 2

Barrels are further processed into many 

products for delivery to school cafeterias (e.g., 

grilled cheese sandwiches, whole grain macaroni 

and cheese). 
Question 3

Dairy – IDIQ contracts are a challenge. 

There are unknown variables 

(quantities) that make it difficult to 

bid. 
Answer 3

The estimated needs (sales orders) are available 

on the FNS website at 

https://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/delivery-orderstatus-reports. This report is updated every 

month in the first week of the month. 
Question 4

Ready-to-Eat Cereal - New product specifications 

are making it hard to provide a tasty product. 

(USDA is no longer buying a commercial 

product; vendors are making products solely for 

USDA use). 
Answer 4

In some cases, specifications are different from commercial to 

reduce variability or assist with nutrition program goals. It is 

important to recipients that products are consistent among 

manufacturers. Recipients rely on a similar taste, texture, and 

other attributes when they receive USDA Foods from different 

vendors. Companies can contact AMS with specific concerns 

about specification requirements. 

Additionally, when appropriate, we are considering alternate 

contracting methods to ensure consistent product (i.e., long- term contracts with only one supplier) 
Question 5

Concerned about the proposed change 

for maximum age of barrels at time of 

delivery. 
Answer 5

Based on industry feedback on the draft 

specification, AMS did not change the maximum 

age for barrel cheese and will revisit this matter 

at a later date. 
Question 6

Cheese – provide more clarity on testing frequency. 

There doesn’t appear to be a testing consistency for 

the cheese that comes to a further processor from 

other cheese manufacturers. Maybe some test 

every vat, or every third vat, or some other interval. 

Their (further processor) company standards 

require stricter intervals. So, for cheese that does 

not come directly from themselves, they may have 

to perform additional tests before they can use it. 
Answer 6

The cheese manufacturer will follow its 

particular production facility-line testing 

intervals to ensure proper quality controls 

processes, analysis outcomes, and requirements 

are met for product delivered under its contract 

with AMS. 
Question 7

Cracker suppliers do not like the USDA 9-month 

shelf-life requirement for crackers. They stated 

the industry standard is 7 months; they follow 

the industry standard which ensures quality and 

freshness of the product. The USDA 9-month 

requirement is a barrier to their participation. 
Answer 7

AMS is considering reducing the shelf-life 

requirement for crackers. Currently, however, 

the majority of vendors are able to meet the 9-

month requirement. The two extra months is 

necessary to allow for distribution from the 

National Warehouses to end recipients. 
Question 8

Are new requirements for delivery 

appointments 7 days prior to delivery versus 

previous (24-48 hours)? These 7-day limitations 

will be difficult to follow. 
Answer 8

Delivery appointments shall be made as far in 

advance of delivery as possible, but not less 

than 72 hours prior to delivery. ASN’s must be 

created not less than 24 hours before delivery. 
Wrap Up

Questions, Comments, 

Concerns

Presenter: Trevor J. Wilson

Trevor.Wilson@ams.usda.gov