U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Agricultural Marketing Service

International Commodity Procurement Division

P.O. 419205, Mailstop 8738 

Kansas City, MO. 64141-6205 

(MR26) 

USDA COMMODITY REQUIREMENTS 

MILLED RICE AND FORTIFIED MILLED RICE 

FOR USE IN 

INTERNATIONAL FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 

Effective Date: July 13, 2018 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 
MR 26 Page 1 of 30 

MILLED RICE 

(MR26) 

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ................................................................... 2 

CONTACT INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 3 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................... 4 

COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 4 

1.1 COMMODITY SPECIFICATION .....................................................................................................4 

1.2 FORTIFICATION .............................................................................................................................. 5 

1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE ...................................................................................................................7 

1.4 FUMIGATION ................................................................................................................................... 8 

1.5 INSPECTION .................................................................................................................................... 8 

CONTAINER AND PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS .......................................................... 9 

2.1 GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................... 9 

2.2 CONTAINERS AND MATERIALS ..................................................................................................9 

2.3 PACKAGING MATERIAL AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS ................................... 10 

2.4 50-KILOGRAM WOVEN POLYPROPYLENE BAGS ................................................................ 11 

2.5 SEWING OF BAG SEAMS ........................................................................................................... 11 

2.6 PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURES ................................................................................... 11 

2.7 TEST FREQUENCY ...................................................................................................................... 12 

MARKING REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................ 13 

3.1 MARKINGS ..................................................................................................................................... 13 

3.2 MARKING DESCRIPTIONS ......................................................................................................... 14 

3.3 EMPTY BAG DIMENSIONS ......................................................................................................... 16 

3.4 CONTAINERS WITH INCORRECT MARKINGS ...................................................................... 16 

Exhibit A ................................................................................................................................... 17 
MR 26 Page 2 of 30 

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 

Below is an Abbreviations Key to the numerous specialized acronyms and 

abbreviations used in this reference material. 

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 

Cfu Colony-forming unit 

COA Certificate of Analysis 

CONEG Coalition of Northeast Governors 

CRD Commodity Requirements Document 

FAS Foreign Agricultural Service 

FDA Food and Drug Administration 

FGIS Federal Grain Inspection Service 

FPAC Farm Production and Conservation 

G Gram 

GMP Good Manufacturing Practices 

HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point 

ISO International Organization for Standardization 

IU International Units 

LMR Language Marking Requirement 

Mcg Microgram 

MG Milligram 

SMR Standard Marking Requirement 

TAPPI Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry 

USAID United States Agency for International Development 

USDA United States Department of Agriculture 

WBSCM Web Based Supply Chain Management System 
MR 26 Page 3 of 30 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Kansas City Commodity Office (KCCO), International Procurement Division (IPD) 

Telephone: 816-926-6707 (During Normal Business Hours) 

Mailing Address: 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Attention: Agricultural Marketing Service 

International Commodity Procurement Division 

MAILSTOP 8738 

P.O. Box 419205 

Kansas City, MO 64141-6205 

Express Delivery: 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Attention: Agricultural Marketing Service 

International Commodity Procurement Division 

MAILSTOP 8738 

2312 East Bannister Road 

Kansas City, MO 64131-3011 

Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) 

WBSCM Helpdesk Level 1-Technical Issues 

Phone: 877-WBSCM-4U or 877-927-2648 (During Normal Business Hours) 

Or Email: WBSCM.servicedesk@caci.com

FSA Level 2 Help Desk – Functional Issues (i.e., New Vendor, Bid, Invoice Issues...) 

Phone: 816-823-4249 or Email: FSAWBSCMServiceRequest@kcc.usda.gov

Normal hours of operation are 7:00 am to 4:30 pm Central Time 

USDA Website: 

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome

First time, Registered Users Only: 

Service Desk email address is WBSCM.servicedesk@caci.com. 

On the Log-in prompt enter your email address for both the User ID and Password (all lower 

case for password) fields, and then change your password when prompted.

If you have any questions, please contact the WBSCM Service Desk at: 

Phone: 877-WBSCM-4U or 877-927-2648 or Email: WBSCM.servicedesk@caci.com
MR 26 Page 4 of 30 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

Fortified Milled Rice is a blend of milled rice and fortified rice-shaped kernels or rice kernels that 

are coated in a micronutrient-premix. Both types of kernels are designed to match the size, 

shape, color, texture and density of regular milled rice (medium or long grain). The fortification 

technologies used in production (extrusion or coating) preserve micronutrient content even if the 

rice is rinsed before cooking, a common practice where rice is consumed. Fortified Milled Rice is 

packaged in 50kg. 

COMMODITY SPECIFICATIONS 

1.1 COMMODITY	SPECIFICATION	

A. For the purpose of this specification, the following definitions apply:1

1. Fortificant: chemical form of added micronutrients 

2. Micronutrient premix: fortificant mix ready for use directly in rice fortification 

3. Fortified Kernels: rice grains fortified with the micronutrient premix 

4. Traditional Milled Rice: polished rice packaged at the rice mills 

5. Fortified ice: Traditional Milled Rice combined with micronutrient premix or the fortified 

kernels. 

B. The Government will accept offers for long or medium grain milled rice for fortification. The 

rice shall meet the specifications of the class and grade offered, as defined in the “Official 

United States Standards for Rice,” in effect at the time the solicitation for offers is issued. 

1. The milled rice may include any of the following, which shall be specifically stated in 

the solicitation: 

I. U.S. #5 or better with a maximum of 20 percent broken kernels; 

II. U.S. #3 or better with a maximum of 15 percent broken kernels; or 

III. U.S. #2 or better with a maximum of 7 percent broken kernels. 

C. Final fortified rice shall be pre-blended with traditional milled rice, such that no 

modifications to customary rice preparation and cooking method will be required. The 

fortified kernels shall be thoroughly blended with the milled rice to ensure a uniform 

distribution throughout. 

D. Offers for parboiled rice will be accepted when specifically stated in the solicitation. No 

specialty rice, including but not limited to aromatic rice, shall be acceptable unless specified 

in the solicitation. 

E. Fortified kernels shall be sourced from U.S. companies, producing such micronutrientpremixes in the U.S. and using domestic raw material/ingredients, unless such ingredients 

are deemed to be unavailable, in which case waivers shall be granted, in accordance to 

U.S. food aid procurement guidelines. 

F. The Government will accept delivery of rice grading better than the specified contract 

grade, but: 

1. No adjustment in contract price will be made for rice grading better than the contract 

grade. 

2. No substitution of one class of rice for another class of rice will be allowed after a 

contract has been awarded. 

1 Academy for Educational Development. 2008. Rice Fortification in Developing Countries: A Critical Review of the 

Technical and Economic Feasibility. 
MR 26 Page 5 of 30 

3. If the rice-premix is being achieved using the coating technology, the rice-based carrier 

grains to produce the fortified milled rice should meet a minimum grade of 

U.S. #2 or better. The standards are available at: 

http://www.gipsa.usda.gov/fgis/standards/ricestandards.pdf

4. Dusting technology should not be used, as the resulting fortified rice would not withstand 

pre-washing, a step in the cooking process in many of the target countries where the 

fortified rice will be used. 

5. Offers for parboiled rice will be accepted when specifically stated in the solicitation. No 

specialty rice, including but not limited to aromatic rice, will be acceptable unless specified in 

the solicitation. 

1.2 FORTIFICATION 

A. When the solicitation calls for Fortified Milled Rice, the following requirements apply: 

1. The fortificant-mix shall be added to a rice-based carrier to form the fortified kernels. 

Two technologies for rice fortification are acceptable: Extrusion and Coating. 

Regardless of the kernel technology used, the payload of micronutrients in fortified 

kernels must take into account any loss during final preparation and cooking, as well 

as latest evidence on loss during shelf life. 

2. If the rice fortificant premix is manufactured using coating technology, the rice-based 

carrier fortificant grains to produce the fortified milled rice shall meet a minimum grade 

of U.S. #2 or better. 

3. Other food grade additives may be included in the micronutrient premix 

formulation so long as they do not impart a different flavor or appearance that 

would detract from the end product acceptability. The fortified kernels shall not 

present any significant organoleptic (i.e., texture, taste, color, or appearance) 

differentiation that would be unappealing to the average consumer. 

4. Fortified rice blend shall come pre-blended with traditional rice, with no modifications to 

traditional rice preparation and cooking required. Fortified rice shall withstand final 

preparation processing (i.e., pre-washing, heat, high moisture, agitation, etc.) without 

compromising the functionality of encapsulated or extruded fortified kernels. 

B. The fortified rice shall achieve the minimum levels of micronutrients shown in Table 1. 
MR 26 Page 6 of 30 

Table 1. Target Levels of Micronutrients and Suggested Chemical Forms in Fortified Milled 

Rice per Gram of Fortified Kernels (or per 100 grams of Finished Product) 

Micronutrient 

Analytical 

Target/ 

gram of 

Premix2

Recommended Chemical 

Form3

Vitamin A (Retinol 

Equivalent) 

500 IU Micro-encapsulated Vitamin A 

Palmitate 4

Vitamin B1 0.5 mg Thiamine Mononitrate 

Vitamin B3 7.0 mg Niacinamide 

Vitamin B6 0.60 mg Pyridoxine Hydrochloride 

Folic Acid (as Dietary 

Folate Requirements) 

0.13 mg Folic Acid 

Vitamin B12 1 mcg Vitamin B12 0.1% WS 

Iron 4.0 mg Micronized Ferric Pyrophosphate, 

or other food grade iron forms if 

same or better bioavailability can 

be demonstrated 

Zinc 6.0 mg Zinc Oxide 

Carrier and binding 

agents 

Report usage in 

formulation 

Must be GRAS-approved and must 

not interfere with bioavailability of 

micronutrients 

Fortification Ratio5 1:1006 The dilution factor should be 

adjusted to optimum payload to 

allow for the best sensorial 

characteristics and a homogenous 

distribution of the fortificant 

C. The government reserves the right to perform verification testing for all micronutrients 

specified in Section 1.2.C. Table 1, but will routinely test for only Vitamin A and Iron if the 

contractor submits a Certificate of Analysis for the rice premix which indicates the appropriate 

level of all micronutrients specified in Table 1. 

2 Levels shown are target levels unless otherwise specified in the solicitation. Alternative levels may be specified in individual 

solicitations based on the national and beneficiary consumption level of rice, nutritional needs and regulatory requirements in the 

destination country. The target levels (or those in the solicitation, if different from Table 1) shall be guaranteed at the end of 24- 

month shelf life at 30°C (86°F), supported by appropriate data from uncooked samples. Appropriate overages should be used to 

compensate for potency loss over the shelf life period due to storage and packaging conditions 

3 Alternative forms will only be acceptable when they can be formulated and appropriately demonstrated to achieve 

equivalent bioavailability to the recommended chemical form. 

4 The selection of the product formulation (oily Vitamin A, spray dried Vitamin A, encapsulated Vitamin A in a beadlet) depends 

on the fortified kernels and the technology to produce them. The producer of the fortified kernels (either fortified by coating or 

extrusion technology) shall ensure that the vitamin A loss during storage at 30°C 65% relative humidity is below 5% per month.

However, accumulated variation around the mean of Vitamin A allowed from the moment of production up to one year of storage 

under the specified conditions should not be less than 20% or over 40%. 

5 A plus and minus 15% variation is allowed, assuming a blending ratio of one grain of fortified kernel per each 100 grains 

of unfortified rice (1:100). Values should be the result of pulling composite samples throughout production lots. 

6 Kernel producers can provide feedback on alternative ratios but it must be approved by contracting agencies. 
MR 26 Page 7 of 30 

1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE 

A. Food Safety and Quality Standards

1. Applicable food safety and quality standard for fortified kernels and final fortified rice 

include but are not limited to: 

I. Compliance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations 

including 21 CFR 137.350, Enriched Rice and the Food Safety Modernization Act 

(FSMA) 

II. Compliance with FSSC22000 a recognized Global Food Safety Initiative 

(GFSI) Auditing Standard

III. General principles for addition of essential nutrients to foods: 

CAC/GL 09-1987 (amended 1991) of the Codex Alimentarius

IV. Recommended International Code of Practice General Principles of Food 

Hygiene CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 4-2003

V. Code of Hygienic Practices for low-moisture Foods. CAC/RCP 75- 2015. 

Adopted in 2015.

B. Fortified Rice

1. The processor shall provide a certificate certifying that the proper amount of fortified 

kernel was added to the shipment to meet the specification requirements. 

2. Copies of the original COAs of the fortified kernel, the blending validation description 

from the fortified rice supplier, and microbiology, as well as contaminants analysis, shall 

be submitted as part of the invoice package. 

C. Auditing 

1. The fortified kernel and fortified rice vendor shall agree to allow USDA Food 

Safety/Quality Inspectors to visit the factory without prior notice during any period 

when USDA/USAID product is being manufactured, to check that the GMP and 

HACCP systems are in place. 

D. Microbiology and Contaminants 

1. Fortified rice suppliers shall provide microbiological test results which shall not 

exceed the following levels in the finished product: 
MR 26 Page 8 of 30 

Table 2: Limit of Microorganisms and Contaminants in Fortified Rice 

Microbiological 

Test 

IC/SU n c M M Report 

Unit 

Ref. Methods 

Yeasts and molds I/10 5 2 100 

0

10,00 

0

/g ICC No 146 

AACC 42-50 

Aflatoxin B1, B2, 

G1 and G2. (ppb) 

1/10 I 0 10 10 /g AACC 45-16 

Arsenic (Inorganic) 0.2 mg/kg – Finished Product AOAC 986.15 

Annotations: 

IC: Whether the testing sample is individual (I) or composite (c) 

SU: Sample Units 

n: Number of sub-samples to be examined 

c: Number of acceptable sample units between m and M 

m: maximum of cfc of the organism per gram that are of no concern 

M: Maximum allowable number of microorganism (cfu) per gram in any one subsample. 

Any sub-sample with a number above M causes the rejection of the lot 

under consideration. 

1.4 FUMIGATION 

A. No more than ten (10) days prior to packaging, the milled rice and fortified milled rice shall be 

fumigated in a quantity and manner which will affect a kill in all stages of weevil or other insect 

infestation. 

B. The Contractor shall submit with his invoice for payment a statement certifying that the rice was 

fumigated in accordance with this requirement. 

C. Shelf Life

Considering the lengthy supply chain for fortified rice intended to be used in international 

nutrition programs, the expected best used by date is twenty-four (24) months from the date 

of packaging7. 

1.5 INSPECTION 

A. The contractor shall be responsible for arranging and obtaining Federal Grain Inspection 

Service (FGIS), or any other organization designated by FGIS, official domestic and export 

weight and grade certificates. 

Procedures to follow, additional information and points of contact for these services may 

be obtained at: http://www.gipsa.usda.gov/fgis/insp_weigh/ricestandsvc.html. Contractors 

are required to notify the Government immediately of lots that fail to meet contract 

requirements. 

7 The shelf life reference in this specification (24 months) is based on the food safety and overall quality of the milled rice, not on 

the shelf life of added micronutrients. Micronutrient payload in fortified kernels must take into account any corresponding dosage 

of micronutrients to offset any losses during cooking, preparation and throughout the supply chain. Ongoing effort/evidence 

regarding packaging and micronutrient stability is being gathered to more accurately quantify shelf-life of micronutrients. 
MR 26 Page 9 of 30 

B. The average net weight of the sampled shipping units as determined by FGIS shall not be 

less than 98 percent of the marked net weight. Failure of the lot to meet the average net 

weight requirement shall cause rejection of the involved lot pursuant to FAR clause 52.212- 

4(a). (Contract Terms and Conditions— Commercial Items).

C. If the product fails to meet contract specifications on one or more factors on the first 

inspection, the Contractor may arrange with FGIS for subsequent inspections of the 

commodity. The inspections may be conducted at origin or a subsequent point of delivery if 

the provisions of Title 7 CFR 868.50 through 868.63, with respect to retest, appeal, and new 

inspections can be met. When subsequent inspections of the product are made, the results of 

the last inspection will be used as the basis for payment under the contract. 

D. FGIS will perform a condition of container examination in accordance with the United States 

Standards for Condition of Food Containers (7 CFR Part 42) and the Agricultural Marketing 

Service Handbook for Inspection of the Condition of Food Containers. 

E. For Fortified Milled Rice, FGIS will include the statement “This Milled Rice is Fortified”, in the 

results section of the inspection certificate. 

F. For Fortified Milled Rice, the contractor shall perform product testing and analysis to ensure 

that the product meets the micronutrient requirements specified in 1.2.C. Table 1. The result 

of the contractor’s testing shall be evidenced by: 

1. Certificate of Analysis of the Micronutrient premix that indicates the level and 

chemical form for each fortificant. 

2. Certificate of Analysis of the rice-premix that indicates the levels of each 

micronutrient in the fortificant. 

3. Declaration of coefficient of variation and description of the methodology used to 

validate the blend. 

4. Copies of the original Certificates of Analysis of the micronutrient premix and the 

fortificant along with the blending validation description must be submitted as part of the 

invoice package. 

CONTAINER AND PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS 

2.1 GENERAL 

This part provides the container specifications and packaging materials requirements to 

be used for contracts under this Requirements Document. 

2.2 CONTAINERS	AND	MATERIALS	

A. All containers and packaging shall be constructed to meet the requirements of the Food and 

Drug Administration (FDA) for safe contact with the packaged product. The contractor shall 

obtain and maintain documentation from the container or packaging material manufacturer to 

verify that the containers and packaging materials used in this contract were in compliance 

with the Government’s regulatory requirements for safe contact with food products as 

required in the Master Solicitation, Part 3, Section A, Number 3. 

B. Questions concerning the containers and materials should be directed to: 

Mailing Address: 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

Attention: Agricultural Marketing Service 

International Commodity Procurement Division 

MAILSTOP 8738 

P.O. Box 419205 

Kansas City, MO 64141-6205 
MR 26 Page 10 of 30 

2.3 PACKAGING MATERIAL AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 

A. The material used for fortified rice packaging must be flexible, puncture and 

breakage resistant with approximate breathability profile with the following 

characteristics8 :

(1) Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR): 20-50 g/m2/day9

(2) Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR): 8-1.9 cc/m2/day10

B. The fabric shall be finished by coating or other suitable method to prevent slippage. Individual 

test results shall be 28 degrees or greater (per TAPPI Test Method T-503- OM- 84).

C. The fabric shall accept and retain printing ink, including lot code, barcode, and best used by 

date, and that will not rub or flake off to a degree where legibility is impaired.

D. The fabric shall be capable of resisting ultraviolet deterioration for a minimum of 200 hours of 

exposure in a weather meter, when tested in accordance with Test Method 5804- Federal 

Standard 191, as amended. The fabric shall retain 70 percent of its original minimum tensile 

strength in each direction, after 200 hours exposure, when tested in accordance with Test 

Method ASTM D 5034 (Grab Test), as amended.

E. All bags shall be capable of withstanding the following performance tests for impact 

resistance. Testing shall be conducted at 104 oF (plus or minus 1.8 oF) and 75% relative 

humidity. Filled bags shall be placed in the conditioned atmosphere for sufficient time before 

the tests are conducted for the bag materials to come to equilibrium.

F. Ten filled and sealed bags shall each survive a single drop test on the butt and side on a 

shock machine that produces for each test a velocity change of 195 inches per second using 

shock duration of .002 seconds, without loss of product when tested in accordance with Test 

Method ASTM D5276.

G. The material shall be breakage resistant and have a puncture resistance of at least 600 

grams from the outside when tested in accordance with Test Method ASTM D1709 (Dart 

Drop Test, Test Method B).

H. Bags submitted under this performance specification shall conform to all other applicable 

material, construction, and performance specifications.

I. If the contractor purchases packaging and container ingredients from a foreign country and/or 

the package and container is manufactured in a foreign country, the package and container 

SHALL NOT display country of origin labeling. Phrases similar to but not inclusive of, “Made 

in [Name of Foreign Country]” or “Product of [Name of Foreign Country]” are strictly 

prohibited. 

J. In addition, all containers and packaging materials shall be constructed to comply with the sum 

concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium addressed by the 

Coalition of Northeast Governors (CONEG) model legislation. The sum of the concentration 

levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and/or hexavalent chromium present in any package or 

packaging component shall not exceed 100 parts per million. Concentration levels shall be 

determined using American Standard of Testing Materials test methods, as revised, or U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency test methods for evaluating solid waste, S-W 846, as 

revised. 

8 Both WVTR and OTR for a 14% moisture content product such as fortified rice approximate the WVTR/OTR profile of 

ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). However, the material must also match puncture and breakage resistance characteristics to 

limit infestation, as well as the seal ability mechanical and thermodynamic properties which would allow appropriate sealing 

with current industry capabilities. 

9 /10 Packaging vendors and fortified rice suppliers must work together and identify appropriate packaging films with the 

appropriate WVTR and OTR, to propose to the Government, taking into account the 14% moisture content, limiting molding, 

breakage and infestation. 
MR 26 Page 11 of 30 

2.4 50-KILOGRAM WOVEN POLYPROPYLENE BAGS 

Contractors may utilize woven polypropylene fabric and circular-woven style bags but are not 

limited to these constructions. If woven poly bags are used, the following is to apply: 

A. The color of the fabric shall be white, unless otherwise specified. At the contractor's 

discretion, it may use fabric containing marker yarns as a means of identifying the 

manufacturer of the fabric. 

B. The polymer in the fabric shall be 100 percent virgin polypropylene with no recycled material. 

Rework product will be limited to excess material produced during the initial extrusion 

process and will be limited to the amount produced during normal continuous operation. A 

system to identify and document this process must be in place for review by the 

Government's audit personnel. 

C. The fabric in an unstressed state shall permit a minimum air flow of 3 cubic feet per 

minute per square foot and a maximum of 30 cubic feet per minute per square foot, 

when tested in accordance with ASTM Test Method D737, as amended. 

D. The fabric shall be finished by coating or other suitable method to prevent slippage. 

Individual test results shall be 28 degrees or greater, when tested in accordance with TAPPI 

Test Method T-503-OM-84. The fabric shall accept and retain printing ink that will not rub or 

flake off to a degree where legibility is impaired. 

E. The fabric shall be capable of resisting ultraviolet deterioration for a minimum of 200 hours of 

exposure in a weather meter, when tested in accordance with Test Method 5804-Federal 

Standard 191, as amended. The fabric shall retain 70 percent of its original minimum tensile 

strength in each direction, after 200 hours exposure, when tested in accordance with Test Method 

ASTM D 5034 (Grab Test), as amended.

F. Bags may be flat tube or gusseted. 

G. Bags may be extrusion coated. Extrusion coated bags shall have the proper number, size and 

location of micro perforations to achieve the air permeability rate required for product stability 

and fumigation, as well as filling efficiency. 

2.5 SEWING OF BAG SEAMS 

A. All bag seams shall be sewn in a manner which prevents the product from leaking through the 

seams during handling, storage, and distribution. 

B. The color of the sewing thread shall be natural or white. The tensile strength of the sewn 

seams shall not be less than the tensile strength of the fabric in the body of the bag. 

C. The top and bottom of the bag shall be heat cut or otherwise finished to prevent fraying or 

unraveling of the fabric during distribution. The bottom seam shall be constructed in 

accordance with Federal Standard 751a, SSn-1 Single Turnover, as amended. A minimum of 

4 stitches per inch is required. 

2.6 PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURES 

A. All bags shall be capable of withstanding the following performance test for impact 

resistance. 

1. Ten filled and sealed bags shall each survive a single drop test on the butt and side on a 

shock machine that produces for each test a velocity change of 195 inches per second 

using a shock duration of .002 seconds without loss of product.

2. Testing shall be conducted under standard temperature (73.4° F plus or minus 1.8° F) and 

relative humidity (50% plus or minus 2%) conditions. 

3. Filled bags shall be placed in the conditioned atmosphere for sufficient time 

before the tests are conducted for the bag materials to come to equilibrium. 

4. Bags submitted under this performance specification shall conform to all other applicable 

material, construction, and performance specifications. 
MR 26 Page 12 of 30 

B. Test Laboratories 

The contractor may use any independent or private laboratory that is capable of conducting the 

performance test for impact resistance described in Section 2.5. However, the Government is 

aware of only the following domestically located independent or private laboratories that have 

such capability: 

Michigan State University 

School of Packaging 

130 Packaging Building 

East Lansing, MI 48824-1223 

(517) 355-9580 

http://www.packaging.msu.edu/ 

research/testing_services/

Lansmont Corporation 17 

Mandeville Court 

Monterey, CA 93940 

(831) 655-6600 

www.lansmont.com

Rutgers University Ten-E Packaging Services, Inc. 1666 

Center for Packaging Science County Road 74 Newport, MN 55055 

and Engineering (651) 459-0671 

Busch Campus http://www.ten137 Winchester Road, e.com/index.php/package-testing/

Piscataway, NJ 08854-8029 

(732) 445-3224 

http://catalogs.rutgers.edu/gene

rated/nbgrad_0810/pg24361.html

2.7 TEST FREQUENCY 

A. All specified testing shall be performed and documented and all supporting test and 

quality control documentation shall be retained and made available for review by the 

Government for a minimum of three years after final payment under the contract. 

B. All tests shall be performed when a change in the formulation/design of the fabric is 

being made. In addition, 

1. The slide angle test, the air permeability and the ultraviolet resistance tests shall be 

performed annually. 

2. In addition, the slide angle test shall, as a minimum, be performed in-house for every 10,000 

lineal meters of fabric production. Testing performed in- house is not required to be 

performed under the specified temperature and humidity requirements. 

C. The air permeability and ultraviolet resistance tests shall, as a minimum, be performed 

annually and when a change in the formulation/design of the fabric is being made. 

D. The performance test for impact resistance shall be performed when a change in the 

formulation/design of the fabric is being made. 

E. The slide angle test shall, as a minimum, be performed in-house for every 10,000 lineal 

meters of fabric production. Testing performed in-house is not required to be performed 

under the specified temperature and humidity requirements. In addition, the slide angle test 

shall, as a minimum, be performed annually by an outside testing facility and when a change in 

the formulation/design of the fabric is being made. This testing shall be performed in 

accordance with all contract requirements, including the specified temperature and humidity. 

F. All supporting test and quality control documentation shall be retained and made available for 

review by the Government for a minimum of three years after final payment under the 

contract. 
MR 26 Page 13 of 30 

MARKING REQUIREMENTS 

3.1 MARKINGS 

A. The bag shall be marked in the color specified in the markings exhibits. Any markings not 

shown on the exhibits shall be printed in blue. When printed on the bag, the colors blue and 

red shall match the Pantone Matching System (PMS) chart numbers 294 and 200, respectively, 

to the extent practicable. 

B. All dimensions are approximate. Unless otherwise specified, all characters shall be in 

normal block print. 

C. The US Flag shall be 7 inches high and 12 3/4 inches in total width, on the back of the 

applicable bag, see exhibits. 

D. The letters USA shall be Universal black (75) oblique, or Helvetica extra bold with 70% 

scaling and -70 tracking or equivalent to match the style as shown in the exhibits. The letters 

USA shall be 6 1/2 inches high and 12 1/2 inches in total width. The three stripes adjacent 

USA shall be 1 1/4 inches high and printed as close to the edges of the bag as possible, not 

to exceed 1 1/2 inches from any edge. 

E. The USAID vertical identity, including the logo, brand name, and tagline, shall be printed in 

the same style as shown in the markings exhibits, sized approximately 7 1/2 inches high and 9 

3/8 inches in total width. The USAID logo shall be 4 1/4 inches in diameter. The USAID brand 

name shall be 2 inches in height. The tagline “FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE” shall be 1/2 

inch in height. The USAID vertical identity is available to download at: 

http://www.usaid.gov/branding/. 

F. The USDA logo shall be 5 1/2 inches high and 7 3/4 inches in total width, see 

exhibits. 

G. The commodity name shall be 1 1/2 inch print. Immediately below the commodity name on the 

front and back panels insert additional commodity description in 5/8 inch print, if applicable. 

See Exhibit A for appropriate commodity name/additional commodity description that shall be 

printed on each bag. 

H. The net weight, contract number and the statement “NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED” 

shall be 3/4 inch print. The bag dimensions and Standard Marking Requirement (SMR) or 

Language Marking Requirement (LMR) number shall be 1/2 inch print. The contract number, 

net weight, and SMR or LMR number shall be at the bottom of the bag, centered. See 

exhibits. 

I. The symbol indicating “USE NO HOOKS” shall be 2 3/4 inches in height. See exhibits. 

J. The letters or symbols used in the language markings for LMR-1, LMR-3, LMR4, LMR-5, 

LMR-7, and LMR-8 should be sized approximately 1 5/8 inches, see exhibits. The language 

marking for LMR-2 and LMR-6 should be sized to fit as shown in the exhibits. 

K. Lot codes unique to each lot offered for inspection shall be legibly marked on each individual 

primary container and shipping container. Commodity suppliers may use any type of lot 

coding system provided a unique code is used to identify each lot offered for inspection 

under contract. 
MR 26 Page 14 of 30 

3.2 MARKING DESCRIPTIONS 

The Government shall furnish required markings within two business days after the date of 

the contract. The procurement of containers should be deferred for at least two business 

days after the date of the contract. 

The following standard marking requirements may be requested under the contract: 

Standard Marking Requirement #1 (SMR-1) 

USAID – Distribution 

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED,” 

USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, “SMR1,” and use no hooks symbol. 

See exhibit SMR-1, front Back: Identical to front. See exhibit SMR-1, back. 

Standard Marking Requirement #2 (SMR-2) 

FAS - Distribution 

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED," USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, “SMR-2”, and use no 

hooks symbol. See exhibit SMR-2, front. Back: Identical. See exhibit SMR- 2, back. 

Standard Marking Requirement #3 (SMR-3) 

USAID – Monetization 

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, USAID logo, contract number, net weight, 

dimensions, “SMR-3,” and use no hooks symbol. See exhibit SMR-3, front. Back: Identical 

to front. See exhibit SMR-3, back. 

Standard Marking Requirement #4 (SMR-4) 

FAS or USAID - Monetization 

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, contract number, net weight, dimensions, 

“SMR-4,” and use no hooks symbol. See exhibit SMR-4, front. Back: Identical. See exhibit 

SMR-4, back. 

Language Marking Requirement #1 (LMR-1) 

USAID – Distribution for North Korea 

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED,” 

USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and “LMR-1.”. See exhibit LMR-1, 

front. 

Back: US Flag, the commodity name, North Korean language panel, and “LMR1” only. 

See exhibit LMR-1, back. 

Language Marking Requirement #2 (LMR-2) 

USAID – Distribution for Afghanistan, with Pashtu and Dari 

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED,” 

USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and “LMR-2.” See exhibit LMR-2, 

front. 

Back: US Flag, the commodity name, Pashtu and Dari language panel, and “LMR-2” only. 

See exhibit LMR-2, back. 

Language Marking Requirement #3 (LMR-3) 

USAID – Distribution for South Africa Region 

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED,” 

USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and “LMR-3.” See exhibit LMR-3, 

front. 

Back: US Flag, the commodity name, English language panel, and “LMR-3” only. See 

exhibit LMR-3, back. 
MR 26 Page 15 of 30 

Language Marking Requirement #4 (LMR-4) 

USAID – Distribution for Iraq with Arabic 

Front: US Flag, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED,” 

USAID logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and “LMR-4.” See exhibit LMR-4, 

front. 

Back: US Flag, the commodity name, Arabic language panel, and “LMR-4” only. See exhibit 

LMR-4, back. 

Language Marking Requirement #5 (LMR-5) 

FAS – Distribution for North Korea 

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED,” USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and “LMR-5.” See 

exhibit LMR-5, front. 

Back: USA with stripes, the commodity name, North Korean language panel, and “LMR5” only. See exhibit LMR-5, back. 

Language Marking Requirement #6 (LMR-6) 

FAS – Distribution for Afghanistan, with Pashtu and Dari 

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED,” USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and “LMR-6.” See 

exhibit LMR-6, front. 

Back: USA with stripes, the commodity name, Pashtu and Dari language panel, and “LMR6” only. See exhibit LMR-6, back. 

Language Marking Requirement #7 (LMR-7) 

FAS – Distribution for South Africa Region 

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED,” USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and “LMR-7.” See 

exhibit LMR-7, front. 

Back: USA with stripes, the commodity name, English language panel, and “LMR-7” only. 

See exhibit LMR-7, back. 

Language Marking Requirement #8 (LMR-8) 

FAS – Distribution for Iraq with Arabic 

Front: USA with stripes, the commodity name, the words "NOT TO BE SOLD OR 

EXCHANGED,” USDA logo, contract number, net weight, dimensions, and “LMR-8.” 

See exhibit LMR-8, front 

Back: USA with stripes, the commodity name, Arabic language panel, and “LMR-8” only. 

See exhibit LMR-8, back. 
MR 26 Page 16 of 30 

3.3 EMPTY BAG DIMENSIONS 

A. All bags shall be marked with the empty dimensions as follows: 

Gusseted Bags Face Width X Gusseted Width X Finished Length 

Flat Tube Bags Face Width X Finished Length 

B. The dimensions shall be printed at the bottom of the bag, centered, see exhibits. 

C. The finished size of the circular woven polypropylene bags will be determined by the 

contractor, unless otherwise specified by the contracting officer. 

3.4 CONTAINERS WITH INCORRECT MARKINGS 

A. Any labels, bags, cans, can lids, cases, or any other type of packaging (hereinafter referred 

to as "containers") displaying incorrect markings may be used under a Government 

contract provided that the incorrect markings are obliterated and correct markings are 

applied in a permanent manner with approval of the contracting officer. 

B. The appearance of containers in commercial or other channels either filled or unfilled bearing 

markings identifying the containers as part of a Government contract may cause the 

Government expense in determining whether commodities have been diverted from 

authorized use and in answering inquiries. The contractor shall take all necessary action 

to prevent the appearance in commercial or other channels of containers and container 

materials bearing any markings required under a Government contract, including those held 

by the contractor or others; e.g., overruns misprints, etc. The contractor shall ensure that 

any container from a Government contract that appears in commercial or other channels 

shall have all markings required under this contract permanently obliterated. 
MR 26 Page 17 of 30 

Exhibit A 

List of Commodity Names Printed on 50 Kilogram Woven Polypropylene Bags 

Commodity 

Requirements

Commodity Name Commodity 

Requirements

Commodity Name 

Bulgur / SoyFortified 

Bulgur 

(BWSF) 

BULGUR Dry Edible 

Beans (DEB) 

BLACK BEANS 

SOY-FORTIIFIED 

BULGUR 

BLACKEYE BEANS 

Buckwheat 

(BWP) 

BUCKWHEAT GROATS DARK RED KIDNEY BEANS 

BUCKWHEAT GRITS LIGHT RED KIDNEY BEANS 

BUCKWHEAT FLOUR GARBANZO BEANS 

Bagged Grain 

(KCBG) 

WHEAT 

HARD RED WINTER 

GREAT NORTHERN 

BEANS 

WHEAT 

SOFT WHITE 

PEA BEANS 

WHEAT 

HARD RED SPRING 

PINK BEANS 

WHEAT 

NORTHERN SPRING 

PINTO BEANS 

SORGHUM SMALL RED BEANS 

YELLOW CORN SMALL WHITE BEANS 

YELLOW CORN 

YELLOW SOYBEANS 

Milled Rice (MR) MILLED RICE 

LONG GRAIN 

Peas and 

Lentils (PL) 

LENTILS 

MILLED RICE 

MEDIUM GRAIN 

SPLIT GREEN PEAS 

MILLED RICE 

PARBOILED 

SPLIT YELLOW PEAS 

FORTIFIED MILLED RICE SMOOTH GREEN DRY 

SMOOTH YELLOW DRY 

PEAS 

Wheat Flour/ 

Bread Flour 

(WFBF) 

 FLOUR ALL PURPOSE 

BREAD FLOUR 

50 KG 

Polypropylen 

e Bags 

(KCPBAGS) 

WHEAT 

CORN 

SORGHUM 

SOYBEANS 

SOYBEAN MEAL 
MR 26 Page 18 of 30 

Exhibits SMR-1 through SMR-4 and LMR-1 through LMR-8 
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