Commodity 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.

Procurement Room 3452‐S, STOP 0256

Branch Washington, DC  20250‐0256

SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION JUNE 2011 

PURCHASE OF FROZEN, ALASKA POLLOCK BLOCKS 

FOR FURTHER PROCESSING FOR DISTRIBUTION TO 

CHILD NUTRITION AND OTHER FEDERAL FOOD AND NUTRITION PROGRAMS 

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

Alaska Pollock blocks described in the attached References to the Applicable Bid and Contract 

Provisions (Exhibit A). In addition to product descriptions, this exhibit also provides information on 

the applicable Item Description and Checklist of Requirements (IDCR) for Once-Frozen Alaska 

Pollock Blocks effective November 2009 (Attachment I). 

I. INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS 

A. The frozen, Alaska Pollock blocks will be purchased on a competitive bid basis from 

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

submit a technical proposal(s) at any time during this purchase program. Suppliers should 

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

results of the evaluation of the technical proposal(s) from the Contracting Officer. A supplier 

is deemed eligible to bid after notification by the Contracting Officer. 

B. The frozen, Alaska Pollock blocks will be purchased on a competitive bid basis from 

suppliers who are operating in accordance with the applicable Food and Drug Administrative 

(FDA) regulations and under the Department of Commerce (DOC), National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS) Type I inspection, which may include Integrated Quality Assurance (IQA) or 

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Quality Management Program (HACCPQMP). 

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

competitive bid basis as described in the Master Solicitation, this Supplement, and separately 

issued Invitations for Bid (IFB). 

C. Documentation and Assessment Requirements 

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

Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 3524-South Building, 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20250, for evaluation and approval prior to 

bidding: 
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 2 

a. Technical Proposal Requirement: 

 1) Include a detailed description of the frozen, Alaska Pollock block and each of the 

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

requirements set forth in the applicable IDCR. (Plan/Do) 

2) Describe all the quality assurance methods used to verify conformance to all 

requirements. This will include the monitoring and measurements taken during 

the process to verify conformance with each requirement. All measurement 

results shall be recorded and made available to AMS and/or Department of 

Commerce (DOC). (Check) 

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) 

4) The technical proposal shall follow the format as describe in Section III. Technical 

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

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

template: 

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

proposal template; and 

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

6) The technical proposal should be written in the following format: 

a) Plan and Do - A description of the planning and production steps taken to meet each 

requirement. 

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

conformances to each requirement. This will include the monitoring and 

measurement taken during the process (all measurements results shall be recorded 

and made available to AMS and/or DOC upon request). 

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

specification requirements occur during production and all preventative actions taken 

to preclude reoccurrences. 

The Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) will review each technical 

proposal to determine if they are adequate. The Contracting Officer will notify the supplier 

of the status of their technical proposal. 

Once a supplier is notified by the Contracting Officer that the technical proposal meets the 

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

set up a pre-award onsite capability assessment. 

For those suppliers who are approved and remain eligible as determined by the Contracting 

Office to submit offers, the pre-award assessment audit may be waived provided new or 

revised USDA program requirements are met. The contractor’s technical proposal must 

address all program requirements, including any revisions and be submitted and approved 

by Contracting Officer in advance of submitting offers. 

b. Assessment by the GVD

After the technical proposal(s) is evaluated and approved, an GVD auditor will 

perform an onsite assessment of the facility(s), processes, food defense plan, and 
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 3 

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

ability to meet contractual requirements. The following assessments will apply: 

1) Pre-Award Onsite Capability Assessment 

1) Pre-Award Onsite Assessment Audit 

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

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

processes, food defense plan, quality control program, equipment, procedures, 

and the appropriate documents and forms used during the production of the 

frozen Alaska Pollock block. Documentation must support: 1) the production of 

the frozen Alaska Pollock block that complies with the applicable IDCR and the 

potential contractor’s approved technical proposal, and 2) the contractor’s or 

subcontractor’s food defense plan. In addition, the audit will consist of the 

review of records related to purchasing, receiving, production, quality control, 

inventory and shipping records, and interviews with management and production 

personnel. 

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

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

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

will receive written notification from the Contracting Officer of their eligibility 

to bid. 

 

If the report demonstrates that the technical proposal or food defense plan is 

inadequate, the applicant will be notified by the Contracting Officer that they are 

ineligible to bid. The applicant will have an opportunity to correct identified 

deficiencies, modify their process, food defense plan, and/or technical proposal, 

and resubmit for further consideration. Eligibility will depend on whether the 

modifications demonstrate that: 1) the process is capable of delivering frozen 

Alaska Pollock block in compliance with the applicable IDCR, 2) they are in 

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

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

 

2) Post-Award Assessment 

Eligible suppliers who receive contracts must have their documented food 

defense plan, technical proposals, and supporting documentation readily 

available for review by the COTR or AMS agents. Records may be maintained 

on hard copy or electronic media. However, records maintained as electronic 

media will be made available in printed form immediately upon request by AMS 

or its agents. 

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

and processes when production commences for the first contract awarded. Additional 

audits will be conducted as determined by the Contracting Officer, but not less than 

once per month for contractors or subcontractors with continuous or multiple contracts, 
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 4 

or once per contract for intermittent contractors. At the discretion of the Contracting 

Officer, more frequent audits may be conducted when audit deficiencies are detected. 

3) Post-Award Actions 

Any deviation from contractual requirements will be immediately reported by 

the contractor to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer will notify the 

contractor regarding eligibility to continue to participate as a contractor. 

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

the applicable IDCR, the applicable assessment by USDA, and the contractor’s 

technical proposal approved by the Contracting Officer. 

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

Solicitation.

D. Responsibility/Eligibility 

Facilities used in fulfilling USDA contracts must be operating in accordance with the 

applicable Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and under the DOC, National 

Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) inspection which may include Type I, Integrated Quality 

Assurance (IQA) or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Quality Management 

Program (HACCP-QMP). 

Subcontractors or suppliers of frozen Alaska Pollock blocks are: (1) ineligible if they are 

currently delivering late on USDA contracts, or USDA-approved subcontracts and late delivery 

is not due to causes beyond their control; and (2) nonresponsible if they are not operating in 

accordance with the applicable FDA regulations and under the DOC, NMFS inspection which 

may include Type I, IQA, or HACCP-QMP, or have been suspended or debarred under the 

provisions of 48 C.F.R. Subpart 9.4 

E. Loading and Sealing of Vehicles (AMS Master Solicitation Section G.)

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

approved technical proposal. 

F. Domestic Requirements 

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

subcontracts for fresh and frozen Alaska Pollock or Alaska Pollock 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 including Alaska Pollock will be shipped in 

containers labeled as “Domestic Only Product” on the principle display panel and the bill of 

lading accompanying the shipment will contain the statement “Domestic Only Product.” 

Prior to performance on USDA contracts or subcontracts, contractors, and Alaska Pollock 

subcontractors must obtain approval of its domestic product program from the NMFS. 
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 5 

The contractor must ensure that the Contractor and any subcontractor(s) maintain records 

including, but not limited to, landing vessels, invoices, production and inventory records 

evidencing product origin, and will make such records available for review by the Government 

in accordance with FAR 52.214-26. 

II. SUBMISSION OF OFFERS

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

Supply Chain Management (WBSCM). (See Exhibit 2 of the Master Solicitation). 

Offeror certifies that all products conform with the applicable Item Description and 

Checklist of Requirements and no changes to the production process or technical 

proposal have occurred without proper approval by the Contracting Officer. 

 Does 

III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL 

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

content of the proposals: 

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

technical proposal (see Exhibit B). The offeror shall submit technical proposal in both hard 

copies and an electronic format through the company’s external portal site maintained by the 

Livestock and Seed Division (see Exhibit C for instructions to obtain an external portal site). 

The technical proposal shall be saved in the portable document file (PDF) format. This format 

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

B. Offers must upload the electronic PDF document by the same individual that signed the original 

paper copy of the technical proposal. By signing both the technical proposal and uploading the 

document in the company’s external portal site, this individual will be attesting to the data in both 

formats being identical. The technical proposal must be submitted by an authorized agent of the 

company. 

C. The offeror will submit the appropriate number of copies as stated in the table below: 

Description Number of Hard Copies Electronic 

Document 

Technical proposal 

1. 8 1⁄2” x 11” White Paper; 

2. One sided-single spaced, (12 point font); 

3. Proposal is to be provided in protected 

document holder; and 

4. Proposal submitted with all capital letters 

will be returned to offeror without further 

review. 

1 Original Uploaded in 

company’s external 

portal site 

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

formatting instructions, technical evaluators may have difficulty evaluating the technical proposal 
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 6 

to the fullest extent possible if the proposal is not presented in the proper format. Technical 

evaluators will not be required to search other subsections or sections of the offeror’s technical 

proposal for information requested for evaluation. 

Note: All hard copies shall be mailed to the Contracting Officer at the address stated in the 

Section I.B. 

E. Technical Proposal Revisions 

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

Amendments, Clarification Request, pre-award and post-award assessments, monitoring program, 

or at the request of the offeror. Maintenance of the integrity and clarity of each technical 

proposal is critical. All technical proposal revisions must meet the following criteria: 

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

accomplished by submitting replacement pages or an entire technical proposal package. A 

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

the change. The offeror shall include the revision date and the appropriate page number(s). 

2. Changes must be submitted in the same number of copies as the initial technical proposal and 

must have the same information provided electronically. The revised electronic PDF format 

should contain only the pages that are being changed. Additional pages should be numbered 

using a page number suffix (e.g. 1.1, 1.2, 1.a., 1.b). 

3. Submit changes to the technical proposals as a complete page change for each page on 

which a change occurs. Changes from the original page shall be on blue colored paper and 

the changes in text shall be highlighted or bolded and deletions in strikeouts. 

Note: Revisions to the approved technical proposal may be submitted by electronic (PDF) 

format in their external portal site and provide an e-mail notification to the Contracting 

Officer. Hard copies of the changes must be mailed to the Contracting Officer at the 

address stated in Section I.B. 

IV. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND AUDIT SERVICES 

A. Specifications for frozen, Alaska Pollock blocks will be set forth in the IDCR. If documents 

are amended, appropriate amendments must be referenced. 

B. Compliance with processing requirements as described in the applicable IDCR and 

contractor’s/subcontractor’s process documentation and quality control program will be 

verified through audits by AMS agents. The cost of all audits, including the pre-award, 

onsite assessment, must be borne by the contractor. 

C. Compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations 50, Part 260 must be under DOC, NMFS. 

The cost of all inspection service must be borne by the Contractor. Questions concerning 

charges and the availability of NMFS agents should be discussed with the nearest NMFS 

office (See Section VIII). 
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 7 

D. Questions concerning AMS auditors should be discussed with the GV Division, Deputy 

Director on (202) 669-5252 or Program Manager on (202) 309-1506. 

V. INVOICES AND PAYMENT

In addition to the referenced payment documents in the Master Solicitation, please include a copy 

of the Contractor’s Certificate of Conformance; (see Exhibit D). 

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

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

documents attached.

VI. AMS CLAUSES

A. Contractor Checkloading 

Contractor will perform checkloading examinations as described in the applicable 

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

shipment that includes all of the following information: 

1. Purchase Order Number; 

2. Sales Order Number; 

3. Name of product; 

4. Shipping Date; 

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

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

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

applicable; 

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

9. Count and projected net weight verified; and 

10. Signature of company official responsible for checkloading. 

VII. PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE as show in Section X of the AMS 

Master Solicitation

A. FAR Provisions: are modified as shown below: 

(a) (1) The North American Industry Classification System code for this acquisition is 311712. 

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

2. Type of Contract--The Government contemplates award of a firm-fixed price contract(s). 

3. Service of Protest: address for the Contracting Officer is: 1400 Independence Ave. S.W., 

Room 3524-S; Washington, DC 20250-0253 

VIII. Inquiries concerning inspection should be directed to either: 

Deputy Director 

National Seafood Inspection Program 

DOC-NOAA-NMFS-F-SI 

1315 East-West Highway 

Room 10842 

Silver Spring, MD 20910 

Telephone: (301)713-2355 

Director, Southeast Inspection Branch 

National Seafood Inspection Program 
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION 8 

DOC- NOAA-NMFS 

Koger Building 

9721 Executive Center Drive North, Suite 133 

St. Petersburg, FL 33702 

Telephone: (727)570-5383 

Director, Western Regional Inspection Office 

Chief, Western Regional Inspection Office 

National Seafood Inspection Program 

DOC-NOAA-NMFS 

7600 Sand Point Way NE Bldg 32 

Seattle, WA 98115 

Telephone: (206) 526-4259 

Director, Northeast Inspection Branch 

National Seafood Inspection Program 

DOC, NOAA, NMFS 

11-15 Parker Street 

Gloucester, MA 01930 

Telephone: (978) 281-9292 

Director 

Commodity Procurement Division 

Agricultural Marketing Service 

Attachments 
Commodity 1400 Independence Avenue, SW. EXHIBIT A DA

Procurement Room 3452‐S, STOP 0256 PAGE 1 OF 1

Branch Washington, DC 20250‐0256

CHECKLIST AND REFERENCES TO APPLICABLE BID AND CONTRACT PROVISI

SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION, FOR FROZEN, ALASKA POLLOCK 

. PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS (SECTION 1. A. (GENERAL) NTRACT P

Product/ 

Commodity 

Box Code 

Specifications Listed in Priority Order Commodity 

Purchase Code

Packaging and Packing Minimum Offer Unit 

Size/Shipping Unit 

Tolerance 

Section. 

Frozen Pollock Block, Bulk 100892

Item Description and Checklist of Requirements for Once-Frozen Alaska Pollock Blocks, Effective November 2009 and Errata page dated April 2011 

100892 Frozen Pollock blocks will weight 

approximately 16 and 1/3 pounds and packed to 3 to a container that will weigh approximately 49 pounds. The blocks are U.S. Grade A. 

816 shipping containers/39,984 pounds 

None 
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B 

 PAGE 1 OF 2 

Frozen, Pollock Blocks 

Page X of Y 

[Company Name] 

[Company Address] 

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

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

must be identified and referenced in the Technical Proposal) 

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

requirements stated in the specification to produce complying product. 

I. ITEM DESCRIPTION-Please provide a brief description of the product that will be 

addressed in the technical proposal. 

II. CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS- Please provide a brief description of the planning, 

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

do to assure compliance with the checklist of requirements section of the specification. 

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

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

compliance with the material section of the specification. 

Contractors are responsible for providing sufficient product traceability and must have 

records to verify the source of raw materials used in each lot of product. 

1. Fish Flesh– (plan, do, check, act) 

a. Domestic Origin 

b. Grade 

c. Frozen Pollock Blocks 

2. Metal Detection 

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

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

will do to assure compliance with the preparation of delivery section of the specification. 

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

a. Packaging 

b. Fish Blocks 

c. Freezing protection 

d. Style and Size of Container 

e. Labeling 

2. Palletized Unit Loads- (plan, do, check, act)

C. PRODUCT ASSURANCE - Please provide a brief description of the planning, 

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

company will do to assure compliance with the product assurance section of the 

specification. 

1. QUALITY ASSURANCE - (plan, do, check, act) 
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT B 

 PAGE 1 OF 2 

2. DELIVERED PRODUCT - (plan, do, check, act) 

a. Delivery Unit 

b. Sealing 

3. WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT RESOLUTION - (plan, do, check, act) 

a. Warranty 

b. Complaint Resolution 

D. NON-CONFORMING PRODUCT - Please provide a brief description of the planning, 

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

will do to assure compliance with the non-conforming product section of the specification.

NOTE: In preparing Offeror’s technical proposal please follow the outline format for the applicable 

IDCR that the company is submitting. 

Attachments or Appendixes 

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

number. 
Commodity 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.

Procurement Room 3522, STOP S-0239

Staff Washington, DC 20250-0239

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

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

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

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

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

Company: 

Address: 

City: 

State: Zip code: 

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

First Name Middle 

Initial

Last Name E-mail address Title Phone Number

SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT C UPDATED 10/2012
SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION EXHIBIT D 

 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE 

LIVESTOCK AND SEED PROGRAM 

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE FOR 

THE PROCUREMENT OF 

ONCE-FROZEN ALASKA POLLOCK BLOCKS 

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE 

I certify the following: 

(1) On [delivery date(s) ], [Contractor’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 [Contractor’s name] Technical Proposal or 

Production plan as approved by the AMS, Commodity Procurement Program, Contracting Officer. 

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

acceptance document. 

(4) Contractor assures all fish products used in fulfilling this contract was produced in the United 

States as defined in the Supplement 509, section I.G and AMS Master Solicitation Section I.E.

Date: 

Signature: 

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

Title: 
ERRATA PAGE

With the implementation of the Web Base Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system, all Food 

and Nutrition Service’s product codes have been converted to material numbers. Product produced 

for July 1, 2011 and after delivery periods must now reflect the following product code change for 

products produced under this IDCR.

Please replace the following references:

• “Invitation” with “Solicitation” 

• “Announcement LS-504” to “Supplement” 

• “Contract Number” to “Purchase Order Number” 

ITEM DESCRIPTION AND CHECKLIST OF 

REQUIREMENTS (IDCR) FOR ONCE-FROZEN 

ALASKA POLLOCK BLOCKS

Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR)

Standards, Analysis, and Technology Branch

Room 2607 S-Bldg, Phone: (202) 720-4486

Effective: April 2011

Item Old Product Code 

(FNS)

New Material 

Number

Once-Frozen Alaska Pollock Blocks A747 100892

SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I 

Page 1 of 4
 

I. ITEM DESCRIPTION 

Item – Once-Frozen Alaska Pollock Blocks 

Grade - U.S. Grade A 

Packing – Fish blocks will weigh approximately 16-1⁄3 pounds and packed 

three (3) to a master carton with a net weight of 49 pounds. 

II. CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS 

Product will be produced under the Food and Drug Administration regulations and all 

applicable federal Acts and regulatory references cited therein which are in effect on the date 

of production. 

A. MATERIALS 

Contractors must describe in detail the necessary processing steps, supported with digital 

images, to comply with the requirements below. 

1. FISH FLESH 

a. Domestic Origin of Fish Flesh – The Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) will 

be derived from fillets that are caught and processed in U.S. waters on a U.S. 

flagged vessel or caught in U.S. waters and processed in a facility based in the 

U.S. or U.S.Territory. 

b. U.S. Grade A - United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Fish Fillet Blocks. 

These Standards for Grades will be implemented in accordance with the guidance 

set forth in part II of NOAA Handbook 25, "Inspector's Instructions for Grading 

Frozen Fish Blocks." 

c. Once-Frozen Alaska Pollock Blocks – The U.S. Standards for Grades will apply to 

once-frozen fish blocks that are rectangular shaped masses made from Alaska 

Pollock flesh. The blocks will be made from whole fillets that are skinless and 

boneless (pin bone out). The blocks shall not contain minced or comminuted fish 

flesh. The blocks shall not be made by restructuring (reworking) pieces of fish 

blocks into the shape of a fish block. The blocks shall not contain sodium 

phosphates. The blocks shall never be allowed to thaw and have been stored at 

temperatures of 0o

F or less for no more than 12 months. The Pollock blocks will 

be practically free of voids and ice pockets. 

 

ITEM DESCRIPTION AND 

CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS 

(IDCR) FOR ONCE-FROZEN ALASKA 

POLLOCK BLOCKS - A747 

Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) 

Standards, Analysis, and Technology Branch 

Room 2607 S-Bldg, Phone: (202) 720-4486 

Effective: November 2009

SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I 

Page 2 of 4
2 

2. METAL DETECTION 

Detection of stainless steel, ferrous, and non-ferrous (e.g., lead, copper, and 

aluminum) metals is required. 

B. PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY 

1. PACKAGING AND PACKING 

a. Packaging – Fresh (never previously frozen) Alaska Pollock fillets shall be layered 

into a block mold and deep frozen to produce fish blocks that are used as the raw 

material for further processing into high quality breaded and battered fish 

products. The once-frozen Alaska Pollock Blocks shall be wrapped or sealed to 

protect blocks from freezer deterioration, physical damage, and contamination. 

b. Fish blocks will weigh approximately 16-1⁄3 pounds and packed three (3) to a 

master carton with a net weight of 49 pounds. 

c. The once-frozen blocks will be protected by a paperboard block liner and then 

packed in a cardboard master case, which reduces the likelihood of freezer burn 

or rancidity. The packaging should be uniform and completely cover the product. 

A product must declare a net weight, meaning actual product weight. 

d. Style and Size of Container – Only one size and style of bags and cases may be 

offered in an individual shipping unit. The shipping containers will be in 

compliance with the National Motor Freight Classification, or the Uniform Freight 

Classification, as applicable. 

e. Labeling - Cases will be labeled to include all information required by United 

States Department of Commerce (USDC) regulations and the required 

information listed below. Labels must not be able to be removed in an intact form. 

(1) USDA Shield – The shield will be at least 2 inches high and will appear on top 

or on the principle display panel of each case. 

(2) The applicable contract number and product code 

“A747”. 

(3) A traceability code that includes information regarding 

production establishment, production date and 

production lot. 

(4) USDC Inspection Mark and Grade – The Processed Under Federal 

Inspection “PUFI” mark along with Grade A Shield. 

2. PALLETIZED UNIT LOADS 

All cases shall be stacked on new or well-maintained pallets and palletized with shrink 

wrap plastic. 

SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I 

Page 3 of 4
3 

C. PRODUCT ASSURANCE 

1. QUALITY ASSURANCE 

All frozen Pollock Blocks will be produced under the USDC, National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS) Type I inspection, which may include Integrated Quality Assurance 

(IQA) or HACCP Quality Management Program (HACCP-QMP). The contractors 

must declare the type of NMFS inspection program they are operating under. 

2. DELIVERED PRODUCT 

a. Delivery Unit - Each delivery unit will consist of 816 shipping containers with a 

net weight of 39,984. No tolerances will be allowed. 

b. Sealing – All products must be delivered to AMS destinations under seal 

according to section I. G., of the AMS Master Solicitation. 

3. WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT RESOLUTION 

a. Warranty – The contractor will guarantee that the product complies with all 

contractual requirements. 

b. Complaint Resolution – The contractor’s technical proposal must provide the 

steps taken to resolve complaints received on the product i.e., point of contact, 

cause and effect analysis, product replacement, and corrective and preventative 

actions taken. 

D. NON-CONFORMING PRODUCT 

The Contractor must include a plan to assure that non-conforming product is not delivered 

under USDA contracts. The plan must address: 1) control and segregation of 

nonconforming product, 2) removal of any USDA markings, and 3) disposition of 

nonconforming product. 

SUPPLEMENT 509 TO AMS MASTER SOLICITATION ATTACHMENT I 

Page 4 of 4