AMS and FSA will incorporate these requirements into the specification. Special requirements are based on the needs and preferences of the recipients, such as nutritional requirements. In some cases, AMS or FSA use the CID without any changes. An announcement is a document containing producers' requirements for bidding on USDA's commodities, such as billing requirements, shipping and delivery guidelines, contract information, and certifications, requirements and warranties. AMS and FSA contracting officers make the announcement available to prospective bitters.
Vendors use the information in announcements to determine their bid prices.
The specification and announcement for commodities purchased by AMS are separate documents. The specification and announcement for commodities purchased by FSA are combined into one document. Specifications are distributed to prospective bidders by the AMS and FSA Contracting Offices. They are included in the announcements for the invitations for bids on the commodities purchased for our food distribution programs. FCS makes the specifications available to its Regional Offices, which distribute them to State agencies.