Name | Type | Posted | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
12-3J14-26-B-0183 | LINK | Mar 19, 2026 |
Cheese Products under Section 32 for use in Domestic Food Assistance Programs
Contact and place of performance
Michael Eichorst
Not specified
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation number 12-3J14-26-B-0183 is issued as an Invitation for bid (IFB) for Cheese Products under Section 32 pursuant to the AMS Master Solicitation for...
View moreInformal Forum with the Ombudsman
1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.
2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.
3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).
Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman
1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.
2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.
3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.
4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.
5. Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.
6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to [email protected] and the Contracting Officer.
Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.
The Agricultural Marketing Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, is seeking bids for the procurement of cheese products under Section 32 for use in Federal Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs. Issued as Invitation for Bid (IFB) 12-3J14-26-B-0183, this combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products follows the guidelines of the AMS Master Solicitation. This acquisition is classified under NAICS 311513 for Cheese Manufacturing and PSC 8910 for Dairy Foods and Eggs.
This requirement is not set aside for small business concerns. The solicitation incorporates all relevant provisions and clauses by reference, and a single attachment was provided at the time of publication. Bids must be submitted by the response deadline of April 3, 2026. Michael Eichorst serves as the primary point of contact for this procurement.
The USDA emphasizes the use of its Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests to resolve concerns regarding the fairness or execution of the procurement process. Interested parties are encouraged to utilize the agency’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution process, which includes both informal and formal forums, prior to pursuing external litigation. Contract awards or performance may be suspended during a formal protest period unless urgent and compelling reasons for continuation are justified in writing.
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