Bison Sources Sought

This is a Sources Sought Notice for, domestically produced bison for USDA Food Programs. Capability must demonstrate 100% domestic bison in the following pack sizes:

· Bison Ground Lean FRZ PKG - 40/1 LB

· Bison Stew Meat FRZ PKG - 20/2 LB

This notice is issued for market research purposes; only for interested parties to provide information. It is a Request for Information as defined in FAR 12.201(e) and does not constitute a commitment by the government, nor is it a formal solicitation or request for offers. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to conduct market research for the commercial availability of domestically produced bison for USDA Food Programs. All information gathered in response to this notice will be used solely for planning purposes. Please review the specification referenced and assess your company's capacity and capabilities for bison production.

Additional References:

“Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements, dated February 13, 2024,” USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS): https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/MSCP.pdf

“Become a USDA Foods Vendor,” USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS): https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food/becoming-approved

Information Requested:

All information provided regarding the commercial practices for these products should consider USDA's 100 percent domestic origin requirement (see Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurements in “Additional References,” above). Please respond as completely as possible to the following questions:

1) Your company’s interest in this procurement.

2) Complete description of the product and product brand name.

3) Product labeling information, including:

a. Ingredients list

b. Allergen statement

c. Nutrition Facts panel

d. Kosher and/or Halal certification, if applicable

e. Safe handling instructions and heating instructions

4) Net weight per package.

5) Federal agency with oversight of your facility.

6) Shipping requirements, including:

a. Temperature requirements

b. Storage requirements

c. Truckload unitization: packages per case, cases per pallet, and pallets per truckload; net case weight (in lbs.) and gross case weight (in lbs.)

d. Minimum number of pallets that could be delivered to a single location, and any relevant information on your ability to ship in less than truckload quantities.

7) Distribution limitations, including:

a. Volume constraints; estimated capacity/quantity available on a monthly basis

b. Geographic limitations, if any; ability to provide product throughout the United States

8) Estimated cost or market price per unit.

9) Anticipated shelf life of the product.

10) Product bulletin/brochure, commercial label, and commercial warranty.

11) Grading methodology and size standards utilized by your organization.

12) Small Business Administration (SBA) size of your firm.

13) Any other relevant information, recommendations, comments, issues and/or concerns that would be beneficial to the Government.

14) Name, title, contact information, and organization name, as applicable.

All applicable Federal and State mandatory requirements and regulations relating to the preparation, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution of the product within the commercial marketplace must be met. Should USDA move forward and publish an actual solicitation as a result of this market research, suppliers must become qualified vendors before being eligible to bid (see “Additional References,” above).

Responses and questions shall be emailed to the attention of LaShawne Brown at LaShawne.Brown@USDA.gov and Kevin Day at Kevin.Day@USDA.gov. Responses are requested to be received no later than December 5, 2024.