Fruit and Vegetable Retailers

The NAICS code 44523 represents Fruit and Vegetable Retailers, a category focused on the distribution and sale of fresh and processed produce. This sector encompasses businesses that specialize in selling fruit and vegetable products, both in raw and preserved forms. The category includes retailers that source, process, package, and distribute various produce items to institutional and commercial consumers. The scope encompasses a wide range of products, from fresh produce to canned and preserved vegetables and fruits.

For the opportunities presented, there are two specific federal contract solicitations from the Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Both contract opportunities are set aside exclusively for small businesses and involve procuring canned vegetable products for institutional food service. The solicitations are for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, with contract values likely in the small to moderate range, typically between $10,000 to $50,000. The contracts are firm-fixed price with delivery periods from January 2, 2025, to January 17, 2025, and will be delivered FOB destination to the facility's food service location.

The recent federal contract opportunities specifically request canned vegetable and tomato products for the Federal Medical Center Lexington. The solicitations (numbers 15B10925Q00000027 and 15B10925Q00000026) seek various canned goods including vegetables, beans, and tomato products such as tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. The procurement process requires vendors to complete representations and certifications through the System for Award Management (SAM), submit quotes by December 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and potentially accept payment via Electronic Funds Transfer or Government Purchase Card.