Question and Answer - 2.pdf

1202SC21Q9004 Shelf-Stable Incident Food Boxes Question & Answer #2

***Note these questions and answers are for clarification only and do not constitute a change.

1. Question: Section D Exhibit 1 #10 Animal products - will mayonnaise or any other condiment be required with tuna, chicken or salmon?

Answer: No, there are no additional condiments required beyond what is stated in the specifications.

2. Question: Section D Exhibit 1 #28 Are lids required for the Paper Cups?

Answer: No, lids are not required.

3. Question: Section D Exhibit 1 #31 Dining packet. Can you please list the items in the kit?

Answer: The dining packet consists of fork, knife, spoon, napkin.

4. Question: Section D Exhibit 1 #32 What size foil? 12" or 18"?

Answer: 12” wide foil.

5. Question: Section D Exhibit 1 #33 HVY duty trash bag. What size/dimensions? What mil is required? 1.5m? 2m? clear or black?

Answer: There is a range of sizes acceptable smaller size (13-19 gal) at (1.5-2 mil.) and a larger size (20-30 gal) at (1.5-2+ mil.) There is no color preference. Must have 2 each bags.

6. Question: What is the current price?

Answer: There is not a current contract, this is a new requirement.

7. Question: When will the contract be awarded?

Answer: We are anticipating an award by April 1, 2021.

8. Question: 18 month shelf life – For the MRE’s this is not a problem but most of the items come off of the production line with 1 year shelf life. Add to that transportation and time in inventory this seems to be a requirement that is not possible.

Answer: Most producers would say that the best by or expiration date is when peak freshness can no longer be guaranteed, but the item is still edible. General information on the USDA Food Safety Inspection Services indicates that it is safe for people to consume food after this “Best if used By” date, but it may affect the flavor or delicate quality of the product.

As a result, there are a wide variety of phrases used on labels to describe quality dates.

Examples of commonly used phrases:

A "Best if Used By/Before" date indicates when a product will be of best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

A "Sell-By" date tells the store how long to display the product for sale for inventory management. It is not a safety date.

A “Use-By" date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. It is not a safety date except for when used on infant formula as described below.

(https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets)

9. Question: Use by date on boxes – With several items in the box that will have several use by dates no one date would be representative of all the items packed.

Answer: The date will be the earliest date on the items contained within the box. For example, if two items are dated 02/21/2022 and multiple items are dated 04/05/2022 then you will use the 02/21/2022 date.

10. Question: 72 hour lead time – Per number 1 above. This would necessitate having many items in inventory and guaranteeing an 18 month shelf life for all products seems impossible.

Answer: The 72 hour lead time is intended for orders made during fire season, should we experience a busy fire season. The window for fire season is generally during the months of May 1 through October 31. The bulk orders would be made at the beginning of the fire season to stock the caches, should any additional orders be needed they would be subjected to 72 hour lead time.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets