HEB_Sources_Sought_final.doc

Title:

Sources Sought Notice for High Energy Biscuits.

Description:

The USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA), Commodity Operations (CO), Kansas City Commodity Office (KCCO), International Procurement Division, 6501 Beacon Drive, Stop 8738, Kansas City, Missouri 64133, is seeking information about potential qualified manufacturers to supply the above product.

This notice serves as the market research tool to obtain information for this product and future procurements; if commercial items or nondevelopmental items are available that will meet the FSA requirements; and, if available, the industry practices with regard to producing, distributing, and supporting such commodities. e.g., type of contract, terms for warranties, buyer financing, packaging, risks associated with the product, etc.

All information gathered in this response will be used solely for planning purposes. This is not a formal solicitation but a request for interested parties to provide information and offers no guarantee of any future procurements.

Specifications for this product can be obtained in document package #1 attached to this notice, i.e.,HEB Specification November 24, 2014. The applicable NAICS code for this commodity is 311821, with a small business standard of 500 employees.

Pursuant to Agricultural Acquisition Regulation 470.103(a), commodities and the products of agricultural commodities acquired by USDA for use in International Food Aid Programs must be products of the United States, and shall be considered as such, if grown, processed, and otherwise prepared for sale or distribution exclusively in the United States. Packaging and container components under this acquisition will be the only portion subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements, as addressed by FAR clause 52.225-5. Complete details of the commodity and packaging requirements are available in the attached document, HEB Specification November 24, 2014.

Specific information from interested parties is requested in order for FSA/CO/KCCO to initiate a procurement. Please provide the following information:

1. Technical equipment, facilities, and production capability to manufacture instant corn soy blend, and experience with same or similar products.

2. The amount of time needed to be in a position to commence production.

3. What quantities could be produced over what period of time and limitations

4. Shelf life and storage recommendations.

5. Pricing information.

6. Recommendations concerning pack sizes and packaging materials options.

7. Small Business Administration size status of your firm.

8. Information/documentation establishing which specification components of domestic origin (if any) may not be available from domestic sources at fair and reasonable market prices.

9. Any other information beneficial to the Government.

Written responses shall be mailed to the attention of Kyla Stoufer at KCCO-IPD, Stop 8738, P.O. Box 419205, Kansas City, MO 64141-6205, and Telephone: 816-926-8828. Ms. Stoufer may also be contacted via email at kyla.stoufer@kcc.usda.gov. These responses must be received no later than 30 days after publication of this notice.