EL-1041-24.Harvesting.pdf

Page 1 of 35ORDER NUMBER:

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

CODE

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

RFQ IFB RFP

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. OFFER

DATED . . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

SET ASIDE: % FOR:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

8 (A)

EDWOSB

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

1620000159

EL1041-24

Karen Hodge

LOX1 100

LOX1

391014499

UNICOR FPI CENTRAL ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

PO BOX 11849

LEXINGTON, KY 40578-1849

1620000159 See Section B

UNICOR FUNDS 15X4500 FUNDS SHALL BE OBLIGATED BY INDIVIDUAL DELIVERY ORDERS AND NOT BY THE CONTRACT ITSELF

Karen Hodge

X

115115

10/20/2023

11/03/2023

8:00 AM CST

LOX1

LOMPOC FARM

3901 KLEIN BLVD

LOMPOC CA 93436-2706

LOMPOC FARM

3901 KLEIN BLVD

LOMPOC CA 93436-2706

10/20/2023

LOMPOC FARM

3901 KLEIN BLVD

LOMPOC CA 93436-2706

10/20/2023

16.5 M Ann Rece

5000002605

RFQ 1620000159 / EL1041-24 Respond to contracting officer only.

Offerors do not contact UNICOR locations directly.

Failure to comply may result in the offer being removed from consideration.

Request for Quotation

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 2 of 35

Terms:

PROJECT LOCATION IS AS FOLLOWS:

UNICOR, Federal Prison Industries, Inc.

Lompoc Farm 3901 Klein Blvd.

Lompoc, CA 93436

Solicitation is issued as a one (1) year fixed price indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity type contract.

SOLICITATION IS SET ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

ALL QUESTIONS RELATING TO THIS SOLICITATION MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING TO:

Karen.Hodge2@usdoj.gov and tiffani.balestrini@usdoj.gov

NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 AT 8:00 A.M. CST.

No phone calls will be accepted. All questions need to be submitted in writing. One amendment will be issued after closing date and time to answer all questions that have been submitted. At no time should any interested offer contact factory staff or central office staff to attempt to have questions answered. If the Contracting Officer becomes aware that contact has been made with anyone other than Karen Hodge or Tiffani Balestrini it may result in your offer being excluded from consideration for award.

For a list, description and total estimated quantities of all items, refer to Section B.

UNICOR's desired delivery is fifteen (15) days or sooner after issuance of each delivery order.

Vendors are required to provide their best manufacturing / delivery time for evaluation, and delivery schedule will be established at time of award.

Delivery orders will be issued in accordance with 52.216-19.

Vendors shall submit signed and dated offers either by facsimile or via e mail. Facsimile number is (352) 330-8013, e mail address for offers is Karen.Hodge2@usdoj.gov. Offers shall be submitted on the SF1449. OMB Clearance 1103-0018.

The date and time for receipt of proposals is NOVEMBER 3, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. CST.

Offer must indicate Solicitation No. EL1041-24, time specified for receipt of offer, name, address and telephone number of offeror, technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation, terms of any expressed warranty, price and any discount terms. Offer must include acknowledgment of all amendments, if any.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE OFFEROR:

VENDOR'S DUN & BRADSTREET NUMBER:

SAM UNIQUE ENTITY ID NUMBER:

VENDOR'S POINT OF CONTACT:

VENDOR'S TELEPHONE & FAX NUMBER:

VENDOR'S EMAIL ADDRESS:

VENDOR'S BUSINESS SIZE (i.e. SMALL, LARGE, ETC.):

By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the SAM database (System Award Management) prior to award, during performance and through final payment of any contract resulting from this solicitation.

Signature The Administrative Contracting officer is Karen Hodge at Karen.Hodge2@usdoj.gov.

mailto:Karen.Hodge2@usdoj.gov mailto:tiffani.balestrini@usdoj.gov mailto:Karen.Hodge2@usdoj.gov mailto:Karen.Hodge2@usdoj.gov

Page 3 of 35ORDER NUMBER:

SECTION B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

Item No. SUPPLIES OR SERVICE Quantity U/M UNIT PRICE AMOUNT IN US$ Delivery Date

Request for Quotation

1620000159

00001 FARM1075 156 EA 09/30/2024

BROCCOLI-HARVESTING-SERVICES

00002 FARM1090 36 EA 09/30/2024

CELERY-HARVESTING-SERVICES

00003 FARM1096 36 EA 09/30/2024

SIRACHA-PEPPER-HARVESTING-SERVICES

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 4 of 35

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is EL1041-24 and this solicitation is issued as a Request For Proposal (RFP). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-04. The North American Industry Classification System code is 115115, Farm Labor Contractors and Crew Leaders, Small Business Size Standard 16.5 million annual receipts. This requirement is set aside for small business. UNICOR, Federal Prison Industries, Inc., intends to enter into a one-year, firm-fixed-price, IDIQ type contract for the following commercial item(s):

SEE SECTION B FOR LIST OF ITEMS

GUARANTEED MINIMUM IS $10,000.00 QUANTITIES ARE ESTIMATED

ALL ITEMS WILL BE AWARDED TO ONE OFFEROR. FAILURE TO SUBMIT AN OFFER ON ALL ITEMS MAY

PREVENT AN OFFER FROM BEING CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.

Any contract resulting from this solicitation will not be an obligation. Funds will be obligated by delivery orders.

NOTICE TO GOVERNMENT WHEN CONTRACTOR(S) DELAYS:

In the event the contractor(s) encounter difficulty in meeting performance requirements, or when there is an anticipated difficulty in complying with the delivery terms or completion dates, or whenever the contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation is delaying or threatens to delay the timely delivery/performance of this contract, the contractor must immediately notify the Field Administrative Contracting Officers at UNICOR Lompoc Farm with pertinent details. This information will not be construed as a waiver by the Government of the required delivery schedule, or the Governments rights to impose consideration against delinquencies or other remedies provided by this contract.

BEST COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER CATEGORY:

Contractor agrees that FPI is in the category of the most favored or best commercial customer category of the Contractor and as such, the Contractor will:

During the contract period, the Contractor shall report to the Contracting Officer all price reductions offered to the category of customers that are considered by the Contractor to be their most favored or best commercial customer. A price reduction shall apply to purchases under this contract if, after the award date, the contractor revises downward its commercial catalog, price list, schedule, etc., to its best commercial customers (or category of customers) below the awarded price under this contract; Grants more favorable discounts or terms and conditions to its best commercial customers than those contained in this contract that would result in prices below the awarded price under this contract, an/or grants special discounts to its best commercial customer (or category of customers) that would result in prices lower than the awarded price under this contract. The Contractor shall offer the price reduction to FPI with the same effective date, and for the same time period, as extended to the commercial customer (or category of customers). The Contractor may offer the Contracting Officer a voluntary price reduction at any time during the contract period.

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer of any price reduction subject to this clause as soon as possible, but not later than 15 calendar days after its effective date.

Future requirements for these or similar items from this or other UNICOR factories may be added to the resulting contract if considered to fall within the scope of work and the price is determined to be fair and reasonable.

CONTRACTOR’S RESPONSIBILITY: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to follow any Special Security Requirements of the facility where the work is performed in the performance of the contract and to consider the effects of those security requirements in the pricing of the proposal.

WAGE DETERMINATION APPLICABLE TO THIS CONTRACT: The Service Contract Act (SCA) applies to this contract. The applicable SCA Wage Rate Determination is attached at the end of the contract text. Payment will be made to individuals used in the performance of this contract at the rates of wages contained in the wage rate determination.

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 5 of 35

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CONTRACTOR RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

For three of the five years immediately prior to submission of your offer/bid/quote, or prior to performance under a contract or commitment, individuals or contractor employees providing services to any Federal Bureau of Prisons facility must have: legally resided in the United States (U.S.); worked for the U.S. overseas in a Federal or military capacity; or been a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving overseas.

If the individual is not a U.S. citizen, they must be from a country allied with the U.S. The following website provides current information regarding allied countries: http://www.opm.gov/employ/html/citizen.htm

By signing this contract or commitment document, or by commencing performance, the contractor agrees to this restriction.

INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES FOR CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS AND VOLUNTEERS

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policies regarding investigative procedures for contractors and consultants are set forth in Program Statement (P.S.) 3000.02, Human Resource Management (HRM) Manual and P.S. 4100.03, Bureau of Prisons Acquisition Policy (BPAP). In particular, the HRM Manual requires detailed security procedures for all individual contractors including contractors performing pursuant to any purchase order or any purchase card transaction, for which the period of performance is equal to or in excess of 30 days. Additionally, the policy is applicable whenever a contractor is performing pursuant to more than one purchase order or more than one purchase card transaction, for which the periods of performance, when combined, are equal to or exceed 30 days. The requirements of the HRM Manual, Part 731.2 and BPAP Part 37, for implementing such procedures for individual contractors for periods of service exceeding 30 days include:

Procedures Implemented by Human Resource Staff:

National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Check Name Check Procedures Implemented by Program Manager:

FD-258 Fingerprint Check Law Enforcement Agency Checks Vouchering of employers over the past five years

Completed SF-171 (Application for Federal Employment or Resume/Personal Qualifications Completed Contractor Pre-employment Form Release of Information National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) Check if applicable Urinalysis

In addition to the above procedures, BPAP Part 37.103 states that Contracting Officers must ensure through the contracting process that each prospective individual contractor is advised that a urinalysis is required prior to contract award. Prior to award, the Contracting Officer shall also obtain from the Personnel Officer or the appropriate Cost Center Manager, written assurance that investigative procedures have been completed for contracts awarded to individuals. For contracts awarded to companies, this written assurance must be received prior to the contractor beginning performance. The HRM Manual, Part 731.2 states if the contractor is a company providing construction or maintenance services, all of the above procedures are required except for vouchering, urinalysis testing and law enforcement agency checks, however, the contractors employees must be closely supervised by institution staff.

INVOICES ARE TO BE MAILED TO:

UNICOR, Federal Prison Industries Central Accounts Payable (LOFM) P.O. Box 11849 Lexington, KY 40578-1849 ATTN: Chief of Vendor Services PH: 1-800-827-3168

Or

INVOICES ARE TO BE EMAILED TO:

Accounts.payable@usdoj.gov http://www.opm.gov/employ/html/citizen.htm mailto:Accounts.payable@usdoj.gov

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 6 of 35

Statement of Work

GENERAL INTENTION

It is the intent of this solicitation to result in a one (1) year firm-fixed-price, requirements type contract for Vegetable Harvesting Services for the UNICOR Farm located in Lompoc, CA. Solicitation number is EL-1041-24 and this solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP).

VEGETABLE HARVESTING SERVICES

FPI is in need of a qualified vendor to harvest mature broccoli, celery and jalapeño pepper plants from the UNICOR Farm in Lompoc, CA. Awarded vendor shall supply all other materials and labor necessary to the harvesting process. Awarded vendor shall harvest, grade and pack the crops in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices established by local, state and federal authorities. Broccoli, celery and jalapeño peppers shall be transported to coolers designated by the Farm Manager or designee and packed in accordance with quality control standards attached. Vegetables may be transported by FPI Lompoc Farm at the discretion of the Farm Manager.

Coolers will be located in either the Lompoc Valley, CA, or, in Santa Maria Valley, CA.

A total of 380 to 450 acres will be harvested multiple times during the period of performance. Broccoli crops are planted in seven (7) to ten (10) acre blocks; celery crops are planted in one (1) to ten (10) acre blocks; and jalapeño pepper crops are planted in two (2) to ten

(10) acre blocks. It is anticipated that each crop will have three (3) harvesting opportunities or cuttings. Invoices shall be submitted weekly.

Boxes will be provided for packing by FPI Lompoc or a third party vendor.

Proposals should include all labor and materials necessary for harvesting. Transportation costs from field to cooler should be priced separately.

Additional crops may be added throughout the performance period. Pricing may be negotiated for each additional crop.

Contractor may be responsible for training inmate workers on proper harvest, grading and packing techniques. Procedures and pricing for inmate training may be negotiated in accordance with any contract awarded.

The period of performance for vegetable harvesting services is one (1) year, date of first harvest through twelve (12) months.

Quality Control Standards Broccoli Export Crowns 24's & 38's

Growing standards A. The grower/supplier of the product is responsible for delivering product/supplying product that has been grown within industry standards.

1. This includes using water, pesticides, and fertilizers, etc. that meet state and federal guidelines.

2. The grower/supplier is responsible for having standard operating procedures that meet industry standards for growing practices.

In-field packing standards A. Color

1. Crowns should be of uniform color ranging from Medium to Medium Dark green B. Size and Shape

1. Head Size

a. 4.5" to 5.25" head diameter

b. No tolerance for diameter outside that given above

2. Head Type

a. Crown will have compact, smooth, high dome shaped heads with medium to medium plus head size

3. Stalk Type

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 7 of 35

a. Medium to large (I"-I.75") in diameter with no hollow. (Refer to defects) C. Weight & Count

1. Count must meet carton criterion (24 or 38) D. Defects

1. Soft rot- none will be allowed in any carton

2. Decay- none will be allowed in any carton

3. Orange bead- none will be allowed in any carton

4. Cat eye- light yellow around the side (25%). Must be communicated to export sales company

5. Water spotting- the presence of water spotting must be noted to export sales company

6. Hollow butt- an occasional slit in the butt is acceptable, anything larger than a slit must be communicated to the export sales company

7. Purpling- occasional/slight cast of purple is acceptable, but must be communicated to the export sales company

8. Bead structure & head compaction

a. No soft or puffy heads

b. No open beads

c. No loose beads

d. All issues regarding this defect must be communicated to the export sales company

E. Mechanical Damage

1. No thumb/finger prints on the heads

2. No broken or partially broken florets

3. No peeling of stalk

F. Pack Style

1. Trim- Crowns must be closely trimmed of most leaves and butts must be square and straight

2. Pack- Subject to change as directed by the export sales company

G. Handling

1. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

2. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for slowing down or stopping the crew to prevent product from overflowing off-packing trailers.

3. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for controlling tractor speed to prevent crews from throwing product onto the packing trailer

4. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure cutting crew cuts product ahead of turns

5. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure crew cleans packing tables completely before breaks and lunch

6. The harvest company crew boss and crews are responsible for handling packed product correctly. Cartons are to be stacked carefully, not thrown or roughly handled.

H. Packaging specifications

1. The harvest company is responsible for having two labels in the field prior to packing crowns. Crowns are to be packed two labels per trailer to ensure the right quality per label.

2. Broccoli must be packed in the correct carton and labeled according to quality. It is the responsibility of the harvesting company crew boss and the harvesting company to make sure the proper cartons are in the field and that the right product is packed in the correct label.

3. Proper cartons will be kept in stock.

4. Broccoli must be stacked on a #1 recycled hardwood pallet.

Post-Harvest Standards A. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

B. Their harvesting company crew boss must accurately note on the harvest ticket the time harvesting is completed for each trailer load. At the completion of each trailer, the crew boss is responsible for calling the hauling company and notifying then that a trailer is completed. The crew boss must note the time of the call and to whom he/she spoke to.

C. Their hauling company is responsible for hauling trailer to the appointed cooling facility, this will be Apio Cooling unless otherwise communicated to the crew boss within 1 hour of harvest time.

D. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for accurately filling our harvest tickets.

E. The harvest company crew boss and crew are responsible for cleaning up the field and surrounding are of any items brought in to harvest. This includes: cartons, wickets, bags, pallets, etc.

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 8 of 35

Quality Control Standards Broccoli Second Label Export Crowns

Growing standards A. The grower/supplier of the product is responsible for delivering product/supplying product that has been grown within industry standards.

1. This includes using water, pesticides, and fertilizers, etc. that meet state and federal guidelines.

2. The grower/supplier is responsible for having standard operating procedures that meet industry standards for growing practices.

In-field packing standards A. Color

1. Crowns should be Dark green B. Size and Shape

1. Head Size

a. 5" to 5.5" head diameter

2. Head Type

a. Crown will have compact, smooth, high dome shaped heads with medium to medium plus head size

3. Stalk Type

a. Medium to large (I"-I.75") in diameter with no hollow. (Refer to defects)

b. Length of approximately 2 fingers in length

C. Weight & Count

1. Count must meet carton criterion (38 or 44)

2. Hong Kong cartons should weigh 26 to 38 pounds

D. Defects

1. Soft rot- none will be allowed in any carton

2. Decay- none will be allowed in any carton

3. Orange bead- none will be allowed in any carton

4. Cat eye- light yellow around the side (25%). Must be communicated to export sales company

5. Water spotting- the presence of water spotting must be noted to export sales company

6. Hollow butt- an occasional slit in the butt is acceptable, anything larger than a slit must be communicated to the export sales company

7. Purpling- occasional/slight cast of purple is acceptable, but must be communicated to the export sales company

8. Bead structure & head compaction

a. No soft or puffy heads

b. No open beads

c. No loose beads

d. All issues regarding this defect must be communicated to the export sales company

E. Mechanical Damage

1. No thumb/finger prints on the heads

2. No broken or partially broken florets

3. No peeling of stalk

F. Pack Style

1. Trim- Crowns must be closely trimmed of most leaves and butts must be square and straight

2. Pack- Subject to change as directed by the export sales company

G. Handling

1. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

2. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for slowing down or stopping the crew to prevent product from overflowing off-packing trailers.

3. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for controlling tractor speed to prevent crews from throwing product onto the packing trailer

4. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure cutting crew cuts product ahead of turns

5. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure crew cleans packing tables completely before breaks and lunch

6. The harvest company crew boss and crews are responsible for handling packed product correctly. Cartons are to be stacked carefully, not thrown or roughly handled.

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 9 of 35

H. Packaging specifications

1. The harvest company is responsible for having two labels in the field prior to packing crowns. Crowns are to be packed two labels per trailer to ensure the right quality per label.

2. Broccoli must be packed in the correct carton and labeled according to quality. It is the responsibility of the harvesting company crew boss and the harvesting company to make sure the proper cartons are in the field and that the right product is packed in the correct label.

3. Proper cartons will be kept in stock.

4. Broccoli must be stacked on a #1 recycled hardwood pallet.

Post-Harvest Standards A. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

B. Their harvesting company crew boss must accurately note on the harvest ticket the time harvesting is completed for each trailer load. At the completion of each trailer, the crew boss is responsible for calling the hauling company and notifying then that a trailer is completed. The crew boss must note the time of the call and to whom he/she spoke to.

C. Their hauling company is responsible for hauling trailer to the appointed cooling facility, this will be Apio Cooling unless otherwise communicated to the crew boss within 1 hour of harvest time.

D. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for accurately filling our harvest tickets.

E. The harvest company crew boss and crew are responsible for cleaning up the field and surrounding are of any items brought in to harvest. This includes: cartons, wickets, bags, pallets, etc.

Quality Control Standards Broccoli Premium Broccoli Crowns

Growing standards A. The grower/supplier of the product is responsible for delivering product/supplying product that has been grown within industry standards.

1. This includes using water, pesticides, and fertilizers, etc. that meet state and federal guidelines.

2. The grower/supplier is responsible for having standard operating procedures that meet industry standards for growing practices.

In-field packing standards A. Color

1. Crowns should be of uniform color ranging from Medium to Medium Dark green B. Size and Shape

1. Head Size

a. 4.5" to 6.5" head diameter

b. No tolerance for diameter greater than 7”

2. Head Uniformity

a. Packed crowns can have no more than 2” difference in diameter

3. Head Type

a. Crown will have compact, smooth, high dome shaped heads with no greater than a medium plus head size

C. Weight & Count

1. Crowns cartons must weight a minimum of 20 pounds, net

2. Crowns carton weight should not exceed 25 pounds gross weight

D. Defects

1. Soft rot- none will be allowed in any carton

2. Decay- none will be allowed in any carton

3. Orange bead- no more than 1% per carton

4. Cat eye- no more than 5% cat eye per crown

5. Water spotting- the presence of water spotting must be noted to sales

6. Hollow butt- some stalks can show hollow butt with light discoloration

7. Purpling- must be communicated to sales

8. Insect damage

a. The presence of live insects is not allowed

9. No black spotting is allowed on stalks

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 10 of 35

10. No browning or yellowing of buds is allowed E. Mechanical Damage

1. No serious mechanical damage

a. No thumb/finger prints on the heads

b. Shattering – no damage larger than size of a quarter per head

c. No carton mechanical/carton burn damage

F. Pack Style

1. Trim- Crowns must be closely trimmed of most leaves

2. Pack- Crowns must be packed in straight, uniform lines, leaving a good channel for ice.

G. Handling

1. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

2. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for slowing down or stopping the crew to prevent product from overflowing off-packing trailers.

3. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for controlling tractor speed to prevent crews from throwing product onto the packing trailer

4. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure cutting crew cuts product ahead of turns

5. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure crew cleans packing tables completely before breaks and lunch

6. The harvest company crew boss and crews are responsible for handling packed product correctly. Cartons are to be stacked carefully, not thrown or roughly handled.

H. Packaging specifications

1. The harvest company is responsible for having two labels in the field prior to packing crowns. Crowns are to be packed two labels per trailer to ensure the right quality per label.

2. Broccoli must be packed in the correct carton and labeled according to quality. It is the responsibility of the harvesting company crew boss and the harvesting company to make sure the proper cartons are in the field and that the right product is packed in the correct label.

3. Proper cartons will be kept in stock.

4. Broccoli must be stacked on a #1 recycled hardwood pallet.

Post-Harvest Standards A. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

B. Their harvesting company crew boss must accurately note on the harvest ticket the time harvesting is completed for each trailer load. At the completion of each trailer, the crew boss is responsible for calling the hauling company and notifying then that a trailer is completed. The crew boss must note the time of the call and to whom he/she spoke to.

C. Their hauling company is responsible for hauling trailer to the appointed cooling facility, this will be Apio Cooling unless otherwise communicated to the crew boss within 1 hour of harvest time.

D. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for accurately filling our harvest tickets.

E. The harvest company crew boss and crew are responsible for cleaning up the field and surrounding are of any items brought in to harvest. This includes: cartons, wickets, bags, pallets, etc.

Quality Control Standards Broccoli Asia Cut Premium Broccoli Crowns

Growing standards A. The grower/supplier of the product is responsible for delivering product/supplying product that has been grown within industry standards.

1. This includes using water, pesticides, and fertilizers, etc. that meet state and federal guidelines.

2. The grower/supplier is responsible for having standard operating procedures that meet industry standards for growing practices.

In-field packing standards A. Color

1. Crowns should be of uniform color ranging from Medium to Medium Dark green B. Size and Shape

1. Head Size

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 11 of 35

a. 4.5" to 6.5" head diameter

b. No tolerance for diameter greater than 7”

2. Head Uniformity

a. Packed crowns can have no more than 2” difference in diameter

3. Head Type

a. Crown will have compact, smooth, high dome shaped heads with no greater than a medium plus head size

C. Weight & Count

1. Crowns cartons must weight a minimum of 20 pounds, net

2. Crowns carton weight should not exceed 25 pounds gross weight

D. Defects

1. Soft rot- none will be allowed in any carton

2. Decay- none will be allowed in any carton

3. Orange bead- no more than 1% per carton

4. Cat eye- no more than 5% cat eye per crown

5. Water spotting- the presence of water spotting must be noted to sales

6. Hollow butt- some stalks can show hollow butt with light discoloration

7. Purpling- must be communicated to sales

8. Insect damage

a. The presence of live insects is not allowed

9. No browning or yellowing of buds is allowed

E. Mechanical Damage

1. No serious mechanical damage

a. No thumb/finger prints on the heads

b. Shattering – no damage larger than size of a quarter per head

c. No carton mechanical/carton burn damage

F. Pack Style

1. Trim- Crowns must be closely trimmed of most leaves

2. Pack- Crowns must be packed in straight, uniform lines, leaving a good channel for ice.

3. Cut – Crowns must be cut at the longest lateral allowing for little or no stalk appearance.

G. Handling

1. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

2. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for slowing down or stopping the crew to prevent product from overflowing off-packing trailers.

3. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for controlling tractor speed to prevent crews from throwing product onto the packing trailer

4. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure cutting crew cuts product ahead of turns

5. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure crew cleans packing tables completely before breaks and lunch

6. The harvest company crew boss and crews are responsible for handling packed product correctly. Cartons are to be stacked carefully, not thrown or roughly handled.

H. Packaging specifications

1. The harvest company is responsible for having two labels in the field prior to packing crowns. Crowns are to be packed two labels per trailer to ensure the right quality per label.

2. Broccoli must be packed in the correct carton and labeled according to quality. It is the responsibility of the harvesting company crew boss and the harvesting company to make sure the proper cartons are in the field and that the right product is packed in the correct label.

3. Proper cartons will be kept in stock.

4. Broccoli must be stacked on a #1 recycled hardwood pallet.

Post-Harvest Standards A. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

B. Their harvesting company crew boss must accurately note on the harvest ticket the time harvesting is completed for each trailer load. At the completion of each trailer, the crew boss is responsible for calling the hauling company and notifying then that a trailer is completed. The crew boss must note the time of the call and to whom he/she spoke to.

C. Their hauling company is responsible for hauling trailer to the appointed cooling facility, this will be Apio Cooling unless otherwise communicated to the crew boss within 1 hour of harvest time.

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 12 of 35

D. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for accurately filling our harvest tickets.

E. The harvest company crew boss and crew are responsible for cleaning up the field and surrounding are of any items brought in to harvest. This includes: cartons, wickets, bags, pallets, etc.

Quality Control Standards Premium Broccoli Crowns

Broccoli “Song Hee-Green”

Growing standards A. The grower/supplier of the product is responsible for delivering product/supplying product that has been grown within industry standards.

1. This includes using water, pesticides, and fertilizers, etc. that meet state and federal guidelines.

2. The grower/supplier is responsible for having standard operating procedures that meet industry standards for growing practices.

In-field packing standards B. Color

1. Crowns should be of uniform color ranging from Medium to Medium Dark green C. Size and Shape

1. Head Size

a. Crowns must have a minimum of 5" and a maximum of 7" head diameter

b. There is zero tolerance for any crowns greater than 7 ½” in diameter

2. Head Uniformity

a. Packed crowns can have no more than 2” difference in diameter

3. Head Type

a. Crown will have compact, smooth, high dome shaped heads with no greater than a medium plus head size

4. Crown Length

a. Crowns should be between 3 ½” and 4” in length

b. There is zero tolerance for crowns over 4 ½” in length

D. Weight & Count

1. Crowns cartons must weight a minimum of 20 pounds, net

2. Crowns carton weight should not exceed 25 pounds gross weight

E. Defects

1. Soft rot- none will be allowed in any carton

2. Decay- no beads can show presence of decay

3. Orange bead- no more than 1% per carton

4. Cat eye- no more than 5% cat eye per crown

5. Water spotting- the presence of water spotting must be noted to sales

6. Hollow butt- some stalks can show hollow butt with light discoloration

7. Purpling- must be communicated to sales

8. No black spotting is allowed on crown stalks

9. Insect damage

a. The presence of live insects is not allowed

10. No browning or yellowing of buds is allowed

F. Mechanical Damage

1. No serious mechanical damage

a. No thumb/finger prints on the heads

b. Shattering – no damage larger than size of a quarter per head

c. No carton mechanical/carton burn damage

G. Pack Style

1. Trim- Crowns must be closely trimmed of most leaves

2. Pack- Crowns must be packed in straight, uniform lines, leaving a good channel for ice.

3. Cut – Crowns must be cut at the longest lateral allowing for little or no stalk appearance.

H. Handling

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 13 of 35

1. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

2. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for slowing down or stopping the crew to prevent product from overflowing off-packing trailers.

3. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for controlling tractor speed to prevent crews from throwing product onto the packing trailer

4. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure cutting crew cuts product ahead of turns

5. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure crew cleans packing tables completely before breaks and lunch

6. The harvest company crew boss and crews are responsible for handling packed product correctly. Cartons are to be stacked carefully, not thrown or roughly handled.

I. Packaging specifications

1. The harvest company is responsible for having two labels in the field prior to packing crowns. Crowns are to be packed two labels per trailer to ensure the right quality per label.

2. Broccoli must be packed in the correct carton and labeled according to quality. It is the responsibility of the harvesting company crew boss and the harvesting company to make sure the proper cartons are in the field and that the right product is packed in the correct label.

3. Proper cartons will be kept in stock.

4. Broccoli must be stacked on a #1 recycled hardwood pallet.

Post-Harvest Standards A. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

B. Their harvesting company crew boss must accurately note on the harvest ticket the time harvesting is completed for each trailer load. At the completion of each trailer, the crew boss is responsible for calling the hauling company and notifying then that a trailer is completed. The crew boss must note the time of the call and to whom he/she spoke to.

C. Their hauling company is responsible for hauling trailer to the appointed cooling facility, this will be Apio Cooling unless otherwise communicated to the crew boss within 1 hour of harvest time.

D. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for accurately filling our harvest tickets.

E. The harvest company crew boss and crew are responsible for cleaning up the field and surrounding are of any items brought in to harvest. This includes: cartons, wickets, bags, pallets, etc.

Quality Control Standards Broccoli Premium Broccoli Bunch

Growing standards A. The grower/supplier of the product is responsible for delivering product/supplying product that has been grown within industry standards.

1. This includes using water, pesticides, and fertilizers, etc. that meet state and federal guidelines.

2. The grower/supplier is responsible for having standard operating procedures that meet industry standards for growing practices.

In-field packing standards A. Color

1. Bunches should be of uniform color ranging from Medium to Medium Dark green B. Size and Shape

1. Head Size

a. 14’s must be from 3” to 5.5”

b. 18’s must be from 3” to 4.5”

2. Stalk Size

a. Must be slender with a maximum of 1.5”

3. Bunch Size

a. 14’s must have 2 to 4 heads

b. 18’s must have 2 to 4 heads

4. Heads must be compact with no open or flowing beads C. Defects

1. Soft rot- none will be allowed in any carton

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 14 of 35

2. Decay- no beads can show presence of decay

3. Orange bead- no more than 1% per bunch

4. Cat eye- no more than 5% cat eye per bunch

5. Water spotting- the presence of water spotting must be noted to sales

6. Hollow butt- some stalks can show hollow butt with light discoloration

7. Purpling- must be communicated to sales

8. No black spotting is allowed on crown stalks

9. Insect damage

a. No more that 1 to 2 heads per box can show insect damage

b. The presence of live must be noted prior to harvest

D. Mechanical Damage

1. No serious mechanical damage

a. No thumb/finger prints on the heads

b. Shattering – no damage larger than size of a quarter per head

c. Carton mechanical/carton burn damage – occasional damage no larger than size of a quarter per head to be kept to a minimum

2. Serious mechanical damage

a. Broken stalks – zero to 1 allowed per carton

b. Broken laterals – no more than 1 bunch per carton

E. Pack Style

1. Trim- Crowns must be closely trimmed of most leaves

a. Stalk trimming to be done by hand or downward motion of knife

b. Broccoli in carton must be packed in straight, uniform lines, leaving a good channel for ice.

F. Handling

1. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

2. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for slowing down or stopping the crew to prevent product from overflowing off-packing trailers.

3. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for controlling tractor speed to prevent crews from throwing product onto the packing trailer

4. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure cutting crew cuts product ahead of turns

5. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure crew cleans packing tables completely before breaks and lunch

6. The harvest company crew boss and crews are responsible for handling packed product correctly. Cartons are to be stacked carefully, not thrown or roughly handled.

G. Packaging specifications

1. The harvest company is responsible for having two labels in the field prior to packing crowns. Crowns are to be packed two labels per trailer to ensure the right quality per label.

2. Broccoli must be packed in the correct carton and labeled according to quality. It is the responsibility of the harvesting company crew boss and the harvesting company to make sure the proper cartons are in the field and that the right product is packed in the correct label.

3. Proper cartons will be kept in stock.

4. Broccoli must be stacked on a #1 recycled hardwood pallet.

Post-Harvest Standards A. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

B. Their harvesting company crew boss must accurately note on the harvest ticket the time harvesting is completed for each trailer load. At the completion of each trailer, the crew boss is responsible for calling the hauling company and notifying then that a trailer is completed. The crew boss must note the time of the call and to whom he/she spoke to.

C. Their hauling company is responsible for hauling trailer to the appointed cooling facility, this will be Apio Cooling unless otherwise communicated to the crew boss within 1 hour of harvest time.

D. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for accurately filling our harvest tickets.

E. The harvest company crew boss and crew are responsible for cleaning up the field and surrounding are of any items brought in to harvest. This includes: cartons, wickets, bags, pallets, etc.

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 15 of 35

Quality Control Standards Broccoli Bunch

Broccoli Highway One

Growing standards A. The grower/supplier of the product is responsible for delivering product/supplying product that has been grown within industry standards.

1. This includes using water, pesticides, and fertilizers, etc. that meet state and federal guidelines.

2. The grower/supplier is responsible for having standard operating procedures that meet industry standards for growing practices.

In-field packing standards A. Color

1. Bunches should be of uniform color ranging from purplish-gray to green B. Size and Shape

1. Head Size

a. 14’s must be from 2 ¼” to 6” across

b. 18’s must be from 2 ¼” to 5” across

2. Stalk Size

a. Must be slender with a maximum of ¼” to 1 1/2”

3. Bunch Size

a. 14’s must have 2 to 8 heads

b. 18’s must have 2 to 6 heads

c. Total bunch length must be a minimum of 7” and cannot exceed 9”

4. Heads must be compact with no open or flowing beads

5. Bead Size

a. Beads may be small to large, but fairly uniform in size for each lot harvested C. Defects

1. Soft rot- none will be allowed in any carton

2. Decay- no beads can show presence of decay

3. Orange bead- no more than 5% per bunch

4. Cat eye- no more than 10% cat eye per bunch

5. Water spotting- the presence of water spotting must be noted to sales

6. Hollow butt- some stalks can show hollow butt with light discoloration

7. Insect damage

a. No more than 4 heads per box can show insect damage

b. The presence of live must be noted to sales prior to harvest

D. Mechanical Damage

1. No serious mechanical damage

a. No thumb/finger prints on the heads

b. Shattering – no damage larger than size of a quarter per head

c. Carton mechanical/carton burn damage – occasional damage no larger than size of a quarter per head to be kept to a minimum

2. Serious mechanical damage

a. Broken stalks – zero to 1 allowed per carton

b. Broken laterals – no more than 1 bunch per carton

E. Pack Style

1. Trim- Crowns must be closely trimmed of most leaves and leaf spurs

a. Stalk trimming to be done by hand or downward motion of knife

b. Broccoli in carton must be packed in straight, uniform lines, leaving a good channel for ice.

F. Handling

1. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

2. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for slowing down or stopping the crew to prevent product from overflowing off-packing trailers.

3. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for controlling tractor speed to prevent crews from throwing product onto the packing trailer

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 16 of 35

4. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure cutting crew cuts product ahead of turns

5. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure crew cleans packing tables completely before breaks and lunch

6. The harvest company crew boss and crews are responsible for handling packed product correctly. Cartons are to be stacked carefully, not thrown or roughly handled.

G. Packaging specifications

1. The harvest company is responsible for having two labels in the field prior to packing crowns. Crowns are to be packed two labels per trailer to ensure the right quality per label.

2. Broccoli must be packed in the correct carton and labeled according to quality. It is the responsibility of the harvesting company crew boss and the harvesting company to make sure the proper cartons are in the field and that the right product is packed in the correct label.

3. Proper cartons will be kept in stock.

4. Broccoli must be stacked on a #1 recycled hardwood pallet.

Post-Harvest Standards A. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

B. Their harvesting company crew boss must accurately note on the harvest ticket the time harvesting is completed for each trailer load. At the completion of each trailer, the crew boss is responsible for calling the hauling company and notifying then that a trailer is completed. The crew boss must note the time of the call and to whom he/she spoke to.

C. Their hauling company is responsible for hauling trailer to the appointed cooling facility, this will be Apio Cooling unless otherwise communicated to the crew boss within 1 hour of harvest time.

D. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for accurately filling our harvest tickets.

E. The harvest company crew boss and crew are responsible for cleaning up the field and surrounding are of any items brought in to harvest. This includes: cartons, wickets, bags, pallets, etc.

Quality Control Standards Jalapeño Peppers

Growing standards A. The grower/supplier of the product is responsible for delivering product/supplying product that has been grown within industry standards.

1. This includes using water, pesticides, and fertilizers, etc. that meet state and federal guidelines.

2. The grower/supplier is responsible for having standard operating procedures that meet industry standards for growing practices.

In-field packing standards A. At the time of harvest, peppers will be:

1. Free from disease, mold, soft rot, and serious damage by any injury or defect which effects the processing or edibility of the pepper

2. Free from insect contamination, including presence or damage

3. Fairly frim

4. Free from branches, stocks, shoots, twigs

5. At least 85% red with the balance mature green/chocolate

6. Free from foreign material including dirt, rocks, and plant material

7. Every effort will be made to remove leaves

8. Dry (not leaking)

9. Free from open cracks or holes

10. Free from damage

11. Free from and coating other than whitewash, properly applied to prevent sun damage

B. Handling

1. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

2. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for slowing down or stopping the crew to prevent product from overflowing off-packing trailers.

3. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for controlling tractor speed to prevent crews from throwing product onto the packing trailer

ORDER NUMBER: 1620000159 Page 17 of 35

4. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure cutting crew cuts product ahead of turns

5. The harvest company crew boss is responsible for making sure crew cleans packing tables completely before breaks and lunch

6. The harvest company crew boss and crews are responsible for handling packed product correctly. Cartons are to be stacked carefully, not thrown or roughly handled.

C. Packaging specifications

1. Proper cartons will be kept in stock.

Post-Harvest Standards A. Growers/Suppliers are responsible for selecting their own harvesting and hauling companies for their product.

B. Their harvesting company crew boss must accurately note on the harvest ticket the time harvesting is completed for each trailer load. At the completion of each trailer, the crew boss is responsible for calling the hauling company and notifying then that a trailer is completed. The crew boss must note the time of the call and to whom he/she spoke to.

C. Their hauling company is responsible for hauling…