Implementation of Government Sampling and Testing of Blended/Fortified Commodities Used in International Food Aid Programs

Implementation of Government Sampling and Testing of
All Blended/Fortified Commodities Used in International Food Aid Programs

USDA is announcing an upcoming change in how its quality assurance will be conducted for the blended/fortified products that it procures for international food aid programs administered by USAID and USDA-FAS. Quality assurance will continue to be conducted pursuant to the FAR Clause 52.246-2, Inspection of Supplies, Fixed-Price, which states the Government has the right to, ". . . test all supplies called for by the contract, to the extent practicable, at all places and times, including the period of manufacture, and in any event before acceptance." In the near future, the Government will begin sampling the blended/fortified products listed below at the contractor's place of production, and samples will be submitted for laboratory testing to ensure compliance with contract specifications.

All Purpose Wheat Flour/Bread Flour (WFBF6)
Bulgur / Soy-Fortified Bulgur (BWSF13)
Cornmeal (CM4)
Soy-Fortified Cornmeal (SFCM3)
Corn Soy Milk (CSM3)
Vegetable Oil Products (VO14)
Corn Oil (CO6)
Refined Sunflower Seed Oil (SFSO6)
Soy-Fortified Sorghum Grits (SFSG13)
Wheat Soy Milk (WSM10)

The implementation date for this change is contingent upon the Government completing arrangements for these sampling and testing services to be performed. A subsequent FBO Special Notice will be issued to publicize the date Government sampling and testing will commence. In addition, each solicitation will specify where and by whom Government sampling and testing will be performed.

Commodity contractors are cautioned that Government sampling and testing is no substitute for a contractor's own quality control. FAR clause 52.246-11, Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement, will continue to be incorporated into all contracts for the procurement of products for international food aid programs.