Vegetable harvest

The Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons is soliciting vegetable harvesting services for its UNICOR farm operation in Lompoc, California, specifically requesting labor and materials for harvesting, grading, and packing broccoli and celery across 380 to 450 acres. The solicitation (SV0202-26) requires contractors to meet detailed quality control standards for multiple broccoli varieties and celery, with UNICOR desiring delivery within 15 days or sooner after each delivery order issuance, and anticipating three harvesting opportunities per crop. The contract will be evaluated based on the contractor's ability to meet specifications (non-cost factor) and price (cost factor), with past performance considered significant and more important than price. Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted in writing by March 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST to the Administrative Contracting Officer Chad Privett or Jashua Hassler, and proposals are due by March 20, 2026 (with one source indicating March 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST).

This opportunity is designated as a total small business set-away, with the contract structured as a one-year base period plus two optional one-year extensions on a fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity basis. The guaranteed minimum award value is $10,000.00, with estimated quantities to be determined through delivery orders, and all items must be awarded to a single offeror. The harvesting services will take place at the Federal Prison Industries farm located in Lompoc, California 93436, with weekly invoices to be submitted to UNICOR Central Accounts Payable in Lexington, Kentucky. Contractors must comply with the Service Contract Act and Department of Justice residency requirements and security clearance procedures, with the Administrative Contracting Officer Chad Privett (chad.privett2@usdoj.gov) overseeing the contract administration.