Collaborative Partner for FDA Standard of Identity Petition

The Florida Department of Citrus is seeking a collaborative partner to manage the Brix Petition Coalition and advance a petition to modify the FDA's standard of identity for orange juice. This is a single-source procurement, not a traditional competitive request for bid or proposal. The Department seeks an allied partner with established contract advocacy and legal services expertise to champion the petition through the federal approval process while maintaining communications with federal policymakers. Key deliverables include coalition management, advocacy services, legal representation, and progress reporting to stakeholders. The procurement period runs from May 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. Prospective vendors must submit information detailing their capacity to provide these specialized services no later than April 16, 2026, which provides a minimum 15-business-day posting period as required by Florida Statutes. If the Department determines that services are available from a single source following vendor review, it will post notice of its intended decision to enter into an agreement with that vendor pursuant to Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes.

The Florida Department of Citrus has identified Florida Citrus Mutual as the intended single source vendor due to its unique and established role as a co-petitioner alongside the Department and the Florida Citrus Processors Association in the FDA petition process. The single-source justification emphasizes that Florida Citrus Mutual's established relationships with contract advocates and its existing advocacy infrastructure are necessary and specific to this initiative, making it the sole source capable of effectively managing the coalition. The estimated contract value is $40,000, which represents the Department's share of coalition service costs. The contact for this procurement is Sharon McLeod, Purchasing Manager, who can be reached at 863-537-3964 or smcleod@citrus.myflorida.com. The procurement is located within Polk County, Florida jurisdiction, and is being conducted in accordance with Florida procurement regulations governing single-source acquisitions.