OIM Out-of-Country and Out-of-State Inspections

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking a contractor to perform out-of-country and out-of-state inspections of Organic Input Material (OIM) manufacturing facilities through Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 25-0004a. The contract will cover on-site inspections and product sampling at approximately 20 inspection sites per year, focusing on locations within the United States (excluding California and bordering states) and international regions including Canada, Chile, China, India, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, and Spain. The primary objectives include inspecting OIM manufacturers producing liquid OIM with nitrogen guarantees over 3%, investigating potential misbranding or adulteration, and conducting compliance follow-up inspections to ensure conformance with USDA National Organic Program and CDFA fertilizer regulations. Bidders must be National Organic Program (NOP) accredited and capable of providing all necessary personnel, equipment, and supplies to certify OIM production and handling operations. The contract term is from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030, with no renewal options. Contractors will be required to complete detailed inspection audit documents within 10 business days of each inspection and maintain strict confidentiality. The bid is due on May 19, 2025, with inspections planned across various domestic and international manufacturing locations.

The procurement includes a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goal, with bidders potentially receiving a 5% bid preference for DVBE participation. The bid cost sheet allows for comprehensive cost breakdowns, including inspection fees, equipment costs, and shipping expenses, with travel reimbursement following state rates. Contractors must adhere to strict confidentiality requirements outlined in the attached Non-Disclosure Agreement, which prohibits unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information and imposes potential civil, criminal, or administrative actions for breaches. The inspection process involves rigorous documentation verification, including ingredient sourcing, production records, cleanout procedures, and product traceability. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the bid cost sheet suggests flexibility in pricing, with contractors expected to provide detailed cost structures for inspection services across multiple fiscal years. The contract emphasizes comprehensive reporting, sample analysis, and compliance with both state and national organic material regulations, making it a complex and highly specialized procurement opportunity for qualified inspection services providers.