Name | Type | Posted | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
12-3J14-26-B-0276 | LINK | May 18, 2026 |
Section 32 Table Grapes
Contact and place of performance
Nick Wiber
Not specified
(A001)(5/20/2026)- This amendment is to answer questions received on solicitation 2000011339. Continue to page two for questions and answers. Q 1. Will the above solicitation have any HUBZone eligibility? A 1. Under FAR 19.1305, a contracting officer may set aside an acquisition (above the micro-purchase threshold) for HUBZone small businesses if they reasonably expect at least two HUBZone offerers, and...
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NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program
The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner. The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO. Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.
Informal Forum with the Ombudsman
1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.
2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.
3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).
Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman
1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.
2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.
3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.
4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.
5. Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.
6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to [email protected] and the Contracting Officer.
Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.
The Agricultural Marketing Service, a component of the United States Department of Agriculture, issued this combined synopsis and solicitation under solicitation number 12-3J14-26-B-0276. This acquisition is conducted as an invitation for bid for Section 32 table grapes and is classified under NAICS 311991 for Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing and PSC 8915 for Fruits and Vegetables. This requirement is designated as a small business set-aside. While there is no HUBZone set-aside for this solicitation, HUBZone-certified offerors may qualify for price evaluation preference under FAR 52.219-4.
This procurement follows the procedures for commercial products and services in accordance with FAR Part 12, and the published announcement serves as the only solicitation to be issued. Bids must be submitted by the response deadline of May 29, 2026. One attachment was posted on May 18, 2026, containing the primary solicitation documentation. Nick Wiber serves as the point of contact for this requirement.
The USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests is available as an alternative dispute resolution process to address procurement concerns independently of external forums. Interested parties are encouraged to resolve issues through open discussions with the contracting officer before filing informal or formal protests with the agency or the Ombudsman. A formal protest filed through the agency program generally results in a suspension of award or performance unless urgent circumstances are justified in writing. The agency goal for resolving such protests is 35 calendar days from the filing date.
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