Bulk Apples for Further Processing

Amendment 1, 07/20/2026 This Amendment is to: 1.Post questions received and answer there of for Solicitation 2000011405 (12-3J14-26-B-0322). 2. Questions and answers start on page 2 of the SF-30 document and are also listed below. Question: Are there specific requirements for Tracy CA? And Ludington, MI? I do not see anything Answer: Location specific specification requirements for Tracy, CA and Ludington, MI locations can be found in the Tendering text of the solicitation 2000011405(12-3J14-26-B-0322) document. Exceptions to the Commodity Specification for Bulk Products for Further Processing dated June 2022 for Tracy, CA and Ludington, MI are as follows- -Destination - Tracy, CA Varieties– Gala, Pink Lady, Cameo, Ambrosia, Minneiska, and Honey Crisp. Size range 88-138, no more than two adjacent sizes per bin. For example, 88/100, 100/113, 113/125, 125/138 are good. Pressure – Average Pressure will be no less than 14 pounds with no more than 10% pressuring less than 14 pounds. Packaging – Standard (36” maximum height) industry bins. Must be clean and in good repair. Corrugated bins only. Corrugated bins must have a corrugated top. Approximately 800lbs of fruit per bin. -Destination - Ludington, MI Varieties- Empire, Jonagold, Rome’s (Non-Law, Non-Bleeding), Ida Red, Golden Delicious, Gala, and Jonathan. Sizing - Minimum size = 2.5 inches, no more than 10% undersize for Golden Delicious, Gala and Jonathon. 80% between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches for Jonagold’s, Rome’s, and Ida Reds. Total Defects - 8%. Maturity/Condition - Representative samples for each lot will be collected and pressure tested at destination. Pressure per fruit will be no less than 12 pounds with a minimum average of 13 pounds in each sample. Packaging - Standard (36” maximum height) industry bins in clean wood or plastic. Plastic bin liners cannot be used. Plywood bins will not be accepted. Acceptable bins will be available for return pickup within 180 days of delivery to destination. Question: Could you please provide the specific specification for the Hartford, MI location? All the others appear to be listed. Answer: Hartford, MI had no exceptions to its location specific requirements, so was not listed in the tendering text. Location specific specification requirements for Hartford, MI can be found in the Commodity Specification for Bulk Products for Further Processing dated June 2022. From the specification- Destination - Hartford, MI - 1. Varieties - Empire, Jonagold, Rome’s (Non-Law, Non-Bleeding), Ida Red, Golden Delicious, Gala, and Jonathan. 2. Sizing - Minimum size = 2.5 inches, no more than 10% undersize for Golden Delicious, Gala and Jonathon. 80% between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches for Jonagold’s, Rome’s, and Ida Reds. 3. Total Defects - 8%. 4. Maturity/Condition - Representative samples for each lot will be collected and pressure tested at destination. Pressure per fruit will be no less than 12 pounds with a minimum average of 13 pounds in each sample. 5. Packaging - Standard (36” maximum height) industry bins in clean wood or plastic. Plastic bin liners cannot be used. Plywood bins will not be accepted. Acceptable bins will be available for return pickup within 180 days of delivery to destination. Question: Wanted to confirm, for the TN location, they are buying less than a full truckload again? I thought it was a policy that the USDA does not solicit in less than Full truckload volumes, please advise. Answer: There is no requirement in solicitation 2000011405(12-3J14-26-B-0322) an order must be solicited as a full truck load (39,600 LBS). Bidders bidding on CLIN’s must deliver the full amount of the order if awarded. Bidders are cautioned not to bid on items with the intent of requesting a modification immediately after award. Question: Did the USDA end up going back to the two-week delivery awards? In past years solicitations have had an area to enter one price. Answer: This solicitation requires bidders enter pricing per CLIN. Bidders may bid...