Fresh Oranges for use in Domestic Food Assistance Programs
AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE.USDA AMS 3J14 · Response deadline: Thu, 12 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is soliciting fresh oranges for use in domestic food assistance programs. The agency acquires agricultural commodities to support nutrition assistance efforts across the country, channeling American-grown produce to food banks, schools, and other programs that serve low-income households. This procurement follows the standard pattern of USDA commodity purchases, where the agency buys surplus or strategically sourced agricultural products to stabilize farm prices while feeding vulnerable populations.
NAICS 311991 covers "Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing," though in federal contracting this code is frequently used for procurement of fresh and minimally processed agricultural commodities destined for distribution programs. Fresh citrus falls squarely within the scope of USDA's domestic food assistance purchasing authorities.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS 3J14) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 12-3J14-27-B-0027-0001 |
| NAICS | 311991 |
| Set-aside | None (unrestricted/open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM CT |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata |
Who can bid
This is an unrestricted solicitation with no small business set-aside designated. Any responsible offeror—large or small—may submit a bid. However, small businesses in fresh produce distribution, agricultural cooperatives, and food wholesalers should not be deterred; USDA commodity contracts often attract diverse bidders, and small firms with reliable citrus supply chains can compete effectively.
To bid, you must be registered in SAM.gov and have an active Unique Entity ID. Given the nature of perishable agricultural commodities, prior experience with USDA's commodity purchase programs or comparable large-scale produce supply contracts would strengthen your competitive position. If you're new to federal contracting, ensure your SAM registration is complete and that you understand the Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions incorporated by reference in combined synopsis/solicitation notices.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the commodity specifications. Fresh oranges for federal food programs must meet grade, size, and quality standards established by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. See the solicitation for precise variety requirements, pack sizes, and condition standards. Failure to meet published specifications results in rejection at delivery.
Demonstrate supply chain reliability. The government needs assurance you can fulfill volume requirements on schedule during the contract period. Document your sourcing relationships with growers or packing houses, cold storage capacity, and transportation logistics. See the solicitation for any specific delivery schedule or geographic distribution requirements.
Price competitively, but account for all costs. USDA commodity purchases are typically awarded to the responsible bidder with the lowest price. Include procurement, packing, cooling, freight, and any required inspections in your delivered price. If the solicitation involves multiple delivery points, factor in regional freight differentials.
Review inspection and acceptance terms. USDA purchases generally require inspection by federal or authorized inspectors at origin or destination. Understand who bears risk of loss during transit and what documentation proves contract compliance.
Examine payment terms. See the solicitation for billing procedures, prompt payment discounts, and whether electronic invoicing through WAWF/PIEE is required.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation document on SAM.gov using solicitation number 12-3J14-27-B-0027-0001. The combined synopsis/solicitation contains the complete terms, conditions, specifications, and evaluation criteria not available in the metadata summary.
Note the deadline carefully: Responses are due November 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM Central Time. SAM.gov sometimes converts deadlines to your local timezone—verify the exact cutoff. Government contracting deadlines are strict; late submissions are ineligible. Allow ample time for SAM.gov technical submission and document upload.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →