Yellow Split Peas, Vegetable Oil, Super Cereal Plus, Soft White Wheat and Hard Red Winter Wheat for use in International Food Assistance Programs
AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE.USDA AMS 3J14 · Response deadline: Wed, 04 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service is procuring bulk food commodities for international food assistance programs. The specific items are yellow split peas, vegetable oil, Super Cereal Plus (a fortified blended food used in nutrition programs), soft white wheat, and hard red winter wheat. These are staple agricultural products distributed through U.S. international humanitarian efforts.
This procurement falls under NAICS 311999—All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing, which covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing food products not elsewhere classified, including specialty grain milling and blended food production. The classification code 8915 indicates this is an agricultural supply contract.
The 8(a) set-aside means this opportunity is reserved exclusively for small businesses currently enrolled in the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program. This program supports socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners through federal contracting preferences.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | USDA Agricultural Marketing Service |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 12-1NFP-27-B-0001 |
| NAICS | 311999 |
| Set-aside | 8(a) Set-Aside (FAR 19.8) |
| Response deadline | November 4, 2026, 9:00 AM CT |
| Place of performance | Washington, DC |
Who can bid
Only current participants in the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program may bid. To qualify, your firm must be:
- 8(a) certified with active program participation (not graduated or in transitional stage)
- A small business under NAICS 311999 size standards
- At least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens
If you are not currently 8(a) certified, you cannot bid this specific opportunity. However, USDA AMS regularly procures these commodities, so monitor SAM.gov for future unrestricted or small business set-aside solicitations if your firm is not in the 8(a) program.
For this solicitation, your firm should demonstrate capability in large-scale agricultural commodity procurement, quality control for food-grade products, and logistics coordination for government-directed deliveries.
How to put together a competitive bid
Commodity expertise: Demonstrate direct experience sourcing yellow split peas, wheat varieties, vegetable oil, and fortified blended foods. USDA AMS maintains strict specifications for moisture content, protein levels, foreign matter limits, and packaging standards for international shipment.
Supply chain documentation: Detail your sourcing relationships with growers, mills, or processors. For hard red winter wheat and soft white wheat, specify your elevator or grain handler partnerships and testing protocols.
Quality certifications: Include food safety certifications (SQF, BRC, or equivalent), USDA Organic capability if relevant, and prior experience with APHIS or FDA inspections.
Pricing structure: Commodity markets fluctuate; see the solicitation for permitted pricing mechanisms and whether the contract allows for economic price adjustment clauses given agricultural market volatility.
Past performance: Reference prior federal food contracts, particularly with USDA (AMS, FAS, or FNS), USAID, or state agricultural departments. International food aid experience is highly valued.
Washington, DC performance: Clarify whether performance involves headquarters coordination, delivery to specified ports, or direct overseas shipment. See the solicitation for Incoterms and delivery obligations.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number 12-1NFP-27-B-0001 or the notice title. The combined synopsis/solicitation format means bidding instructions and requirements are included in the posted document.
Verify your 8(a) status in the SBA's PRO-Net/DSBS system and confirm your SAM.gov registration reflects current 8(a) certification.
Note the deadline carefully: November 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM Central Time. USDA AMS solicitations typically do not accommodate late submissions.
Download all attachments, including commodity specifications, packaging requirements, and any applicable delivery orders or shipping instructions.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →