CHICKEN AND CHICKEN PRODUCTS (BULK) for DOMESTIC FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with part 5.101(d). This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Offers are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 12-3J14-26-B-0282 is issued as an invitation for bid (IFB) for CHICKEN AND CHICKEN PRODUCTS (BULK).

This acquisition is not set-aside for small business concerns. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

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 ofers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Ofice (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 iled with either the Contracting Oficer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a speciic USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should irst direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Oficer.
2. Escalation: If the Contracting Oficer 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 iling 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 ofice, Contracting Oficer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Efort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must irst use their best eforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Oficer 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 ile a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Oficer or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justiied 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 iled within the timeframes speciied in FAR 33.104.
6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Oficer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Ofice (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is iled externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.