Peanut Standards Verification Services for USDA, AMS   3

Background
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Specialty Crops Program (SCP) is seeking contractor-provided peanut standards verification services. This requirement arises from the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, which mandates that all peanuts marketed in the U.S. be inspected and graded by Federal or Federal-State inspectors.

The Peanut Standards Board consults with USDA on establishing and revising peanut standards, ensuring compliance with quality and handling standards for both domestic and imported peanuts.

Work Details
The contractor shall provide all management, supervision, labor, and subcontracts necessary to deliver peanut standards verification services. Key tasks include:
1. Conducting inspections and grading of incoming 'farmers stock' peanuts at buying points to establish quality and value.
2. Performing aflatoxin testing and certification through USDA-approved laboratories.
3. Verifying compliance with Minimum Quality and Handling Standards for Domestic and Imported Peanuts as established in 2002 and modified in subsequent years.
4. Preparing case referrals regarding violations for enforcement action by the AMS Market Development Division.
5. Maintaining a training program for employees to ensure they possess the necessary skills to perform required tasks.
6. Submitting monthly invoices electronically via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance for this Firm Fixed-Price, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract is from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2031.

Place of Performance
Services may be required nationwide but primarily in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.