301-25-034 Virginia Verification Meat Certification Services

Background
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is seeking to establish a contract for Virginia Verified Meat Certification Services. This initiative is in response to the 2024 General Assembly's enactment of §3.2-3403, which aims to certify meat products from cattle, goats, sheep, or swine that are bred, raised, and processed in Virginia. The goal is to ensure that only properly certified products can utilize the Virginia Verified Meat brand and logo.

Work Details
The selected contractor(s) will provide comprehensive Virginia Verified Meat Certification Services, which include:

1. Certifying that livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, or swine) meet the criteria outlined in §3.2-3403.

2. Employing personnel who are not VDACS employees but are thoroughly vetted and legally eligible to work in the U.S.

3. Developing a detailed certification process plan for approval by the VDACS Commissioner prior to the start date.

4. Retaining all necessary documentation as per the Virginia records act and making it available for audits by VDACS personnel.

5. Ensuring that no product is labeled as Virginia Verified Meat unless it meets the defined criteria.

Period of Performance
The contract will have an initial term of two (2) years with three (3) one-year renewal options.

Place of Performance
Services will be performed within the Commonwealth of Virginia.