How to bid on Bottled Juice for Domestic Food Assistance Programs from USDA

What the agency is buying

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking offers for bottled juice. This juice will be used in domestic food assistance programs. This is an opportunity for small businesses to supply a common commercial product to a federal agency.

Key dates and deadlines

Offers for solicitation 2000011425 are due by August 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. The USDA plans to award the contract by August 27, 2026. It is important to submit your offer before the deadline to be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This solicitation is specifically set aside for small business concerns. If your firm supplies bottled juice, particularly Concord grape juice, and is registered as a small business, this opportunity may be suitable for you. Note that 2025 crop Concord grape juice is acceptable until the 2026 crop becomes available.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required.

This is an Invitation for Bid (IFB), and it is a combined synopsis/solicitation. A separate written solicitation will not be issued. Offers are being requested based on this announcement.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all provisions and clauses incorporated by reference in the solicitation. These can be accessed electronically. Ensure your offer fully complies with all requirements, including product specifications and delivery terms.

Since this is an Invitation for Bid, pricing will be a significant factor. Ensure your pricing is competitive while still allowing for a reasonable profit margin. Double-check all calculations before submission.

If you encounter any issues or have questions, first contact the Contracting Officer. The USDA also has an Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) for unresolved concerns, which can be used informally or for formal protests.