How to bid on Frozen Beef Coarse Ground Products for USDA

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking bids for frozen coarse-ground beef products. These products are intended for domestic food assistance programs. This is an invitation for bid (IFB) and is identified by solicitation number 12-3J14-26-B-0376.

This opportunity is a partial set-aside for small business concerns, meaning a portion of the contract will be reserved specifically for small businesses. Vendors in the food and agriculture sector, particularly those dealing with meat products, should consider this bid.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on August 06, 2026. The deadline for submitting offers is August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. All offers must be submitted by this time.

It is important to submit your bid before the deadline. Late submissions may not be considered. This is an invitation for bid, so the agency will review submitted offers to determine the most responsive and responsible bid.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses that supply frozen beef products. Specifically, firms capable of providing coarse-ground beef will be a good fit. Given the partial set-aside, small businesses in the food supply chain are particularly encouraged to bid.

Vendors with experience in supplying food products to government programs or large-scale distribution networks will find this relevant. The category for this bid is food and agriculture.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation, you need to go to the original source portal. 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 related to the solicitation. However, for many bids, you can view documents without an account. Once you have access, review all provided documents to understand the full requirements for your offer.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully read all sections of the solicitation, including any referenced provisions and clauses. These can be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov. Ensure your offer fully complies with all specifications for the frozen coarse-ground beef products.

Pay close attention to packaging, delivery, and quality control requirements. Since this is an invitation for bid, pricing will be a significant factor, so ensure your pricing is competitive while still allowing for profitability. Double-check all calculations and ensure your submission is free of errors.

If you have concerns about the solicitation, the USDA encourages you to first contact the Contracting Officer. This Tier 1 resolution process is not an official protest but can help clarify issues before the deadline. If issues remain, you can file a formal agency protest under Tier 2, either with the Contracting Officer or the USDA Independent Review Authority.