How to bid on frozen fruit for USDA food assistance programs

What USDA is buying

The Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking frozen fruit for domestic food assistance programs. The amendment adds apple slices and highbush blueberries, with specified packaging and order numbers in the solicitation.

This is a small-business set-aside, so eligible small businesses may find it relevant. The opportunity is an invitation for bid, and the announcement serves as the solicitation.

Key dates and the deadline

The amendment extends the bid deadline to November 4, 2026, and the award date to November 16, 2026. The listing’s deadline field says November 2, while the amendment says it was extended from November 2 to November 4; use the latest solicitation version to confirm the current deadline and submission details.

Offers are requested through this combined synopsis/solicitation; a separate written solicitation will not be issued. Plan to submit before the confirmed closing time and follow the solicitation’s instructions for what happens at closing.

Who this opportunity may suit

This opportunity may suit a small business that can supply the frozen fruit items named in the solicitation, including apple slices or highbush blueberries. Check the solicitation for the complete product, packaging, order, and delivery details before deciding whether to bid.

How to access the bid

Click “View original source” above to open the opportunity on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to go to the bid.

A free account may be needed to view documents, though some bids can be viewed without one. Review the latest version of the solicitation before preparing your offer.

Prepare a careful, competitive offer

Match your offer to the exact fruit items, packaging, and order numbers in the latest solicitation. Check every required field and document, and make sure your pricing and product details are consistent throughout.

Confirm the current deadline and the required submission method in the solicitation. Leave time to resolve portal or document-access issues, and keep a copy of what you submit.