8915--VALL Fresh Produce FY26

Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)

This document is a Sources Sought Notice / RFI, not a solicitation. Its purpose is to gather information from potential qualified sources regarding their capabilities and size classification relevant to NAICS code 311991 (size standard of 700 employees). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking information on sources capable of providing Fresh Produce to the Loma Linda VA Healthcare System.

• Ordering Capabilities: Orders placed via website, email, or telephone one business day prior to delivery. No substitutions without prior approval. Notification required for unavailable products, with potential substitutions offered.

• Delivery Specifications: Deliveries must conform to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and USDA Grades and Standards. Deliveries are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 5:00 am and 12:30 pm local time, unless otherwise arranged. Specific delivery location is VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, 11201 Benton St, Loma Linda, CA 92357, Bldg 2, Kitchen, Room 1C33. Deliveries must be made in an enclosed truck protecting products from contamination.

• Temperature Requirements: Carrier equipment must maintain FDA temperature tolerances.

• Product Quality and Freshness: Products must be clean, sound, wholesome, free from foreign material, and meet specific quality standards for mold, odors, color, and consistency. Prepared produce requires a minimum 5-day shelf life after delivery.

• Packaging, Packing, and Labeling: Must comply with good commercial practice and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Prepared items require readable open code dates.

• Compliance: Products must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements. Facilities must have been inspected by appropriate government agencies. Vendors producing fresh fruits & vegetables must demonstrate Good Agricultural Practices (GAP Certification).

• Recall Notices: Immediate notification to NFS is required upon receiving recall notices from the FDA.

• The document mentions a potential firm-fixed-price contract for 12 months, but this is for planning purposes only.

• Response Deadline: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, by 10:00 AM PST.

• Submission Method: Via email to sam.choo@va.gov.

• Information Requested: Capabilities statement, feedback on requirements, business size status (SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, WOSB, Large Business), manufacturer/distributor status, compliance with Non-Manufacturer Rule, Buy American Act conformance, lead time, estimated lifespan, leasing solutions, and existing Federal contracts. Pricing information is encouraged for market research.

• Information is sought regarding potential sources and their size classification relative to NAICS 311991 (700 employees).

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation. Responses will be used for acquisition planning. Further RFIs or solicitations may be issued based on responses.

Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)

This document is a Sources Sought Notice / RFI, not a solicitation. Its purpose is to gather information from potential qualified sources regarding their capabilities and size classification relative to NAICS 311991 (size standard of 700 Employees). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking sources capable of providing Fresh Produce for the Loma Linda VA Healthcare System. Responses will inform acquisition decisions, and further RFIs or solicitations may be published.

• Provision of Fresh Produce at firm-fixed prices.

• Ordering via website, email, or telephone.

• No unauthorized substitutions or quantity changes.

• Notification required for unavailability of products, with potential for similar substitutions at no higher cost.

• Deliveries to be made 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) between 5:00 AM and 12:30 PM, unless otherwise arranged.

• Deliveries must adhere to FDA regulations and USDA Grades and Standards.

• Products must be delivered in enclosed trucks, protected from contamination.

• Temperature requirements must be maintained within FDA tolerances.

• Products must be clean, sound, wholesome, and free from foreign material, dirt, insect parts, hair, wood, glass, or metal.

• Products must be free from undesirable flavors and odors, with a pleasing color and consistency.

• Fresh produce must have a minimum of 5 days of shelf life after delivery.

• Packaging and labeling must comply with commercial practices and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

• Compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations is required.

• Facilities must have been inspected by Federal and/or Local State Government Agencies.

• Vendors must demonstrate Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

• Contractor employees must wear uniforms and ID badges.

• Contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of Performance: 12 months.

• Estimated yearly quantity is not guaranteed.

• Responses should include company name, address, point of contact, and business size status.

• Capabilities statement illustrating how the organization can/cannot meet draft salient characteristics/SOW requirements.

• Feedback or suggestions on draft requirements.

• Indication of business size status (SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, WOSB, Large Business, etc.).

• Confirmation of small business status under the identified NAICS code.

• Information on whether the company is a manufacturer, distributor, or reseller.

• Details on lead time, product lifespan, and any leasing solutions.

• Information on existing Federal contracts (FSS, GSA, etc.).

• General pricing information is encouraged for market research purposes.

• SAM.gov Unique Entity ID/Cage Code.

Responses must be received no later than Wednesday, February 11, 2026, by 10:00 AM PST.

Responses should be submitted via email to sam.choo@va.gov.

• This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.
• Responses are not offers and cannot be accepted to form a binding contract.
• Responders are responsible for all associated expenses.
• Telephone responses will not be accepted.