8920--Bread IDIQ for SoCal VAMCs

Quick Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically Network Contracting Office 22, has issued a Sources Sought Notice / Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified sources for a future Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for fresh bread products. This RFI targets vendors capable of supplying various bread types to VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) across Southern California. Responses are due by April 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time.

Purpose

This RFI is solely for information and planning purposes and is not a solicitation. The VA is conducting market research to gather information on potential sources and their capabilities to inform future acquisition decisions. Responses will help determine appropriate acquisition strategies, including potential set-asides.

Scope of Work

The VA requires a variety of fresh bread products, including but not limited to Amish buns, sliced wheat and white breads, brioche, dinner rolls, hot dog buns, and pretzel dinner rolls. These products will be supplied to the VA Greater Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, and Loma Linda Healthcare Systems. Deliveries will be made as needed, with orders placed via email, telephone, or fax at least two business days prior to the anticipated delivery date.

Key requirements include:

• Product Quality: Compliance with Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and USDA Standards. Products must be processed and packaged under sanitary conditions.
• Freshness: Bread (loaves, buns, rolls) must be delivered within 24 hours of baking (36 hours for brown and serve rolls) and have a minimum of five days shelf life after delivery.
• Packaging & Labeling: Commercial practices, clear freshness dating (production or expiration).
• Contractor Responsibilities: Obtaining business licenses, food handler certificates, seller's permits, and maintaining liability insurance. Compliance with physical security and facility considerations for personnel on VA premises.

Anticipated Contract Details

The VA anticipates establishing a Single Award Firm Fixed-Price IDIQ contract.

• Period of Performance: A base year from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027, with four subsequent one-year option periods, extending potentially through April 30, 2031.
• Order Limitations: Minimum order threshold of $5,000.00 and a maximum order threshold of $350,000.00 per delivery order.

Submission Requirements

Interested and capable companies should submit responses via email to Hestia.Sim@va.gov by April 7, 2026, 10:00 AM Pacific Time. Responses should include:

• A capabilities statement detailing how your organization can meet the Statement of Work (SOW) requirements.
• Feedback or suggestions on the SOW requirements.
• Business size status (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, WOSB, Large Business) under NAICS 311812 (Commercial Bakeries), size standard 1,000 employees.
• Manufacturer, authorized distributor, or solution provider status.
• Details on subcontracting compliance, COTS items, Buy American Act compliance, lead times, estimated solution lifespan, FDA clearances, leasing options, and existing Federal contracts (e.g., FSS GSA).
• General pricing information for market research purposes.
• SAM.gov Unique Entity ID/Cage Code.

Important Notes

This is strictly an RFI; it is not a request for offers, and the Government cannot accept responses to form a binding contract. The VA will not pay for information submitted, nor does responding guarantee inclusion on a bidders' list or receipt of a future solicitation.