Final Commodity Specification for Tree Nuts January 2026
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has released the Final Commodity Specification for Tree Nuts (January 2026). This special notice announces the revised specification, which outlines detailed requirements for tree nuts procured for food nutrition assistance programs. This document is crucial for vendors interested in participating in future procurements, which are anticipated to be Partial Small Business Set-Aside.
Opportunity Overview
This notice highlights the release of the updated Commodity Specification for Tree Nuts, which is a foundational document for upcoming USDA purchases. Concurrently, AMS has announced its intent to purchase Bottled Concord Grape Juice, Dried Fruit, and Tree Nuts under Section 32 authority. The specification provides the precise standards that will govern the tree nut portion of these procurements.
Key Requirements & Scope
The "Commodity Specification for Tree Nuts" details comprehensive requirements for quality, origin, packing, storage, labeling, and testing. Key elements include:
- Product Origin: All commodities must be of U.S. domestic origin, verified through the Domestic Origin Verification (DOV) Program or Domestic Origin Trace-Back (DOT).
- Quality Standards: Tree nuts must meet applicable U.S. Standards for Grades, with specific exceptions detailed.
- Individual Specifications: Detailed requirements are provided for Shelled Almonds, Filbert (Hazelnut) Kernels, Pecan Pieces, Pistachio Nuts in the Shell, and Shelled Walnuts, covering aspects like grade, size, aflatoxin levels, and moisture content.
- Packaging & Labeling: Requirements for primary and secondary containers, coding, and optional USDA symbols are outlined.
- Inspection & Certification: Procedures for inspection, certification, and laboratory testing are specified.
Contract & Submission Details
Future procurements related to these commodities are anticipated to be firm-fixed-price contracts. Deliveries are expected to various U.S. locations on a Freight on Board (FOB) destination basis. Solicitations will be issued electronically through the Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system. All future information, including amendments and award notices, will be published via WBSCM and the AMS website. Bids, modifications, and price adjustments must be submitted exclusively through WBSCM.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
Potential contractors must meet AMS vendor qualification requirements. The broader procurement for these commodities is designated as a Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
Important Notes
Offerors are strongly encouraged to review the AMS Master Solicitation for Commodity Procurement and this new product-specific Commodity Specification for Tree Nuts. Interested parties should subscribe for email notifications of solicitations and awards through WBSCM. Inquiries regarding Dried Fruit & Tree Nuts can be directed to Genesys Corrado, and for Bottled & Frozen Juice to Ashley Train, as per the pre-solicitation notice. The response date of January 1, 2027, appears to be a general validity period for the specification rather than a specific bid deadline; actual solicitation deadlines will be announced separately.