Processed Cereals Specification, May 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 Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a Special Notice regarding the Processed Cereals Specification, May 2026. This document outlines the technical requirements for selling Farina and Rolled Oats to USDA for the USDA Foods program. It is crucial for potential bidders to understand these detailed specifications for future solicitations.
Purpose and Scope
This specification defines the USDA Commodity Requirements for Processed Cereals intended for use in domestic programs. It provides comprehensive technical guidelines for various cereal products, including rolled oats and enriched farina, along with specific container and packaging requirements. The purpose is to ensure consistent quality and standards for products supplied to the USDA Foods program.
Key Specifications
Potential bidders must review this document to understand the specific quality, chemical, and physical requirements. Key areas include:
- Commodity Specifications: Detailed standards for Rolled Oats (Type II, Quick Cooking, unflavored) and Wheat (Quick-Cooking and Instant, Type I enriched farina, and Type III rolled wheat). This includes iron enrichment, bulgur, and chemical/physical properties such as moisture, protein, crude fiber, ash, foreign material, scorched particles, and vomitoxin levels.
- Warranty: Products must have a minimum shelf life of one year from the date of manufacture, with manufacturing occurring no more than 30 days prior to shipping.
- Quality Assurance: Contractors are responsible for product testing and analysis, requiring a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to be maintained for seven years. Added sodium is prohibited, and analytical testing for sodium is not required.
- Container and Packaging: Mandates commercial brand products and packaging compliant with current commercial shipping practices. Requirements cover labeling, lot identification, safe stacking height, and reference specific container, packaging, and unitization details from the Master Invitation for Bids (MIFB-D).
- Materials: A table lists specific material codes, product descriptions (e.g., Enriched Wheat Farina, Rolled Oats), cases per truck, and net weight per truck.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Specification Release)
- Published Date: May 20, 2026
- Set-Aside: None
Contact Information
For questions, contact Andrew Greenfield at andrew.s.greenfield@usda.gov or 771-201-0088.