Supplement 509 Alaska Pollock
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 Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), under the USDA, has issued a Special Notice announcing Final Supplement 509 for Alaska Pollock, June 2026. This supplement updates requirements for the purchase of frozen Alaska Pollock products under the AMS Master Invitation for Purchase. It details product specifications, quality standards, and the process for contractor technical proposal submissions.
Scope of Work
This supplement outlines updated requirements for the procurement of frozen Alaska Pollock products, including:
- Product Specifications: Details for Once-Frozen Alaska Pollock Blocks (U.S. Grade A, 16.5 lbs/block), Alaska Pollock Fillet Portions (U.S. Grade A, 4.0 oz target), and Alaska Pollock Oven Ready (Breaded) Fish Sticks and Nuggets (U.S. Grade A).
- Quality & Safety: Compliance with FDA regulations, USDC/NOAA SIP requirements, metal detection validation, and proof of an approved USDC Product Management Plan (PMP).
- Documentation: Contractors must provide documentation verifying raw material block meets fish flesh requirements, record truck seal numbers on BOL, and product temperature on shipping documentation.
- Terminology Updates: Replaced 'immediate & shipping container' with 'primary package and shipping case', and 'supplier' with 'contractor'.
- Domestic Origin: All products must be caught and processed in U.S. waters/vessels and facilities.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (informs about updates to a competitive bid basis contract)
- Effective Date: June 2026 (for the supplement)
- Published Date: May 27, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Product Service Code: 8905 (Meat, Poultry, And Fish)
Submission & Evaluation
- Technical Proposals: Contractors must submit a technical proposal detailing production steps, quality assurance, and corrective actions, following formats in Exhibits B, B1, and B2.
- Submission Method: Email proposals in a non-PDF format (e.g., Microsoft Word) to Mark.Lemon@usda.gov and TechnicalApprovals@usda.gov.
- Evaluation: Proposals are reviewed by the Standards and Specifications Division (SSD). Eligible contractors undergo a pre-award onsite capability assessment by the Quality Assessment Division (QAD).
- Deadlines: Contractors should allow 10 working days for evaluation results after submission of technical proposals.
Additional Notes
This document supersedes previous versions, with changes highlighted in blue. All processing facilities must be USDC/NOAA SIP Approved Establishments (AE). Ineligibility criteria include late deliveries on USDA contracts or non-compliance with FDA/USDC/NOAA SIP requirements. Attachments include Exhibits B, B1, B2 (Technical Proposal formats) and Exhibit C (Certificate of Conformance).