Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for Section 32 Fresh Pears, set aside for small business and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. The amendment provides answers to bidder questions, clarifying that different U.S. grade standards apply to tray packs (U.S. No. 2) versus bags (U.S. No. 1). It confirms that both Red and Green D'Anjou pears are acceptable but they must not be commingled on the same pallet. Size specifications have been updated for certain packaged pears, including specific minimum and maximum diameters for some and size counts for others.

Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for Section 32 Fresh Pears, set aside for small business and service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. The USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) provides an internal process to address procurement concerns, encouraging informal resolution with the Contracting Officer first. A formal protest can be filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman, which suspends contract award or performance, with a goal to resolve it within 35 calendar days. The full text of solicitation provisions and clauses is available electronically.