This is a combined synopsis/solicitation issued as an invitation for bid for canned apples, set aside for small business concerns, with no separate written solicitation to be issued. The USDA Ombudsman Program offers an alternative agency protest process, encouraging parties to first raise concerns with the contracting officer and then escalate to the Ombudsman if unresolved. Formal agency protests must include the information required by FAR 33.104(a)(3) and be filed within FAR 33.104 timeframes; USDA’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from filing. Formal OPAP protests should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the contracting officer. Filing a protest with USDA precludes pursuing the same matter with GAO or another external forum while the agency protest is pending.