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Prior Information Notice

General Information
Country:   United States
Notice/Contract Number:   fbo:reference-number-freshbeef0001
Publication Date:   Nov 17, 2009
Deadline:   Jul 9, 2007
Funding Agency:   Other Defense Agencies
Buyer:   Defense Commissary Agency
Original Language:   English

Contact Information
Address:   United States

Goods, Works and Services

 

Original Text

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THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS ONLY. The NAICS Code is 311611. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is seeking information from commercial sources regarding fresh beef products. Specifically, DeCA is looking for industry input regarding the identity of beef products that are readily available to be priced and put into the meat cases without further processing required (market ready). DeCA wants to ensure that its current specifications and required core lists are conducive with the production capabilities and availability of most commercial beef suppliers prior to the issuance of any future solicitations. DeCA currently procures fresh beef products for its 250 military commissaries from commercial beef suppliers through a competitive process. The requirements for a core and optional fresh beef products are compiled as a program buy on a Request for Proposals (RFP). The proposals received in response to the RFP are evaluated and a determination is made regarding the proposal(s) that represents the best value to the Government are awarded a contract. The contract will be the primary source of fresh beef for the commissaries specified within the contract. Contract performance is normally for a period of three (3) to five (5) years. Any new beef items or requirements may be added to the fresh beef program buy non-competitively. This long term arrangement allows both the commissaries and the beef supplier the opportunity to not only obtain and receive fresh beef products at competitive prices but work together with promotional events that enhances sales. DeCA has changed its beef specifications regarding fat trim from inch, with no more than inch at any one point to inch maximum. Also, DeCA requires blocked cuts for certain cuts of beef. DeCA views these changes as labor savings initiatives that reduces the amount of labor required to process the fresh beef products obtained from the supplier to preparing the tray wrapped products in the meat case for the commissary patrons (authorized individuals that shop in the commissaries). To ensure DeCA's requirements provides the broadest opportunity for participation in the competitive process additional information is necessary for consideration in or adjustment to DeCA's beef specifications. The following is a list of items core beef items currently being sold to DeCA commissaries: Beef Chuck Shoulder Clod (1 pc), Beef Shoulder Clod (2 pc), Beef Chuck Shoulder Clod (Top Roast), Beef Brisket (Deckle-off), Beef Brisket (Flat cut), Beef Plate (Inside Skirt), Beef Plate (Outside Skirt), Beef Short Plate (Short Ribs), Beef Back Ribs, Beef Hindshank, Beef Bones, Beef Round (Heel and Shank-Without Knuckle, Boneless), Beef Round (Top Inside), Beef Round (Top Inside Denuded), Beef Round (Outside Round), Beef Loin (Top Sirloin Butt Boneless), Beef Loin (Top Sirloin Butt, Center Cut), Beef Loin (Bottom Sirloin Butt Flap), Beef Loin (Bottom Sirloin Butt Ball Tip), Beef Loin (Bottom Sirloin Butt Tri-Tip), Beef Loin (Tenderloin, Full Side Muscle On, Defatted), Beef Loin (Tenderloin Butt, Defatted), Beef Flank Steak, Beef for Stewing, Beef Coarse Ground (73, 81, 85, 93, 96 Lean), Beef Coarse Ground Blend (73, 81, 85, 93, 96 Lean), Beef Fine Grind Chubs (One, Three & Five LB Units, Ground Beef, Chuck, Round, & Sirloin). The following is a list of Block Cut Items currently being sold to DeCA commissaries: Eye of Round, Beef Chuck Tenders, Beef Rib Eye Roll (Lip on - Boneless), Choice Beef Knuckle Peeled, Choice Beef Rib Eye (Lip-on, Bone In), Choice Beef Short Loin, Choice Beef Strip Loin, Choice Beef Flat Iron, Select Beef Rib Eye (Lip-on, Boneless), Select Beef Rib Eye (Lip-on, Bone-In), Select Beef Short Loin, Select Beef Strip Loin, Angus Beef Rib Eye (Lip-on, Boneless), Angus Beef Short Loin, Angus Beef Strip Loin. DeCA is interested in receiving information from the beef industry's commercial sources that would be interested in participating in future beef acquisitions. The following information is requested: Scenario: DeCA is looking for labor savings initiatives within the meat operations. In keeping with current trends, some sources have expressed concerns that the inch maximum fat trim specification and blocked cuts is somewhat restrictive when applied to a full beef line of products. However, other sources indicate no problems with compliance with the specification. DeCA is looking to determine what are the industry standards and current trends for fresh beef. DeCA is also looking to determine what alternatives may be available that would achieve the same or similar labor savings.
1. What specifications are currently being used for beef products in commercial supermarkets Identify any block cuts you are currently supplying to commercial customers. 2. What changes can you recommend to DeCA's current specifications that could meet industry standards Identify all beef cuts that are required by DeCA's specifications that are not readily available in your production facilities as industry standards 3. What labor cost saving alternatives would you recommend to help support DeCA's meat operations Examples may include substitution of one major muscle cut versus several cuts of the same item pre-priced market ready products, vendor stocking, etc. 4. Provide your view of the acceptability of market ready products with its increased costs with customers in commercial supermarkets.


Place of performance:
 Commissaries located throughout the agency.
 23801-1800
 UNITED STATES
Contact: Rhonda McDougal, Contract Specialist, Phone (804) 734-8893, Fax (804) 734-8090, Email rhonda.mcdougal@deca.mil

Link to FedBizOpps document.


Updated on 2007/06/08
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