THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE IS ISSUED SOLELY FOR INFORMATION AND PLANNING PURPOSES. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION ABOUT PRICING, DELIVERY, THE MARKET, AND CAPABILITIES IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED AND ALLOWED UNDER THIS RFI FOR PLANNING PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH (IAW) FAR 15.201(e). DISCLAIMER This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. IAW FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. SOURCES SOUGHT/RFI DESCRIPTION This is NOT a solicitation announcement. This is a Sources Sought Notice / RFI only. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice / RFI is to gain information about potential qualified sources and their size classification relative to NAICS 311991 (size standard of 700 Employees). Responses to this Sources Sought Notice / RFI will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After review of the responses to this Sources Sought Notice / RFI, further RFIs and/or a solicitation or other announcements may be published. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking sources capable of providing list of Fresh Produce for Nutrition and Food Service for San Diego VA Healthcare System. Contractor shall provide listed products at firm-fixed-price during contractual performance period while meeting all the requirements listed in STATEMENT OF WORK. STATEMENT OF WORK The contractor will provide fresh produce products listed on the schedule to the VA San Diego Healthcare System. Orders shall be placed by email, telephone, in writing via fax, or via contractor web site as mutually agreed upon between the facility COR and contractor one business day prior to the anticipated delivery date. The awarded contract shall be for 12 months from the date of award. Anticipated period of performance is April 1, 2025 March 31, 2025 (estimate). Evaluation of offers will be based on capability to meet the Government requirements, past performance, and price. Preference may be given to offers that provide prices for product in containers as specified. However, vendors may offer alternate container (packaging) options and pricing. Award will be made to the offeror that is determined to be the best value for the Government. Alternative methods, (i.e. organic) are encouraged. If presenting alternative methods, please specify that in your bid. Compliance with Federal Laws and Regulations The delivered products shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local mandatory requirements and regulations relating to the preparation, packaging, labeling, storage, distribution, and sales of the products with the commercial marketplace. By submitting an offer, the contractor certifies that the products offered meet the requirements of the solicitation and: Requirements of Federal, State and local regulations Conforms to the producer s own specifications and standards, including product characteristics, manufacturing procedures, quality control procedures, and storage and handling practices Has national or regional distribution storage facilities located within the United States, its territories, or possessions Is sold on the commercial market Inspection of Facilities: All product furnished under the awarded contract shall be processed at facilities that have been inspected by the Federal Government. Approved inspection reports of another VA Facility or other Federal Government agency will be accepted as satisfactory evidence that the facilities/plants meet these requirements, provided that the inspection was made not more than six (6) months prior to the proposed contract period. The Contracting Officer or his/her designee reserves the right to make pre-award, on-site survey and inspection of the plant, personnel, equipment and processes of the offeror prior to making award and conditions found will be considered in awarding the contract. Inspection(s) may also be made at any time during the life of the contract and, if it is found that the contractor is not complying with specifications, deliveries will be rejected and the products covered by this contract will be procured in the open market. Any excess cost occasioned by this action will be charged against the contractor s account. The government reserves the right to determine proof of such conformance prior to the first delivery from point of origin and any time thereafter, up to and including delivery at destination as may be necessary to determine conformance with the provisions of the contract. All deliveries shall conform in every respect to the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and any other applicable laws and regulations. Manufacturi