Become a USDA Vendor | Understand the Requirements | Apply | Application Review Timeframe | Resources
Apply
If you believe you have the capability to produce the materials purchased by AMS, and understand the federal acquisition and other unique requirements, thank you for your interest in becoming a USDA vendor!
AMS’ Commodity Procurement Program (CPP) purchases a variety of 100% domestically produced and processed commodity food products through a competitive process among approved vendors. These purchases support American agriculture by encouraging the consumption of domestic foods in domestic nutrition assistance and international humanitarian aid programs.
Our purchases are primarily full truck loads and/or rail cars for nationwide and international distribution. All commodities must meet specific USDA commodity specifications and requirements.
When applying, you will select ONE Commodity Specification or Commodity Requirement Documents (CRD), (e.g., canned vegetables, yogurt products, shell eggs) for your application. Note that some Commodity Specifications and CRDs include more than one product; you may choose more than one item as long as they fall under your ONE selected Specification or CRD.
There is an administrative and a technical component to the application process. The administrative part below is completed first followed by the technical. The administrative portion verifies information relating to suppliers, customers, and experience. The technical portion includes audits and inspections based on commodity type. The New Vendor Checklist will assist you with the process.
Required Action:
System for Award Management (SAM):
If you are not yet in SAM, please go to SAM.gov to register.
- Company must be registered and “active” in SAM for “All Awards”
- Be sure to list all the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for the products you are interested in supplying:
- The NAICS codes used for domestic programs are listed in the AMS Master Invitation for Bids Commodity Procurement – Domestic Programs (MIFB-D).
- The NAICS codes used for international humanitarian aid programs are listed in the AMS Master Invitation for Bids Commodity Procurements - International Programs (MIFB-I).
- For any SAM.gov issue/questions, please contact the SAM HelpDesk by visiting their website. SAM.gov is an official website of the U.S. General Services Administration.
Required Application Materials:
New Vendor Checklist:
Complete and return the checklist, which demonstrates completion of the administrative application.
Company letter certifying capability to perform:
The letter must be on company letterhead signed by a principal of the company and must include:
- the product(s) you are interested in applying for, including pack sizes and capacity, under your ONE selected Commodity Specification or CRD,
- a description of the company’s historical business experience including the number of years these or similar products have been sold in the commercial marketplace or to other governmental entities, and
- information on your firm’s record of integrity and business ethics.
- Example Company Letter (pdf)
Three Letters of Reference from Current Customers:
Submit three reference letters on official letterhead. Each letter must be signed by a principal of the company and include a phone number and address.
- The letters must come from current customers, identify the purchased product that is the same or similar to the product(s) you would like to apply for, and describe the customer’s satisfaction with the products provided.
- Example Reference Letter (pdf)
WBSCM Vendor Registration Form:
Complete and return the WBSCM Vendor Registration Form. Select only the item(s) in the “Which Product/Service Categories do you Offer?” section to match the ONE Commodity Specification or Commodity Requirement Documents (CRD), (e.g., canned vegetables, yogurt products, shell eggs) for your application. Note that some Commodity Specifications and CRDs include more than one product; you may choose more than one item on the form as long as they fall under your ONE selected Specification or CRD.(found here: Commodity Specification and CRDs.)
Are you a non-manufacturer?
A non-manufacturer is an organization that does not manufacture, process, or produce the product they plan to supply to the USDA. If you are a non-manufacturer, you will have to submit two additional items:
Supplier Letter:
Your company must have a written agreement with a supplier or manufacturer.
- Submit a letter from manufacturer/supplier on the manufacturer’s letterhead signed by both you and the manufacturer.
- The letter must state the manufacturer is willing to provide product that meets the commodity specifications and include the Material Description (found here: Commodity Specification and CRDs.)
- If a firm wishes to qualify as a small business concern as a non-manufacturer, explain how your company will take ownership or possession of the item(s) using your personnel, equipment, or facilities in a manner consistent with industry practice (see 13 CFR 121.406(b) Nonmanufacturers).
- Example Supplier Letter (pdf)
Complaint and Dispute Resolution Proposal:
You must have an agreement between you and the supplier detailing how you, the prospective contractor, would remedy a situation should something happen to the product. The submitted document must be signed by both you and your supplier.
Submit Your Completed Application
Once you have completed all required documents, email them to NewVendor@usda.gov.
What’s Next
After we receive your complete package, we will review your application and request any additional items needed. The application will then move to the Procurement Analysts, after their review, they will provide contacts for the technical component of the application process and determine contractor responsibility and financial responsibility in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations 9.104-1(a). Additional information may be requested.