REDUCED SODIUM MEALS

THIS IS A PRESOLICITATION NOTICE. .NO INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED UNTIL SOLICITATION IS RELEASED. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS),Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to provide 250,000 Reduced Sodium Meals. Specification: Specialized Reduced Sodium Meals FEMA is considering the following specifications: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Nutritional Requirements for Reduced Sodium Commercial Meals Maximum calories 1200 per meal Minimum calories 1050 per meal Saturated Fat 13 grams or less (<10% of total calories) Trans Fat As close to zero as possible Total Fat 47 grams or less (<35% of total calories) Maximum sodium 800mg or less per meal Reduced Sodium Meals should provide a variety of nutrient dense foods that reflect the basic food groups. Saturated and trans fats, sodium and added sugars should be limited. FEMA requires self stable, self-heating meals which include an entrée along with additional meal components that can be consumed either as part of the meal or reserved for a supplemental snack. Nuts are NOT to be included due to diverticulitis and allergy conditions. Meal components should be palatable and appropriate for consumption by the full range of disaster survivors including children and seniors (65 years and older). All meals/kits must have 30-36 months long shelf-life remaining upon delivery. No beverages or drink mixes required. Each case shall contain 12 to 16 meals based upon vendor packaging with a minimum variety of six entrée meal per case. Meals should include: utensil package, napkin, salt and pepper, and salt free seasoning packet. Cost: Price to include transportation to destination (Distribution Center). Marking: All packing should list production date, lot number and next inspection date or expiration date (as applicable). Next inspection date or expiration date shall be no earlier than 36 months after production date. Packing & Delivery: Labeling: Packaging should be environmentally friendly and include "REDUCED SODIUM" stickers on the cases and individual meal packages. The word "REDUCED SODIUM" should be in black bold capital letters on a white background. The word "REDUCED SODIUM" shall be spelled out completely on the case(s), individual package(s) and entrée component. The font size shall be consistent with FDA labeling definitions and guide. The sticker on the outside of the case shall be (2) inch in height and 10 ¼ inch length. Note: ALL LABELING SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FDA AND USDA REQUIREMENETS INCLUDING NUTRITIONAL FACTS LABELING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NUTRITIONAL LABELING AND EDUCATION ACT (NLEA). MAXIMUM SIZE OF PRINT FOR SUCH REQUIRED USDA/FDA LABELING SHALL BE THE MINIMUM SIZE PERMITTED BY THOSE REQUIREMENTS AND WITH THE REQUIREMENTS STATED BELOW. Individual package(s) shall be label Nutrition Facts' in accordance with the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) and all other applicable FDA/USDA regulations. Other component packaging material shall be labeled with the Nutrition Facts' label in accordance with the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act NLEA and all other applicable FDA/USDA regulations. Meals shall be packaged in the contractor's standard commercial casing which shall be shipped on industry standard size pallets (48 inches by 40 inches). Shrink wrap shall be fully over all sides (excluding the top and bottom) with a minimum of (10) layer of shrink-wrap to ensure the capability to double stack pallets without comprising the sturdiness of load. The finished product will be placed onto a 48 inch by 40 inch 4 way wooden pallet. The over-all height of the pallet will not exceed 55 inches. The contractor shall label each sealed pallet container in accordance with the following minimum requirements: •(1) A statement identifying the commodity. •(2) The name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor. •(3) Net quantity of contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count (measurement must be in both metric and inch/pound units). Production/Delivery Schedule Requirements: The Delivery Schedule is scheduled on or before April 15, 2012. The contractor(s) shall deliver designated quantities of meals to DC Puerto Rico. The contractor shall furnish meals on or before April 15, 2012 to DC Puerto Rico. THIS ACTION IS INTENDED TO BE A FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION SOLICITATION RESULTING IN A FIRM FIXED PRICE CONTRACT. All responsible offeror may submit a proposal. Proposed price shall include transpirations The RFP will be posted to the FedBizOpps website on or about 14 March 2012 with proposals due on or about 21 April 2012. These dates are subject to change. All amendments to the solicitation will be likewise posted on this website. Contractors are cautioned to check the website periodically for amendments. Solicitation mailing list will not be compiled and amendments will not be sent out in paper copy. All contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) to be eligible for award of a contract.