Notice of Draft Revised Commodity Requirements for Vegetable Oil (Refined/Packaged) for International Food Assistance Programs

The Kansas City Commodity Office (KCCO), Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture is a buyer of domestic origin food commodities for use in various U.S. Government international food aid programs, and from time to time issues solicitations to purchase a variety of commodities. Specifications for commodity purchases are generally published in Commodity Requirements Documents (CRD) available on KCCO's website. A draft revision of the CRD for vegetable oil (VO)--covering refined, packaged vegetable oil--is being published today via this Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) notice (see document package 1). This draft CRD is called VO15; its effective date is to be determined. Once effective, it will be available with other current CRDs on the Commodity Operations website at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=coop&topic=pas-ex-cr Changes in vegetable oil requirements include a new premix composition (to include vitamins A & D), and new premix testing requirements. Changed items are in bold font in the attached draft CRD. The addition of vitamin D to the vegetable oil fortification will require a change in package marking requirements. Revised marking exhibits will be published when they become available. Interested parties are encouraged to read the new CRD in its entirety in order to understand the new commodity requirements for vegetable oil that will be required for all international programs solicitations at a future date. These requirements are being provided in this notice for all interested parties. Each solicitation to purchase vegetable oil for international food aid programs will clearly identify the requirements document applicable in accordance with FAR 11.201(b).