Synopsis: This is a Request for Information (RFI) for comments and information from the dairy industry, packaging industry and any other interested party. This notice is used for information and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposals. Market research is being conducted to understand current business practices. All information submitted in response to this RFI is voluntary. The Government will not pay for any information received under this RFI. USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Deputy Administrator for Commodity Operations, is seeking information regarding 25kg bag manufacturing technologies for Nonfat Dry Milk (NDM) products. Specifically, bag designs that will minimize or prevent the opportunity for small insects, including Psocids, to enter the bag and become trapped between inner and outer bag layers. This may include bags made from materials other than multi-wall grade paper, with different bag end-sealing techniques, or insect resistant coating/treatment technologies to the outside surface that are not currently employed. The protective quality of any proposed NDM bag must, at a minimum, be sufficient to meet the currently utilized specifications/requirements, and be designed to provide extended shelf life under long term storage of the product. All information gathered in response to this RFI may be used to enhance USDA’s packaging requirements. Complete details of the commodity and packaging requirements currently being utilized are available in the Appendix to Announcement Dairy 6 located at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=coop&topic=pas-da This RFI is requesting interested parties to submit information concerning the construction, design, performance and history of successful use of recommended packaging in commercial channels. Packaging and containers to be utilized for dairy commodities in USDA programs are subject to the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and other Free Trade Agreements to which the United States is a party. Information should be submitted by August 28th, 2010 to: Brad Hoppe/Packaging USDA – FSA – DACO Room 5754 South Bldg. Stop 0553 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20250 Point of Contact: Brad Hoppe, Packaging Specialist
[email protected] P: 202-720-0956 F: 202-690-1809