FORWARD

Participation in the acquisition process can be painless if you learn how to make the process work as smoothly as possible for your firm.

The procurement policy of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is to stimulate competition among potential contractors and to make awards on a competitive basis consistent with quality, efficiency, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and the most economical price. It is also the Department's policy that small, small disadvantaged, and small women-owned businesses receive a fair and equitable share of the contracts awarded by USDA.

We know that many small businesses are hesitant to enter the Federal acquisition process because they fear becoming bogged down in procedures they do not fully understand. "Users Guide, Selling Agricultural Commodities to the Commodity Credit Corporation" has been prepared to describe what we buy and how prospective small, small disadvantaged and woman-owned businesses can participate in our programs. We hope the information contained in this booklet will encourage you to participate in these programs and to take advantage of the special opportunities provided to your business in competing for contracts with the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. ORGANIZATION

A. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
B. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION
C. FARM SERVICE AGENCY
D. KANSAS CITY COMMODITY OFFICE

II. FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

A. DOMESTIC PROGRAMS
B. EXPORT PROGRAMS
C. QUANTITIES AND PURCHASING FREQUENCY

III. THE ACQUISITION PROCESS

A. GETTING ON THE BIDDERS' LISTS
B. PREAWARD SURVEY INFORMATION
C. ANNUAL BIDDER CERTIFICATION PACKAGE
D. PURCHASE ANNOUNCEMENT
E. INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)
F. RECEIPT OF OFFERS
G. OFFERS (DOMESTIC)
H. OFFERS (EXPORT)
I. CONTRACT ACCEPTANCE TERMS
J. CONTRACT TERMS
K. SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES
L. GENERAL CONTRACTING
M. CHECKLIST FOR CONTRACTORS

IV. SMALL BUSINESS

A. REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS ON PRO-NET
B. SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDES
C. SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED CONCERNS
D. WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS CONCERNS

V. LAWS AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING CCC CONTRACTS

GLOSSARY