The commodity procurement programs offer many opportunities for the small and minority business.

Definition of a Small Business:

A concern with less than 500 employees is classified as a small business under the size standards established by the Small Business Administration. The term small business concern means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and can further qualify under criteria set forth in the regulations of the Small Business Administration (13 CFR 121).

Programs offering Small and Minority Business Opportunities:

BEEF -- Purchases of fine ground beef and patties are set aside for small business concerns.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE - Offers for most fruit and vegetable products are solicited from small business concerns..

POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTS - Sixty percent of purchases of pasteurized whole eggs in 5-pound cartons are set aside for small business concerns. Additionally, 25 percent of the frozen cooked diced chicken purchase program is set aside for small businesses.