DECA INDUSTRY FORUM ON PRODUCE PURCHASING PRACTICES Defense Commissary Agency, 1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, Virginia 23801-1800, ATTN: Acquisition Management, Faye Cole (804) 734-8324 or Faith Smith (804) 734-8015. DeCA Industry Forum on Produce Purchasing Practices. The Defense Commissary Agency is seeking interested industry representatives to participate in produce purchasing forums to be held at various locations throughout the continental U.S. Specific details for each location will be provided in a Produce Forum Information Packet which can be requested telephonically, by mail, or by FAX. DeCA is a global organization operating more than 300 grocery stores (commissaries) for the US military forces worldwide. Currently, DeCA receives support for fresh fruit and vegetables (produce) through area Defense Subsistence Offices (DSOs) which are subsidiaries of Defense Logistics Agency's Defense Personnel Support Center. DeCA seeks industry recommendations and suggestions on methods of reducing the cost of acquiring fresh fruits and vegetables without increasing costs to commissary shoppers, yet still maintaining maximum participation by small business suppliers. DeCA desires to incorporate best commercial practices while ensuring that all products supplied meet or exceed existing quality standards. The forums will provide an opportunity to gather suggestions and gain a new perspective from the business community on how DeCA can most efffectively structure its requirements to achieve savings and deliver quality products. The forums will also provide the opportunity for industry representatives to interact with Government personnel about how they think DeCA can best identify its produce requirements to achieve maximum savings and value to DeCA and its patrons. The forums will include briefings to clarify DeCA's objectives and alternatives regarding the acquisition of produce. Other specific topics will be predicated on industry comments and questions submitted in response to the Produce Forum Information Packet. The forums, each anticipated to last approximately 1/2 day, will be held in Philadelphia, PA on 4 DEC 97; Virginia Beach, VA on 8 DEC 97; San Antonio, TX on 12 JAN 98; and Sacramento, CA on 14 JAN 98. Maximum particiipation by suppliers, producers, and distributors, including small businesses, is encouraged. Travel, lodging accommodations and expenses are the responsibility of industry representatives. Produce industry representatives and other interested parties should request the Produce Forum Information Packet as soon as possible to ensure its prompt receipt and to allow time for submission of comments,questions, or concerns that can be addressed during the forums. Parties interested in the December forums should submit their requests by 10 NOV 97; however, requests received after that date will be honored. To obtain a copy of the Produce Forum Information Packet, contact Faye Cole at (804) 734-8324; or Faith Smith at (804) 734-8015; or FAX (804) 734-8844. Submit mail requests to Defense Commissary Agency, ATTN: Acquisition Management, 1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800, or e-mail smallbus@hqlee.deca.mil To learn more about DeCA, visit our website at www.dtic.mil/deca/

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