USDA Does Not Tender for Pulses

KANSAS CITY - Nov 23/04 - SNS -- For the first time in several years, the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation office here did not tender for any pulses on the regularly scheduled PL-480 food aid tenders.

In releasing details of the tender, the USDA said, "Invitation 124 has been significantly reduced due to funding limitations."

It added, "The Government’s obligation under these contracts are contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are available to the Contracting Officer for these contracts and until the Contractor receives notice of such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer."

While not specifically mentioning the budget, the fact the budget which was passed over the weekend has not yet been signed into law by the U.S. president.