Solicitation_W912NR26QA009_QAs.pdf

Solicitation W912NR-26-Q-A009 Q&AS:

30 March 2026:

1. Will the location for delivery always be the same? Same delivery location and delivery times as outlined in needs statement with exhibit 1 document.

2. Can a food truck be located at the sites for delivery? Food truck can, however, must be self-sufficient e.g., own electricity, water, garbage disposal, etc.

3. Can we set up a serving line or two instead of pre-packaged in order to maintain optimal freshness and temp control? Meals must be pre-packaged in clamshell plates for grab and go.

4. Will there be tables and or a facility to serve from? There will be a table where plated meals can be delivered too.

5. What GFP is there? No GFP will be provided.

31 March 2026:

6. Is there a kitchen available for storage of drinks?

a. No, Storage for a large quantity of drinks is not authorized for vendor use.

b. Once the products have been provided to the organization the unit has the authority to store beverages as needed.

7. Is there an ice machine?

a. Yes, but not available for use by the contractor.

8. Is there a place to box the meals on-site?

a. Yes. Boxing the meals is authorized on site.

9. Would it be permissible for the contractor to utilize a kitchen on base for meal preparation?

As we know, under the FAR, government facilities and equipment are considered - GFP (Government-Furnished Property).

At this time, the DFAC may not be used for meal preparation. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Cooking or reheating food.

2. Use of DFAC Equipment (ovens, burners, utensils, etc.)

3. Use of Sinks and water supply, or sanitation systems

4. Use of refrigerator or storage

5. Dishwashing or cleaning of vendor equipment.

In accordance with the contract requirement and applicable regulations, all meals must be fully prepared off-site.

However, to support safe service and proper time and temperature control the following is authorized:

1. Meals may be transported to the DFAC with proper time temperature control.

2. Meals may be plated/served on site only.

This allowance is so strictly limited to the final service operations and does not extend to any form of preparation for use of government resources.

02 April 2026:

• Is the vendor required to use the exact items listed on the 21 Day menu or can use that as a template and create our own menu?

• Item can be adjusted with prior notice of change to ensure nutritional needs are still met as stated in the needs statement #7.

• If boxing meals or hot food, for example Day 1 breakfast shows and omelet and scrambled eggs,

• should the vendor select one style of egg or both for packaging?

i. One Style is fine with the proper serving size per solider. Preferred is both (one type of egg on each plate) to offer variety.

• Also, should we select one meat entree, for example bacon or sausage for that day?

i. One Style is fine with the proper serving size per solider. Preferred is both (one type of protein on each plate) to offer variety.

• Will grits be 100% PAX or 30% PAX for example?

i. Grits are to be fully prepared and for 100% of the PAX. --- NOTE The percentage is for dry cereal ready to eat, packaged granola bars, muffins, or snacks and Fruit to avoid waste.

• On Day 2 menu, what do the numbers on the side of the items represent- calories or count?

• On all menus that represent projected calories

• If a food truck can be brought to the base for delivery, can the vendor leave the truck there overnight, with everything off and use when they come in to deliver?

• No. FAR 45 prohibits vendors leaving food trucks on installation outside of approved delivery windows unless explicitly authorized in the contract and approved by the Contracting Officer (KO) in coordination with installation authorities.

03 April 2026:

1. We have a fully self-sufficient catering trailer with a generator, as well as another trailer we plan to plate and serve out of. If this works for you, there would be no need to deliver meals, correct?

• Food truck/trailer is allowed, however, must be self-sufficient e.g., own electricity, water, garbage disposal, etc. Plated meals would still have to be brought to the serving location by the required delivery time.

3. On the sample menu, we see eggs to order, can you please let us know what that means? Wasn’t sure if scrambled eggs and boiled eggs would be sufficient?

• The suggested meal plan can be adjusted with prior notice of change to ensure nutritional needs are still met as stated in the needs statement #7. If your company is wishing to submit changes to the meal plan, a complete meal plan will be needed with your submission to be evaluated. From other previous questions asked: One Style is fine with the proper serving size per solider.

Preferred is both (one type of egg on each plate) to offer variety.

4. As far as condiments, will those need to be put in each individual box, or can we have dedicated table for just that stuff?

• Condiments for the meal will be needed inside of each individual box, as the intent is for the recipient of the meal to grab and go.

5. On midnight lunch, is sandwiches for each meal acceptable?

• Please refer to the suggested meal plan for understanding of the meal requirement.

We would provide our own power but would require access to potable water and a sewer hook-up.

• Any mobile kitchen must be self-sufficient with own utilities e.g., own electricity, water, garbage disposal, etc. No GFP will be provided by the government.

• Would the majority of the meal service be taking place on site at the barracks in downtown New Orleans?

• Delivery of all meals will be to the address provided on the solicitation and needs statement.

• Would that space allow for the mobile kitchen setup?

• There will be a space for a food truck to set up to prepare food. Not to serve from, all meals would need to be packaged and brought to the delivery area on the base. Just to also be clear FAR part 45 prohibits vendors leaving food trucks on installation outside of approved delivery windows unless explicitly authorized in the contract and approved by the Contracting Officer (KO) in coordination with installation authorities.

• With regard to Paragraph 15 in the posting description:

o 15. Cancellation/Adjustment of number of boxed meals. The Government reserves the right to make partial changes to the requirements or cancel in full up to 72 hours before the event or within 72 hours of the affected date.

Decrease or increase in meals shall be issued at a no cost increase of contracted price if given within 72-hour notice."

o What could precipitate a cancellation? Historically, are changes to menu or counts something that happens often?

• Cancellation could come from failure to provide adequate meals as agreed and/or changes to the mission.

• Would the government allow for a minimum requirement of meals being billed to cover initial expenses should Paragraph 15 come to fruition?

• Yes. Billing would be allowed for all meals provided and/or proof receipts and/or groceries turned over to the government of any groceries bought prior to the cancellation of the contract that contractor is requesting to be paid for.

• Will the contract include a mobilization fee, or would that need to be built into our menu pricing?

• If your company is needing to include a mobilization fee in your quote;

It would be up to your company on how you would include it on your quote. This solicitation is to be awarded as a firm fixed price contract.

No upfront payments will be paid by the government for start-up cost.

• If more than one protein or main dish is listed for a meal, is each hot meal box contain both - or would some boxes be created with one option and some with the other?

o Examples - Breakfast Menu 6 contains a Western Omelet and Eggs to Order

• One Style is fine with the proper serving size per solider.

Preferred is both (one type of egg on each plate) to offer variety.

Dinner Menu 7 contains both Beef Fajitas and Chicken Fajitas

• One Style is fine with the proper serving size per solider.

Preferred is both (one type of protein on each plate) to offer variety.