26Z7AG4 – Replace BOP Steam Kettles

The Federal Bureau of Prisons Field Acquisition Office is conducting market research to identify vendors capable of supplying and delivering 193 commercial food service steam kettles to 55 correctional institutions nationwide. The procurement seeks steam-jacketed kettles that are either brand name Cleveland or Groen products or approved equivalents meeting specified salient characteristics, with respondents required to clearly identify manufacturer and model numbers and provide technical documentation demonstrating equivalency. Key contract requirements include a correctional package with tamper-resistant controls, reinforced lids, security-oriented construction, and anchorable provisions, along with manufacturer warranty coverage providing minimum one-year parts and labor and five-year coverage on pressure vessels and steam jackets. This sources sought notice is issued for market research purposes only and does not constitute a binding solicitation; however, interested vendors must submit their questionnaire responses by February 6, 2026, to abradley1@bop.gov. The government anticipates issuing a single solicitation with a single award to a responsible contractor capable of serving all 55 institutions, with performance scheduled within 40 days of contract award.

No set-asides are designated for this procurement opportunity. The steam kettle requirement consists of 109 gas-fired units (40-100 gallons), 44 direct steam units (40-100 gallons), and 40 electric units (10-100 gallons), with all equipment to be delivered directly to individual institutions during standard business hours (7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding federal holidays). Pricing estimates requested from respondents range from $500,000 to greater than $10,000,000, with the questionnaire seeking information on contractor capability, business size, and small business program eligibility across multiple categories including 8(a), Women-Owned Small Business, HUBZone, and Veteran-Owned Small Business designations. The applicable NAICS code is 423440 (Refrigeration Equipment) with a small business threshold of 1,250 employees, and respondents must also indicate the timeline needed to prepare proposals (30, 45, or 60 days) and days required to begin work post-award, with consideration for potential security clearance investigations that may require 60 days or longer.