EMD Cafeteria Food Services

The General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service Region 5 is conducting market research to identify qualified food service providers for comprehensive cafeteria operations at the Everett M. Dirksen Courthouse located at 219 S. Dearborn, Chicago, IL. The procurement seeks a vendor to operate a full-service cafeteria on the second floor of the courthouse, serving approximately 1,200 tenant employees and 3,000-5,000 weekly visitors in an 11,300 square foot facility with 186-seat capacity. Qualified vendors must submit responses by July 17, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, including company details, UEI number, capability statements, three relevant project references, business size information, and a proposed menu. The evaluation criteria for the future solicitation will emphasize technical factors including menu offerings, wellness programs, management programs, and staffing plans, with vendors required to comply with U.S. Dietary Guidelines and maintain all necessary permits and facility cleanliness standards. Interested parties must respond via email to dorell.dubiak@gsa.gov with comprehensive information addressing specific capability questions and startup timeframes.

This opportunity operates under NAICS code 722310 (Food Service Contractors) with no set-aside designation, making it open to all qualified businesses regardless of size or socioeconomic status. The contract structure is unique with a $0 government award value, as the selected vendor will retain all sales proceeds from cafeteria operations rather than receiving direct payment from the government. The anticipated service commencement date is March 1, 2026, providing approximately eight months for vendor selection and startup preparation following the current market research phase. The facility's substantial size and capacity requirements, combined with the significant daily population of courthouse staff and visitors, indicate this represents a substantial revenue opportunity for qualified food service operators. No information regarding current incumbents or existing contractors was provided in the documentation, suggesting this may be either a new requirement or a complete re-competition of existing services.