Hot Food Delivery Service for Wildland Fire Response (RFI)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified vendors capable of providing hot food delivery services to support wildland fire response operations. This pre-solicitation notice seeks to understand market capabilities for transporting hot meals to remote fire camps and incident locations across the country. Key requirements include the ability to supply two personnel with ServSafe food service certification, vehicles equipped with thermostatically controlled hot food holding systems capable of maintaining meals at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of six hours, and transportation capacity for up to 200 hot meals per service. Vendors must demonstrate reliable transportation with 4x4 capability, English communication proficiency, and operational flexibility in remote and challenging environments. The RFI emphasizes that this is a planning-stage market research effort and does not constitute a formal solicitation or binding obligation. Responses are due by February 17, 2026, and the government will host a virtual vendor engagement session on February 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time via Microsoft Teams.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside and targets vendors under NAICS code 722320 (Caterers). The estimated contract value is approximately $9 million, though no funds have been currently authorized or appropriated for this effort. The RFI does not identify any current contractors or incumbents, as this is an early-stage information-gathering initiative. Vendor responses should include company details, technical capabilities and equipment specifications, key personnel information, past performance documentation, specific service locations where the vendor can operate, and estimated daily pricing. The government will retain full discretion in vendor selection and has made clear that submission of responses creates no entitlement to payment or contract award, with all responses treated as informational only. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Donald.Keever@USDA.gov for additional information and the virtual engagement session meeting details.