INL/El Salvador: ILEA Catering Services

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is seeking comprehensive catering services for the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in San Salvador, El Salvador through this Request for Information. The contractor must provide daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two coffee/snack breaks accommodating diverse international cuisines and dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, and medical conditions. Qualified respondents must demonstrate a minimum of 10 years of experience in international cuisine catering, employ a certified international chef, and maintain an internationally certified kitchen. Eligible vendors must possess a current CAGE Code, UEI number, and active SAM.gov registration to participate in subsequent solicitations. The deadline for submitting responses is Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST via email to Courtney Wesely, Contracting Officer, at WeselyCJ@state.gov, with responses limited to 20 pages maximum. This is a sources sought notice and RFI for market research and acquisition planning purposes only, and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee of future contract award.

This procurement includes no set-aside designations and no incumbent contractor is identified in the notice. The contract will support approximately 50 classes annually with 1,600 students, totaling approximately 49,600 meals per year plus a 25 percent buffer for unscheduled participants. The Period of Performance consists of a five-month base period from July 20, 2026 through December 31, 2026, followed by four optional one-year renewal periods extending through December 31, 2030. The contractor will be responsible for all equipment, supplies, laundry, and cleaning services while maintaining a minimum of seven on-site employees per meal period. The government will provide the kitchen facility with basic equipment including one refrigerator, one microwave, and one industrial waffle maker, as well as dining furniture consisting of 45 round tables and 200 chairs. Invoicing will occur on a monthly basis with no advance payments permitted.