Request for Information - Integrated Food Service for operation of dining facilities on U. S. military bases in CONUS

– THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY –

This RFI is issued solely for information and market research purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an obligation to issue an RFP in the future. No solicitation is available at this time. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the United States Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary; the United States Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the United States Government. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

This notice is for market research purposes only and is not indicative of a full requirement. There is no basis for claims against the Government as a result of information submitted or demonstrations provided in response to this RFI.

BACKGROUND: As the Executive Agent (EA) for Class I – Subsistence, the Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) has the responsibility to supply the Class I food and food service operating supplies to Department of Defense (DoD) military customers through Subsistence prime vendor and other contracts. DLA has identified the need for food service requirements for its DoD and other authorized customers and is considering expanding to  contracting for  dining facility management services. DLA is seeking information to determine where and what industry capabilities exist to facilitate such an initiative.

PURPOSE OF THIS RFI: To identify potential offerors and request information that will assist in exploring innovative contractual solutions to provide the services described herein.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Requirements would include operating dining facilities on U.S. military bases or for other DLA customers in CONUS. Below is a summary of the specific requirements anticipated. Please address these requirements when responding to this RFI.

• Requisitioning/sourcing food items from the Defense Logistics Agency’s contracts;
• Receiving and consolidating product;
• Storing, preparing, and serving of food;
• Quality control and quality assurance;
• Inspections of product received;
• Transportation and security of product within a U.S. military base;
• Personnel management;
• Meeting required delivery dates;  
• Meet extensive reporting requirements;
• Performance of related administrative, custodial, and sanitation functions, such as janitorial and custodial duties within dining facilities;
• Provide chefs, cooks, or food service specialists to prepare, cook, serve, and store food items;
• Supervision of personnel;
• Recipe development that meets nutrition standards for each military service potentially performed in conjunction with the respective services;
• Possible modifications of a military or other Government dining facility;
• Provide solutions for flexible dining options to include extended dining hours of operation or food availability, delivery services, online and mobile ordering.  

Please consider the following questions and provide responses to the Government:

1. Please provide the name of your Company and point of contact information. If your company has a Cage Code, please provide that as well.

2. In what type of business is your company involved – e.g., food preparation, logistics, food distribution? Who are your firm’s major customers, e.g., retailers, industrial accounts, commercial accounts? Does your firm have any experience operating with or as a DLA Subsistence Prime Vendor?

3. What is your firm’s country of origin, and what is your firm’s country of primary operations?

4. Is your business identified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)?

5. For purposes of determining whether your firm is considered a small business concern, provide your average annual receipt value. Generally, annual receipts is defined as the “total income” (or “gross income”) plus the “cost of goods sold.” These numbers can normally be found on the business’s IRS tax return forms. For purposes of Federal contracting, receipts are averaged over a business’s latest five complete fiscal years. 

6. Do you have any long-term contracts with your customers and/or suppliers for the same or similar work? If yes, please describe. If no, please explain why, e.g., pricing too volatile, no interest, etc.

7. Identify how pre-prepared meals could be provided to end users and how delivery options could be executed.

8. Support on a U.S military base may include dining halls/facilities, bistros, kiosks, take-out options, and delivery possibilities. Based on your firm’s experience, which of these options or combination of options provide the highest utilization rates or diner throughput?

9. A chef may be required under this initiative for items such as, but not limited to, menu and recipe development in compliance with the military services’ requirements, ensuring food quality, and overseeing food preparation and cooking. Can you describe how a chef would add value and support the goal of providing fresh, healthy, and flexible dining options?

10. DLA anticipates the contractor will utilize existing military DFAC facilities. Can your firm operate in a military dining facility without modifications?

11. Identify any constraints that may prevent your firm from developing a campus-style dining experience on a U.S. military dining facility located in CONUS. Note: sales estimates are unknown presently.

12. Please provide any cost estimates, ranges, or guiding principles that you recommend be applied to this initiative regarding pricing. Elaborate on what type of pricing model would be most appropriate for this initiative such as tiered pricing, per user pricing, flat rate pricing, bundle pricing, etc.

13. A contractor will be required to utilize DLA Troop Support Subsistence Prime Vendor and market fresh contracts as its source of supply for food items. This will ensure items utilized comply with all required regulations and quality standards. Can your company comply with this requirement, if not, why?

14. How long would you recommend the contract period of performance be, and why? What location(s) or regions of the continental U.S. would this model be most feasible? What customer size or population would prove most successful, and why? How many locations are you able to support?

15. Describe your company’s capabilities to meet the requirements stated above and include possible strategies.  Identify any other constraints you can identify with this requirement.

16. Please confirm your firm’s compliance and experience with the Service Contract Act.

17. Provide a general overview of how your firm believes this model could be feasible on military installations. Would you recommend any changes to the method of support?

18. Please include any additional information your company would like to provide regarding the requirement described above.