VAARNG Class 1 Rations (REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI))

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

RFI / SOURCES SOUGHT ONLY:

Notice Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
Title: Provision and Delivery of Raw Subsistence and Meal Kits – Commonwealth of Virginia
Primary NAICS Code: 

311991 - Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing, 311999 - All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing

Secondary NAICS Codes: 

424490 - Other Grocery and Related Products Merchant Wholesalers

Place of Performance: Multiple Locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia

​​​​​​​BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The Virginia Army National Guard is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought notice to identify capable industry partners, including small businesses, who can provide and distribute raw subsistence (fresh and frozen food) and specialized meal kits for military personnel. The Government requires distribution services across various training sites within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This notice is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an obligation on the part of the Government.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The anticipated requirement entails acting as a prime vendor or distributor to procure, store, and deliver subsistence items. Key elements include:

• Providing a wide catalog of fresh, frozen, and dry raw subsistence compliant with military menu standards (e.g., DA PAM 30-22).
• Sourcing and assembling individual or group meal kits equivalent to Tailored Operational Training Meals (TOTM) or Unitized Group Rations (UGR), requiring standard commercial or military shelf-life capabilities (minimum 18 months at 80°F for durable kits).
• Executing recurring logistics and delivery up to three (3) times per week to multiple designated dining facilities and field feeding sites across Virginia.
• Ensuring absolute compliance with food defense, sanitation, and safety standards outlined in TB MED 530 (Tri-Service Food Code) and FDA regulations.APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS:

Publications. The following is a list of publications and the respective websites which could be included in any future solicitation.

Armed Forces Recipe Card, http://www.quartermaster.army.mil/jccoe/publications/recipes/index/full_index.pdf

Army Regulation 40-25, https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1002833

Directory of Sanitary Approved Food Establishments for Armed Forces Procurement, HSC Circular 40-1,  https://vets.amedd.army.mil/86257B8D004A4B6C/PHC

Food and Drug Administration Cosmetic Act, https://www.fda.gov/regulatoryinformation/lawsenforcedbyfda/federalfooddrugandcosmeticactfdcact/default.htm

Joint Culinary Center of Excellence Meal Kit Standards, http://www.quartermaster.army.mil/jccoe/Operations_Directorate/QUAD/Meal_Kits_Policy.pdf

Tri-Service Food Code, http://www.quartermaster.army.mil/jccoe/TB_MED_530_SEP_2014.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture, https://www.usda.gov

Virginia Department of Sanitation, http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health

REQUESTED INFORMATION / CAPABILITY STATEMENT:

1. Capability Statement: Interested vendors are requested to submit a Capability Statement demonstrating their ability to fulfill the scope and to answer a few industry questions to better prepare our planning. Submissions should be organized using the following matrix:

Section                                                                                                                       Required Information

1. Company Profile                                               Company Name, CAGE Code, UEI, Point of Contact (Name, Phone, Email), and                                                                                  current Business Size/Socio-economic status under NAICS 424490 and 311991.

2. Logistics Network                                             Description of current distribution footprint, fleet capabilities, and cold-chain                                                                                          management infrastructure within or adjacent to the Commonwealth of Virginia.                                                                                    This also includes subcontractors utilized.

3. Meal Kit Capability                                            Experience in assembling and distributing individual/group meal kits. Detail your                                                                                    ability to meet specific caloric, macronutrient, and shelf-life requirements.

4. Food Safety                                                       Evidence of compliance with FDA food safety standards and any experience                                                                                         adhering to DoD food safety protocols (TB MED 530).

5. Past Performance                                            Brief summary of similar contracts (Government or Commercial) successfully                                                                                         executed within the last three (3) years.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​QUESTIONS TO INDUSTRY:

Provide concise answers to the following questions. Your feedback will be used to shape the acquisition strategy and determine the feasibility of regional versus statewide requirements.

1. In your experience, what is the optimal number of delivery points to maintain high fill rates and on-time delivery?
2. Are there any restrictions on the drop points that VAARNG is required to know?                                               
3. Does your company provide “Reefer” trailer rentals?
   1. If refrigerated trailers can be provided, how many at one time can you provide without jeopardizing required deliveries across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
   2. If refrigerated trailer rentals are an option, what is a reasonable rental period?
   3. Are there any restrictions or policies which would prohibit VAARNG from utilizing the trailers to make deliveries to multiple locations?What is your minimum drop size (MDS) requirement, both dollar value and case count?
4. What is your minimum drop size (MDS) requirement, both dollar value and case count?
5. Do you have existing distribution hubs within the Commonwealth of Virginia that can support all VARNG Armories, or are there specific regions that would require a subcontractor or third-party logistics provider? Please provide what areas third party logistic vendors would occupy.
6. What is your standard lead time for delivery of raw subsistence versus specialized, assembled meal kits?           

INDUSTRY QUESTIONS:

If there are any questions about this RFI or Sources sought, please direct them to David A. Pickard at david.a.pickard.civ@army.mil no later than 11:00 am EST on 15 May 2026.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

Responses must be submitted via email to David A. Pickard at david.a.pickard.civ@army.mil no later than 11:00 am EST on 1 June 2026.  Submissions should be in PDF format and not exceed five (5) pages. Ensure the subject line reads: "Request for Information Response: Subsistence and Meal Kits VA - [Your Company Name]".