Catering, Food and Vending Services at the United House of Representatives (House)
Sources Sought:
This is NOT a solicitation for a proposal, proposal abstract, or quote. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding qualified business sources. The responses to the information requested will assist the House in determining the appropriate acquisition strategy for future requirements.
Background:
The U.S. House of Representatives is in search of seasoned, forward-thinking contractors proficient in delivering food, catering, event, vending, and convenience store services to House Members, staff, and visitors. Flexibility in service hours is essential to accommodate the House community's diverse schedule. The ideal contractor would be established, financially stable, possess extensive experience and demonstrate adaptability as a food service provider capable of offering imaginative and innovative solutions tailored to the House's needs.
Acknowledging the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food service industry, the House recognizes the necessity for evolution in its approach. The traditional model of cafes, vending, and catering may no longer be the most effective means of providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service at reasonable prices.
In anticipation of the 2025 food service re-compete, the House is proactively gathering information on contractors with expertise in post-pandemic food service solutions. The House seeks innovators who can offer creative strategies to address evolving needs while ensuring excellence in food, catering, event management, vending, and convenience store offerings for the House community. (Additional information can be found in Attachement 0001)
Submission:
Potential contractors are encouraged to propose new, innovative ways to provide food service given the challenges of the House environment and the aftermath of the pandemic.
It is not a requirement that potential vendors be able to provide service the entire campus. Vendors may identify and propose a solution for a specific location or concept on the Campus. The table below represents an approximate list of the current and proposed food service locations.
The Capability Statement shall meet the following criteria:
On page one (1) of the Capability Statement, begin by providing your company information as follows: Company name, address, phone number, CAGE code, DUNS number, GSA Contract Number (if applicable) and point of contact (name, phone, and e-mail). Capability Statement must be in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or Adobe PDF format, single spaced, 11-point font (excluding charts and graphics) and the entire document shall not exceed 20 pages in length to include all attachments, charts, etc. Capability Statements must include but are not limited to (a) company's core capabilities (b) corporate experience and management capability; and examples of prior completed Government contracts (if any), references, and other related information.
DISCLAIMER AND IMPORTANT NOTES:
This Sources Sought does not obligate the House to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The House reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the House to determine the organization's qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the House is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted.
However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Please note that the United States House of Representatives is not subject to Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) or any of its supplements.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The House reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).
Background
The U.S. House of Representatives is seeking contractors proficient in delivering food, catering, event, vending, and convenience store services to House Members, staff, and visitors. The ideal contractor should be established, financially stable, possess extensive experience and demonstrate adaptability as a food service provider capable of offering imaginative and innovative solutions tailored to the House's needs. The House recognizes the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food service industry and anticipates the 2025 food service re-compete. They are proactively gathering information on contractors with expertise in post-pandemic food service solutions.
Work Details
The contractor is expected to provide dining, cafeteria, catering services, and manage vending operations across various locations within the House campus. This includes manual food service outlets located in the Capitol and the five House office buildings, vending operations spread across the House office buildings, Capitol, and two off-site locations, as well as catering events held in several multi-purpose rooms and non-traditional locations. The clientele includes Members, Members' staffs, support staff, constituents, visitors, tourists, trade groups, issue advocates, and nearby office building staff. The contractor must understand and accommodate the unique environment at the House and provide high-quality food at reasonable prices served with outstanding customer service. Additionally, they are expected to use the latest technology applications in the food service operation.
Place of Performance
The contract will be performed at various locations within the House campus including Ford House Office Building (Breakfast and Lunch), O’Neill House Office Building (Vending), Rayburn House Office Building (Breakfast and Lunch), Longworth House Office Building (Breakfast and Lunch), Cannon House Office Building (Vending), Capitol Building (Catering Operations), and multiple kitchens across the campus.
