Bags of Cubed Ice

THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS, QUOTATIONS, OR BIDS.

The Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) - Fort Bliss is conducting market research to identify potential sources capable of providing bagged, cubed ice in support of the Fort Bliss Subsistence Supply Management Office (SSMO) and other installation activities. The purpose of this notice is to determine the availability and technical capability of businesses, including small businesses, to provide the required products.

1. Description of Requirement

The U.S. Government has an ongoing requirement to purchase bagged, cubed ice in indefinite quantities to support training and operational missions at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Government anticipates establishing a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) with a potential ordering period of four (4) years. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, and transportation necessary to deliver cubed ice in accordance with the terms and conditions of subsequent orders ("Calls") made against the BPA.

Key Requirements:

• Product: Cubed ice, packaged in 16 lbs or 20 lbs bags.
• Estimated Annual Quantity: Approximately 530,000 lbs. (Note: This is an estimate based on historical data from another installation and is subject to change based on Fort Bliss's specific needs).
• Total BPA Estimate: The total value for the potential four-year BPA shall not exceed an estimated 2,600,000 lbs of cubed ice. All quantities are estimates.
• Place of Delivery: Fort Bliss Subsistence Supply Management Office, Fort Bliss, TX; Fort Bliss, TX Training Areas to include McGregor Training Area Complex; and/or specific building and address to be provided in the solicitation.
• Delivery Schedule: Deliveries are expected within 1-5 business days after receipt of an order. Normal hours for delivery are Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.
• Delivery Vehicles: The contractor shall deliver ice in clean, refrigerated vehicles equipped to protect the product against contamination.

2. Mandatory Sanitary and Quality Standards

In accordance with Army Regulation (AR) 30-22, Army Food Program, and AR 40-657, ice must be procured from sanitarily approved sources.

• All interested vendors must be listed in the Worldwide Directory of Sanitarily Approved Food Establishments for Armed Forces Procurement. This is a mandatory requirement for contract award.
• The ice shall be made, stored, and conveyed using food safety standards and practices in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

3. Requested Information from Interested Parties

Interested and capable vendors are requested to submit a capability statement that addresses the following information:

1. Company Information:
   
   • Company Name and Address.
   • Point of Contact (Name, Title, Phone, and Email).
   • Unique Entity ID (UEI) and CAGE Code.
2. Business Status:
   • Socio-economic status (e.g., Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Woman-Owned Small Business).
3. Capability Statement:
   • A brief description of your company's capability to meet the requirements outlined above.
   • Confirmation that your company is listed in the Worldwide Directory of Sanitarily Approved Food Establishments for Armed Forces Procurement. Please provide the facility name and location as listed.
   • Description of your delivery capabilities, including the type of refrigerated vehicles used.
   • Ability to meet the delivery timeline of 1-5 business days ARO to Fort Bliss, Texas.
   • If your company is interested in getting listed in the Worldwide Directory of Sanitarily Approved Food Establishments for Armed Forces Procurement, please send your notification to the email listed below.

4. Submission Instructions

Please submit your capability statement via email to Richard.s.bearden2.mil@army.mil no later than 0830 hours MDT 16 March 2026. The subject line of the email should read: "Sources Sought Response for Fort Bliss Ice Supply."

Disclaimer:

This Sources Sought notice is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. All information received in response to this notice that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly.