Operation of the National Renewable Energy Cafeteria

Sources Sought For the Operation of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Cafeteria Solicitation No. RFJ-0-0210 Introduction The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is looking for expressions of interest from qualified organizations to operate a high-end cafeteria on our campus located in Golden, Colorado. NREL is the only federal laboratory dedicated to the research, development, commercialization and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Through our Sustainable NREL Program, we are committed to "walking the talk" by minimizing our use of resources (energy, materials, and water) while receiving the maximum value from resources used - along with balancing environmental, economic, and human impacts. Objective: NREL is in the process of determining the viability of having an onsite cafeteria. As the nation's premier National Renewable Energy Laboratory, we will require a cutting edge approach to energy efficiency in a cafeteria atmosphere to match our campus environment. The cafeteria is expected to be approximately 8,000-12,000 square feet including kitchen, serving and seating areas and is expected to be able to handle an anticipated staff of 2,200 persons, with the potential of handling as many as 3000 in the near future, with an above average utilization. It is expected the cafeteria will be able to provide breakfast, lunch and some catering for special events for a normal work week, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to mid/late afternoon. It is anticipated the cafeteria will be ready for operation in late 2011. The subcontract for management of the facility will be for a five year period, with a base year and four 1-year options available. NREL is seeking organizations with experience and knowledge in high energy efficient food preparation, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and state of the art energy efficient kitchen equipment that match the NREL mission. We invite interested parties to submit their qualifications. Interested parties should identify cafeterias that they have operated in the last three years as well as their experience working with architectural and interior designers to provide input into cafeteria designs. Please cite examples of previous work experience and include references of the owners of those cafeterias and their contact information. References should be provided for each project outlined. Any organizations located in Colorado interested in working with NREL to provide the services described within this sources sought notification should contact the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, ATTN: Karen Leitner, 1617 Cole Boulevard - MS 1533, Golden, CO 80401-3393. Telephone calls will not be accepted; however, submittals by e-mail are encouraged and should be sent to: Karen.Leitner@nrel.gov. A list of interested firms will be maintained and considered for receipt of a Request for Proposal (RFP). Responses to this notice, whether mailed hardcopy or electronically, must be received by 4:00 p.m., March 8, 2010. At this time this project is open to large and small businesses, however, this requirement may change prior to issuance of a Request for Proposal. Only firms with a business location in Colorado are invited to respond to this Sources Sought Notice. The NAIC code is 722212 with a size standard of $7,000,000.00 gross receipts averaged over a three year period. Interested parties who wish to receive a RFP should be registered with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) at www.ccr.gov. Registration with the CCR is mandatory prior to Subcontract award so interested parties are encouraged to begin the CCR registration process as soon as possible. Responding to this request identifies your organization as an interested candidate only. Your submittal is not in response to a Request for Proposals (RFP).