Request for Information - Military Food Service Contracting at Training Center Cape My, NJ

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: A specific need has been identified for full food service at the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Training Center (TRACEN) Cape May, NJ. The Dining Facility at TRACEN Cape May consists of two dining halls (one recruit and one for permanent party personnel) and provides meals 365 days a year to support the nutritional needs of Coast Guard personnel, primarily recruits in training. The USCG is seeking information to determine what industry capabilities exist to support and facilitate this need.

PURPOSE OF THIS RFI: To identify potential offerors capable of operating and meeting the Dining Facility's unique requirements listed below and to obtain information that will assist in building the contractual solution to provide the services described herein.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: The United States Coast Guard is seeking full food service support for its dining facility operation located at TRACEN Cape May, NJ. All contractor personnel working in support of this contract will be required to pass a security background check. Personnel will be required to cover job roles including, but not limited to, a Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, Chef Manager, cooks, and other food service staff. Below is a summary of the baseline and unique requirements anticipated. The USCG is specifically interested in receiving feedback on the unique requirements and specifications from companies capable of meeting all baseline requirements.

Baseline Dining Facility Requirements:

• Receiving, storing, preparing, and serving of food for three meals a day, 365 days a year.
• Menu development that meets USCG nutritional standards, including an eight-week cycle menu and implementation of the "Go for Green Program."
• Quality control and assurance for all food products and services.
• Personnel management, including providing qualified and uniformed staff.
• Performance of related administrative, custodial, and sanitation functions, including cleaning of facilities, equipment, and utensils.
• Operating and performing minor maintenance on all food service equipment.
• Cashier services for the permanent party dining hall.

Dining Facility Unique Requirements/Specifications:

• Operations: Manage two dining halls (one for recruits, one for permanent party) with specified meal hours for each.
• Special Meals: Provide weekly "Prime Meals" for graduating recruits, graduation pizza parties, boxed meals for training missions, and meal service for an adjacent medical facility.
• Menu Variety: Offer multiple entrée choices for each meal (e.g., main, healthy choice, speed-line), complemented by a variety of starches, vegetables, soups, and a full salad bar.
• Progressive Cooking: Utilize "batch cookery" to ensure freshly prepared, high-quality food is always available throughout the meal period.
• Personnel Security: All contractor personnel must pass a background check. Key personnel (Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, Chef Manager) must meet specific experience and/or education qualifications.
• Sanitation: Adhere to strict sanitation and housekeeping standards as outlined in the SOW, including regular pest control and grease trap maintenance.
• Contract Type: The anticipated contract is a 5-year fixed price indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for full food service.

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 UEI/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. Is your business identified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)? If so, identify the NAICS code.
4. 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.
5. Can your firm operate in a military dining facility without modifications?
6. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for the potential work described herein. The ROM should be non-binding and intended for planning purposes only. Please include the following in your submission:
   1. High-level cost estimate (ROM)
   2. Assumptions or basis used to develop the ROM
   3. Any comments on potential cost drivers, risks, or efficiencies
7. How would the price to operate a contract such as this compare to a similar contract which does not require personnel who hold secret clearances?
8. The Randolph Sheppard Act (RSA) may apply to this procurement. Please explain your firm’s experience with the Randolph Sheppard Act, and if your firm would be able to comply with the RSA.
9. 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.
10. Please include any additional information your company would like to provide regarding the requirement described above.

Telephone responses will NOT be accepted. Interested parties may may respond to this Sources Sought Notice via e-mail to janine.a.marshall@uscg.mil. Responses are due no later than 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, June 25, 2026. Thank you for your time and interest in this requirement.