Russell Food and Dirksen Ground & Hart Food and Related Services

The Architect of the Capitol is soliciting proposals under RFP AOCSSB26R0009 for the exclusive provision of food and related services across two Senate facilities: the Russell Senate Office Building and the Dirksen Ground Level & Hart complex. This procurement results in two separate contracts with a total potential performance period of twelve years, structured as a four-year base period and two additional four-year option periods, with a possible six-month extension. The contractor will be responsible for operating all on-site food venues, including breakfast and lunch stations, convenience stores, and vending facilities, with operational hours ranging from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 24/7 coverage for vending and convenience locations. Food services are designated as essential, requiring personnel to remain on-site during federal closures unless otherwise directed. The contractor must meet stringent quality standards, including USDA-grade food specifications, FDA compliance for labeling and allergen disclosure, and adherence to the 2022 FDA Food Code for sanitation. All operations must be conducted with an emphasis on thoughtful stewardship, good taste, and attentive execution, with pricing aligned with comparable government cafeterias in Washington, D.C. Proposals must be submitted electronically via Kiteworks by August 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET, following specific formatting and volume requirements: Volume 1 (Technical) includes operational plans, organizational capabilities, past performance, and financial projections with strict page limits and font requirements, while Volume 2 (Administrative/Financial) contains SF-33 completion, financial responsibility documentation, and signed amendments. The evaluation process prioritizes operational plans and proposed services, organizational capabilities and personnel planning, past performance, and oral presentations over pricing, which carries less weight. Offerors must be actively registered in SAM with a validated UEI and CAGE code, and comply with all federal and agency-specific clauses including Gratuities, Equal Opportunity, Assignment of Claims, and Disputes. Key personnel must be identified, and all staff and vehicles are subject to Senate security protocols, including E-Verify checks and criminal history screenings via Form CP-491. Contractors must provide a Quality Assurance Plan, maintain comprehensive financial records, submit annual CPA-certified income statements, and insure liabilities as required. Capital investments for renovations are the contractor’s responsibility, and the government provides facilities in “as-is” condition. Commission percentages on gross receipts above break-even are proposed by the