26Z7AG4 – Replace BOP Steam Kettles

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Sources Sought Questionnaire issued by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) to conduct market research for the replacement of 193 kettles across 55 institutions. The FBOP anticipates a single solicitation and award for this requirement. This questionnaire is for information purposes only and the described requirement may or may not be included in the subsequent solicitation.

• Kettle Delivery Capability: Asks if firms can deliver the required brand name or equal kettles to all institutions.
• Firm Capabilities: If unable to meet full requirements, asks what specific requirements the firm can provide.
• Business Size: Inquires about the firm's size (small or large) based on NAICS code 423440 (Refrigeration Equipment).
• Subcontracting: Asks about the level of subcontracting the firm would utilize.
• Small Business Programs: Inquires about eligibility for specific small business programs (8(a), Women-Owned, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned, HUBZone, Veteran-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned).
• Performance Period Suitability: Asks if the estimated 40-day performance period is suitable and requests an alternative timeframe if not.
• Bid/Proposal Preparation Time: Asks for the number of calendar days needed to prepare a bid/proposal.
• Industry Recommendations: Seeks suggestions for the proposed work.
• Pricing Range: Requests an estimated pricing range for the work.
• Work Commencement: Asks how many calendar days after award work could begin, noting potential security clearance investigation delays.
• Issues/Challenges: Asks about any foreseen issues or challenges with the requirement.
• Firm Information: Requires firm name, UEI, address, point of contact, telephone number, and e-mail address.

This questionnaire is crucial for potential bidders to understand the FBOP's initial requirements for kettle replacement. Responses will help vendors assess their capability to meet the potential solicitation's needs, inform their proposal preparation strategy, and provide valuable market intelligence to the government. The deadline for responses is February 6, 2026. All future information will be distributed via the website.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the specifications for the procurement and shipment of 193 commercial food service steam kettles to 55 Federal Bureau of Prisons institutions across the United States. This is part of an annual replacement equipment program for food service and laundry equipment.

The core requirement is to supply and ship 193 commercial food service steam kettles. The specifications detail various types of kettles, including:

• Gas-fired steam kettles (40, 60, 80, and 100-gallon capacities)
• Direct steam kettles (40, 60, 80, and 100-gallon capacities)
• Electric steam kettles (40, 60, 80, and 100-gallon capacities, with specific voltage requirements like 208/60/3 or 480/60/3)
• 10-gallon electric steam kettles (specific models mentioned)

All kettles must include a "Correctional Package" with tamper-resistant controls, reinforced lids, security-oriented exterior construction, and anchoring provisions suitable for correctional environments. Specific salient characteristics are detailed for each kettle type, including capacity, energy source, ignition, design, construction, mounting, accessories (e.g., fill faucet, air eliminator, lift-off cover, strainer), security features (lockable lid), and brand name references (e.g., Cleveland, KGL, KDL, KEL, Groen) or equal.

The document specifies a single contract award for supply and shipment. The period of performance and contract type are not detailed in this document.

This document focuses on the technical specifications and quantity requirements. Details regarding proposal submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and key deadlines are not included here.

No specific set-aside information is provided in this document.

Detailed quantities and delivery locations for each of the 55 institutions are provided, specifying the exact number and type of kettles required per location. Delivery is to occur between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays. Coordination with the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) for delivery scheduling is required.