3BDE JCLC Dodge Meals
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Army is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified small businesses capable of providing a full meal support system for the Army Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) at Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, Johnston, IA. This notice aims to determine if a Small Business Set-Aside is feasible for the anticipated procurement. Responses are due by April 6, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The U.S. Government seeks to procure comprehensive meal services for approximately 85 cadets and 30 cadre. This includes support for a resource working group on May 11, 2026, and the main training event from May 26-30, 2026. Services encompass all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, and services required for meal preparation, serving, and cleanup. Serving will occur inside barracks building S53 at Camp Dodge.
Key Requirements
The contractor will be responsible for:
- Setting up and maintaining two serving lines for breakfast and dinner.
- Providing disposable plates, cups, napkins, and eating utensils.
- Ensuring food is prepared, served hot, and maintained at proper temperatures.
- Offering vegetarian meal options.
- Transporting food and equipment to and from the designated serving area.
- Removing trash from the dining area.
- Adhering to prescribed timelines, quality control, and health/safety standards.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought (for a future Firm Fixed-Price contract)
- NAICS Code: 721214 (Food Services); Size Standard: $9M
- Set-Aside: Intended Small Business Set-Aside (contingent on sufficient qualified small business responses)
- Place of Performance: Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, Johnston, IA 50131
- Period of Performance: May 11-30, 2026
- Published Date: March 31, 2026
Response Requirements
Interested small businesses should provide:
- Firm details (name, POC, phone, email, DUNS, CAGE, small business status/certifications, NAICS).
- Indication of interest as prime contractor, including any subcontracting, joint ventures, or teaming arrangements.
- Detailed information on previous experience with similar requirements (size, scope, complexity, timeframe, government/commercial).
- Information on commercial availability, including pricing, delivery schedules, terms, and warranties.
- Recommendations on structuring contract requirements to facilitate small business competition.
- Identification of any conditions unnecessarily restricting competition.
- Recommendations to improve the draft PWS/PRS.
Submission Details
Responses must be emailed to Contract Specialist Robin Woodard (robin.a.woodard3.civ@army.mil) and Contracting Officer Samuel M. Henderson (samuel.m.henderson1.civ@army.mil) no later than April 6, 2026, at 10:00 ET (Fort Knox local time).
Important Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for information and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue one. The Government will not pay for information submitted. Not responding does not preclude participation in any future solicitation.