CATERED 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, USPFO Activity LA ARNG, has issued a Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition for Catered Meals to support the Louisiana National Guard during the Sugar Bowl and New Year's security mission in New Orleans, LA. This sole-source procurement, citing "unusual and compelling urgency," is for boxed catered meals from December 29, 2025, to January 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for daily boxed catered meals including an entree, side items, and beverages, packaged and delivered according to health and safety standards. These meals are critical for supporting soldiers on a security mission in New Orleans, ensuring uninterrupted mission readiness. Deliveries must adhere to mission-required timelines, correct meal counts, and allow for flexibility based on operational needs.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition (Sole Source)
- Authority: 10 U.S.C. 2304(a)(2) or 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(2) ("unusual and compelling urgency")
- Period of Performance: December 29, 2025 – January 2, 2026
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Published: February 5, 2026
Justification & Rationale
This procurement is justified due to the unusual and compelling urgency of the requirement, which is deemed non-severable. Awarding to an unproven source was identified as introducing unacceptable risks to mission readiness. Market research indicated that the selected vendor was the only capable source with existing infrastructure, equipment, and staffing to meet the urgent, high-volume, mission-critical turnaround timelines. Other local vendors were not responsive to these specific needs.
Additional Notes
The contracting office plans to conduct further market research for future requirements to promote broader competition.