Catering Solicitation No. 693JK426R500001 for DOT Secretary’s 58th Annual Awards Ceremony
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 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of the Secretary, has issued Solicitation No. 693JK426R500001 for catering services for the Secretary's 58th Annual Awards Ceremony. This event includes a Special Awardee Recognition for approximately 50 people and a reception for 800-950 individuals. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due March 29, 2026, at 11:30 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive catering services, including light refreshments, floral arrangements, staff, food, utensils, labor, and necessary equipment. Key requirements include maintaining a safe and clean environment, using fresh ingredients, and ensuring proper food temperatures. The contractor must transport all food and equipment to the site, as no cooking or storage facilities will be provided by DOT. DOT will supply indoor space with electricity, a small conference room, and restrooms. All food must be wholesome, attractive, and safe for consumption. Staff must be sufficient, uniformed, and licensed, with a District of Columbia-licensed food service manager onsite. Floral arrangements are specifically detailed, including large white arrangements for the West Atrium stage and centerpieces for the East Atrium.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Fixed-Price Purchase Order
- Period of Performance: May 7, 2026 - June 19, 2026
- Place of Performance: USDOT Headquarters, Washington, DC
- Ceremony Date: Tentatively June 4, 2026 (alternate June 11, 2026), confirmed by April 15, 2026
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (NAICS 722320, $9M size standard). While a full-and-open-competitive solicitation, DOT reserves the right to award to a small business.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Deadline: March 29, 2026, 11:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time. Proposals must be emailed to specific DOT addresses.
- Pre-Proposal Site Visit: An encouraged, but not required, site visit will be held on March 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM at DOT Headquarters. Pre-registration is required by March 12, 2026, via email.
- Evaluation Factors: Technical Plan, Past Performance, Experience, and Pricing are equally weighted. DOT will use a Best Buy / Best Value approach, with Technical factors being more important than pricing.
- Eligibility: Offerors must possess a valid UEI number, a catering license/certification from DC, MD, or VA, a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) onsite, and a recent Health Department Permit. Non-managerial food-service-handler workers must also be DC licensed.
Additional Notes
This solicitation supersedes a previous version. The budget amount will not be disclosed. There is no maximum page length for proposals, but font size must be easily readable. Parking and travel will not be provided by the government.