INL/El Salvador: ILEA Catering Services
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 State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify sources for comprehensive catering services for the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in San Salvador, El Salvador. This RFI aims to gather technical, operational, and commercial information for an upcoming requirement. Responses are due March 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two coffee/snack breaks for ILEA training participants, including weekend and holiday meals. Services must accommodate diverse international cuisines (Central American, South American, Caribbean preferences) and dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, medical conditions, allergies). Key requirements include:
- At least 10 years of experience in international cuisine catering.
- Employment of a certified international chef (min. 5 years experience in international cuisine).
- Maintenance of an internationally certified kitchen.
- Provision of restaurant-quality meals with weekly COR-approved menus.
- Supply of all necessary food service equipment and kitchen cleanliness.
- Laundry services for linens and uniforms.
- Appointment of an on-site supervisor with adequate English skills.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Period of Performance: Five-month base period (July 20, 2026 – December 31, 2026) plus four option years (January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2030).
- Estimated Volume: Approximately 50 classes annually with 1,600 students, totaling around 49,600 meals per year.
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage).
- Response Due: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
- Published: February 25, 2026.
Submission & Eligibility
Responses, limited to 20 pages, must be submitted via email to Courtney Wesely, Contracting Officer, at WeselyCJ@state.gov with the subject line "RFI – ILEA Catering Service INL/San Salvador." Submissions should detail company capabilities, NAICS code, suggested NAICS, company information (UEI, website, POC), socioeconomic status, technical expertise, past performance, ability to deliver, recommended CLIN structure, and estimated pricing range (FPIF model). Generic capability statements are discouraged; specific information related to the draft SOW is required. Respondents must have a current CAGE Code, UEI number, and active SAM.gov registration to be eligible for a future solicitation.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research and acquisition planning only and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee a future contract award. The government reserves the right to terminate any future contract with two weeks' notice if expectations are not met. ILEA will provide tables and chairs; the contractor is responsible for other equipment and cleaning.