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 Department of State, ACQUISITIONS - INL is soliciting proposals for Catering Services at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in San Salvador, El Salvador. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside and will be awarded based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology. The contract covers daily meal services for approximately 1,600 law enforcement training participants annually. Proposals are due May 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will provide daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two coffee/snack breaks for students at ILEA San Salvador. Services include weekend meals and flexible scheduling to accommodate an estimated 49,600 meals per year. The scope requires catering to diverse international cuisines and accommodating various dietary restrictions, including allergies, medical conditions, vegetarian/vegan, kosher, and halal requirements. The contractor must also provide all essential food service equipment and manage cleaning of food service areas and kitchens.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Firm Fixed Price)
- Period of Performance: July 20, 2026 – December 31, 2030 (5-month base period + four 1-year option periods)
- Place of Performance: International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) – San Salvador
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 722310 (Caterers) with a $47M size standard
- Proposal Due: May 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
- Published: April 23, 2026
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience: 10+ years providing international cuisine catering services.
- Certifications: Certified international chef and international kitchen certification.
- Capacity: Minimum 1,600 meals/month with 7+ on-site employees per meal service.
- Management: English-speaking Contract Manager and Chef with 5+ years' experience.
- Dietary Accommodation: Ability to serve diverse international cuisines and accommodate various dietary needs.
Proposal Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted in three volumes:
- Volume I: Technical Proposal (Experience, Operational Capability, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan)
- Volume II: Past Performance
- Volume III: Pricing (in Excel format)
Award will be made to the offeror providing the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) proposal, based on technical acceptability, past performance, and price.
Contact Information
- Primary: Gabrielle Gipson (GipsonGR@state.gov)
- Secondary: Courtney Wesely (WeselyCJ@state.gov)