Library of Congress Food Service Operations

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination from the U.S. Department of Labor, setting the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations under the Service Contract Act (SCA). It is intended to inform contractors of their obligations regarding employee compensation for contracts subject to the SCA.

• Applicable Executive Orders: Details the applicability of Executive Order 14026 (effective Jan 30, 2022, or later) and Executive Order 13658 (effective Jan 1, 2015 - Jan 29, 2022).
• Minimum Wage Rates: Lists specific minimum hourly wage rates for a wide range of occupations, categorized by job family (e.g., Administrative Support, Automotive, Health Occupations, Information Technology).
• Fringe Benefits: Outlines required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $5.09/hour under EO 13706), Vacation (2-4 weeks based on service length), and Holidays (11 paid holidays).
• Executive Order Notes: Provides specific details on minimum wage requirements under EOs 14026 and 13658, including annual adjustments and specific exclusions for certain contracts.
• Special Differentials: Mentions potential differentials for hazardous pay (8% or 4%) and night/Sunday pay for Air Traffic Controllers and Weather Observers.
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements for contractors to provide or reimburse employees for uniforms and their maintenance.
• Conformance Process: Describes the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not listed in the determination.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs for proposals. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed the rates and requirements specified in this wage determination for all covered service employees. Failure to comply can lead to contract violations and penalties. It also informs bidders about potential additional costs related to hazardous duty, night/Sunday pay, and uniform allowances.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for comprehensive food service operations at the Library of Congress (LOC) in Washington, D.C. The LOC seeks to provide modern and innovative food services to approximately 1.9 million visitors and 3,300 staff annually. The services will be managed and operated in accordance with federal and local regulations.

• Comprehensive food service program including café, cafeteria, market, and franchise venues.

• Emphasis on variety, fresh, healthy, organic, and seasonal foods.

• Management of food purchase, preparation, presentation, sanitation, scheduling, staffing, reporting, environmental compliance, quality control, and customer service.

• Implementation of an employee training program covering sanitation, product knowledge, customer service, ADA, and health/safety.

• Procurement and maintenance of restaurant management systems.

• Maintenance of a customer feedback management system.

• Provision of a 20% staff discount in all venues except franchises.

• Adherence to environmental sustainability initiatives, including prohibiting Styrofoam and single-use plastics, and participation in composting/recycling programs.

• Maintenance of consistently clean and sanitary conditions in all food service areas.

• Provision of professional extermination services.

• Procurement and maintenance of small wares and specialty equipment.

• Compliance with physical security requirements, including video monitoring and keyed locking systems.

• Development and implementation of a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) program.

• Contract Type: No-cost contract.

• Period of Performance: Base period from March 31, 2026, to March 30, 2029, with four option periods extending through March 30, 2041.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: January 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

• Submission Method: Electronic via email to dleonard@loc.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Best Value Trade-Off, with factors including Management Plan and Key Personnel, Past Performance, and Price. Non-price factors are more important than price.

• Pre-Proposal Site Visit: December 18, 2025, at 9:30 AM.

• Questions Deadline: December 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST.

• This acquisition is being conducted as an unrestricted acquisition.

• Consideration will be given to blind vendors under the Randolph-Sheppard Act (RSA).

• The contract requires specific key personnel: Project Manager, On-site Supervisors, and Health, Safety, and Environmental Manager (HSE).

• Offerors must submit a Quality Control Plan (QCP).

• Deliveries must adhere to specific packaging and marking requirements, including security protocols for accessing Library loading docks.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides anticipated questions and answers related to a food service and vending opportunity.

• Historical Sales: Annual historic sales average $3,200,000.00, based on an un-renovated facility. Proposals should be based on a renovated facility. Specific sales breakdowns by location are provided (Madison Building 6th Floor - $2,200,000.00, Subway - $418,000.00, Dunkin - $489,000.00, Adams Building 1st Floor - $179,000.00).
• Employee Information: No formal employee surveys have been completed. An employee list will be provided to the awardee only. Current pay rates and vacation eligibility for hourly positions are considered proprietary and not available.
• Equipment: The current vendor will retain excess small wares (e.g., coffee brewers, espresso machines, portable induction burners). The contractor is responsible for providing and maintaining all other necessary small wares.
• Facility Drawings: Detailed drawings with dimensions will be furnished to interested offerors attending the site visit or upon written request, if available.
• Funding & Subsidies: The contractor funds its own food service operations and is responsible for all associated costs, including sub-contracted branded franchises. The Library of Congress (LOC) will not subsidize operations. The program is structured as a profit and loss account for the contractor.
• Site Visit: Site visits are only available during the official time outlined in Section L of the solicitation. No per diem is provided for travel.
• Fees: No concessionaire fee is paid to the LOC. However, the contractor must maintain a reserve account of 1.5% of gross sales for use as directed by the COR/CO.
• Incumbent Vendor: I.L. Creations.
• Union Agreement: There is no union agreement in place.
• Resumes: Resumes are required for all key positions.
• Building Traffic: Average daily door entry counts for FY19 are provided: Jefferson - 5,300, Madison - 2,690, Adams - 515.

This Q&A document clarifies key aspects of the solicitation, including sales data, facility conditions, contractor responsibilities for funding and equipment, and site visit procedures. Bidders should incorporate this information into their proposals.