Library of Congress Food Service Operations
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 Library of Congress (LOC) is seeking proposals for comprehensive Food Service Operations at its facilities in Washington, D.C. This unrestricted combined synopsis/solicitation aims to provide modern and innovative food services to approximately 1.9 million visitors and 3,300 staff annually. Proposals are due by February 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern.
Scope of Work
The contractor will manage and operate a full food service program, including cafes, cafeterias, markets, and franchise venues. Key responsibilities include food purchase, preparation, presentation, sanitation, scheduling, staffing, reporting, environmental compliance, quality control, and customer service. The program emphasizes variety, fresh, healthy, organic, and seasonal foods. Specific requirements include implementing employee training, managing restaurant systems, maintaining a customer feedback system, providing a 20% staff discount (excluding franchises), adhering to sustainability initiatives (no Styrofoam/single-use plastics, composting/recycling), ensuring clean and sanitary conditions, providing professional extermination, and procuring/maintaining small wares and specialty equipment. A Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) program is also required.
Contract Details
This is a no-cost contract with a base period from March 31, 2026, to March 30, 2029, and four option periods extending the potential performance through March 30, 2041. The acquisition is unrestricted, as the Library of Congress is not subject to the Small Business Act for set-asides, and the Randolph-Sheppard Act certification requirement has been removed by Amendment 0002. No concessionaire fee is paid to the LOC; however, the contractor must maintain a reserve account of 1.5% of gross sales for future renovations or as directed.
Key Information for Bidders
Historical annual sales average $3,200,000.00, based on an un-renovated facility, with proposals expected to reflect a renovated facility. Monthly gross sales are approximately $300,000.00. The incumbent vendor is I.L. Creations. The contractor is responsible for funding all operations, including renovations, as no government funding is allocated. Existing kitchen equipment inventory and floor plans for the James Madison Memorial Building, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson Buildings are provided. All small wares and POS/card readers are owned by the incumbent and will not transfer. This solicitation does not cover vending or catering services, which are anticipated to be separate opportunities. Resumes are required for key personnel, including a Project Manager, On-site Supervisors, and an HSE Manager. Bidders must also adhere to the Service Contract Act Wage Determination.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals are due electronically via email to dleonard@loc.gov by February 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Award will be based on a Best Value Trade-Off, with non-price factors (Management Plan and Key Personnel, Past Performance) being more important than price. A Quality Control Plan (QCP) is required.