Senate Food and Related 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 Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) # AOCSSB26R0002 for Senate Food and Related Services. This opportunity seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive food services, including fine dining, cafeterias, catering, vending, and convenience stores, across various U.S. Senate and Capitol Police facilities in Washington, D.C. The contract is a Commissions plus Fixed Fee type, with a potential duration of up to 12 years. Proposals are due Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for the exclusive provision and operation of food services in locations such as the Senate Dining Room, Senate Carryout, Coffee Shop, Dirksen Cafeteria, and 24/7 convenience stores. Key responsibilities include maintaining high food quality, safety, and customer service standards (90%+ satisfaction), managing operating hours aligned with Senate schedules, and adhering to FDA Food Code and environmental standards. The contractor must provide and fund a complete technology refresh for the Point of Sale (POS) system, including mobile ordering and cashierless capabilities, and is responsible for capital investments and renovations.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Single award, Commissions plus Fixed Fee.
- Period of Performance: A multi-year base period from contract award (anticipated by March 8, 2027) to December 31, 2031, with a mobilization/phase-in period until December 31, 2027. Includes two (2) four-year option periods and a six-month extension option, potentially totaling up to 12 years.
- Set-Aside: Not specified (open competition).
- Questions Due: Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET.
- Pre-proposal Conference/Site Visit: Monday, April 27, 2026 (RSVP by April 24, 2026, 12:00 pm ET).
- Proposals Due: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET.
- Anticipated Award: On or before March 8, 2027.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted electronically via the AOC's secure file transfer site, Kiteworks. Offerors must request Kiteworks access via email to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist, providing user information and a completed Non-Disclosure Agreement (Attachment J.22). Proposals must adhere to a specific file structure and be fixed-price for each year. Evaluation will be based on a "Best Value" determination, considering:
- Operational Plans and Proposed Services
- Organizational Capabilities and Personnel Plan
- Past Performance
- Completed Section B Pricing Schedules and Financial Projections The AOC may award without discussions, emphasizing the importance of initial proposals containing the best terms. Proposals rated below "Acceptable" for key factors will be ineligible.
Key Considerations
Bidders must account for labor costs based on the Service Contract Act Wage Determination (J.17) and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (J.25). Special provisions apply to former Senate Restaurant employees (J.8). The AOC is a legislative branch entity and follows its own negotiated acquisitions process, not the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). No historical sales data is provided.