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 for the United States Senate. This opportunity seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive food services under a Commissions plus Fixed Fee contract. The AOC intends to make a single award to the responsible Offeror providing the best overall value. Proposals are due Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for operating and managing daily food service operations, vending, catering, and related services across various U.S. Senate facilities, including the Capitol Building, Dirksen, Hart, and Russell Senate Office Buildings, and the U.S. Capitol Police Headquarters. Services encompass fine dining (Senate Dining Room), cafeterias, carryout, 24/7 convenience stores, coffee shops, and vending machine operations. Key responsibilities include maintaining high food quality and safety, providing excellent customer service, managing operating hours that align with unpredictable Senate schedules, accommodating last-minute requests, and adhering to strict sanitation and environmental standards. Performance standards require services to be a "destination of choice" at competitive prices, with customer satisfaction levels above 90%.
Contract Details
This will be a single award, Commissions plus Fixed Fee contract. The period of performance includes a multi-year base from contract award to December 31, 2031, with mobilization/phase-in until December 31, 2027, and full restaurant operations commencing December 31, 2027. The contract includes two (2) four-year options and a six-month extension option, potentially extending the contract up to 12 years. The AOC anticipates award on or before March 8, 2027. The contractor will bear performance and financial risks, paying the AOC a commission based on gross receipts, while the AOC will pay an optional fixed fee. The AOC is a legislative branch entity and is not subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), following its own negotiated acquisitions process.
Key Requirements & Attachments
Offerors must detail their Technical Approach, including operational plans, proposed services, menus, quality assurance, adaptability, and personnel plans, with resumes for key personnel (J.7). The contractor is responsible for capital investments and providing an updated Price and Portion Guide annually (J.14). A comprehensive Point of Sale (POS) system meeting detailed technical requirements (J.9) and adherence to specific service standards for dining and catering (J.3) are mandatory. Bidders must also account for the Collective Bargaining Agreement (J.25) and the Negotiated Fee Annual Arrangement (NFA) for former Senate Restaurant employees (J.8). A Non-disclosure Agreement (J.22) is required to access sensitive facility information (J.2).
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted electronically via AOC's secure file transfer site, Kiteworks, by Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET. Offerors are strongly encouraged to request Kiteworks access via email as soon as possible (J.23). Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted via Kiteworks using Attachment J.16 - Questions Template by Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET. A Pre-proposal Conference and Walk-through of Senate facilities will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026; RSVP by April 24, 2026. Proposals are to be submitted in two volumes: Technical and Administrative/Financial. Evaluation will be based on a "Best Value" determination, considering operational plans, organizational capabilities, personnel plan, past performance (J.15), and financial projections (Section M). The AOC reserves the right to award without discussions.
Important Notes
This opportunity has no set-aside designation. Offerors must be actively registered in SAM. The NAICS code is 722310 (Food Service Contractors). Attachments J.18 (Certificate of Liability Insurance) and J.19 (USCP Criminal History Check) shall not be completed until a contract is issued.