Tampa MEPS Boxed Noon Meals

SOL #: W9124D26QA077Pre-Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Army
W6QM MICC-FT KNOX
FORT KNOX, KY, 40121-5000, United States

Place of Performance

Tampa, FL

NAICS

Food Service Contractors (722310)

PSC

Food Services (S203)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Timeline

1
Posted
Feb 9, 2026
2
Last Updated
Feb 26, 2026
3
Response Deadline
Mar 19, 2026, 2:00 PM

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 Mission Installation Contracting Command – Fort Knox intends to issue a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for Boxed Noon Meals for applicants processing through the Tampa Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Tampa, FL. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 722310). The period of performance is one base year (April 1, 2026, or contract award, through March 31, 2027) with two one-year option periods. Quotes are anticipated to be due on or about March 18, 2026.

Scope of Work

The contractor will be responsible for preparing and delivering boxed noon meals, Monday through Friday (excluding legal holidays and MEPS training days), with up to 28 Saturdays annually, and "mission day" meals up to twice a month. Meals must be prepared in a state/local licensed facility and transported in enclosed, clean vehicles to the Tampa MEPS. Each noon meal must include a sandwich (4 oz meat, 2 slices cheese, lettuce, tomato), chips, a pre-packaged dessert, fresh fruit, a straw, and a napkin. Beverages include a variety of carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, iced tea, and whole milk (when requested), along with condiments. The contractor must also clean the serving and dining areas daily and remove all trash. Historical data indicates an average of 102 meals per day, with a maximum of 250, with daily notification of exact quantities.

Contract Details & Timeline

  • Solicitation Number: W9124D26QA077
  • Notice Type: Pre-solicitation
  • Contract Type: Request for Quotations (RFQ)
  • Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
  • NAICS Code: 722310 (Food Services, Size Standard: $47 Million)
  • Period of Performance: April 1, 2026 (or award) – March 31, 2027, plus two one-year options.
  • Place of Performance: Tampa MEPS, 3520 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614.
  • RFQ Posting (Anticipated): On or about February 26, 2026.
  • Quotes Due (Anticipated): On or about March 18, 2026, by 2:00 PM ET.
  • Questions Due: March 10, 2026, by 10:00 AM ET.

Special Requirements

Contractor employees and subcontractors must complete AT Level I Awareness, iWATCH, and OPSEC Level I training within 30 days of award and annually. Background checks are required for facility access. The contractor must provide their own meal transport cart, which will be subject to security screening. The government will provide dining area tables, chairs, and waste receptacles, but no other Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE). The contractor must be able to accept Government Purchase Card (GPC) for payment. All contractors must be registered in SAM.gov.

Contact Information

All questions must be submitted in writing to Robert Applewhite (robert.applewhite.civ@army.mil) or Melissa J. Brackett (melissa.j.brackett.civ@army.mil).

People

Points of Contact

Robert ApplewhitePRIMARY
Melissa J. BrackettSECONDARY

Files

Files

No files attached to this opportunity

Versions

Version 2
Solicitation
Posted: Feb 26, 2026
View
Version 1Viewing
Pre-Solicitation
Posted: Feb 9, 2026
W9124D26QA077_Tampa MEPS Boxed Noon Meals | GovScope