VAARNG Class 1 Rations (REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI))
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 Virginia Army National Guard (VAARNG) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought to identify capable industry partners, including small businesses, for the provision and distribution of raw subsistence (fresh and frozen food) and specialized meal kits for military personnel across multiple training sites within the Commonwealth of Virginia. This is for market research and planning purposes only.
Scope of Work
The anticipated requirement involves acting as a prime vendor or distributor to procure, store, and deliver subsistence items. Key elements include:
- Providing a wide catalog of fresh, frozen, and dry raw subsistence compliant with military menu standards (e.g., DA PAM 30-22).
- Sourcing and assembling individual or group meal kits equivalent to Tailored Operational Training Meals (TOTM) or Unitized Group Rations (UGR), requiring a minimum 18-month shelf-life.
- Executing recurring logistics and delivery up to three (3) times per week to designated dining facilities and field feeding sites across Virginia.
- Ensuring absolute compliance with food defense, sanitation, and safety standards outlined in TB MED 530 and FDA regulations.
Requested Information
Interested vendors must submit a Capability Statement (not exceeding five pages) addressing:
- Company Profile: Name, CAGE Code, UEI, Point of Contact, and current Business Size/Socio-economic status under NAICS 424490 and 311991.
- Logistics Network: Description of current distribution footprint, fleet capabilities, and cold-chain management infrastructure within or adjacent to Virginia, including subcontractors.
- Meal Kit Capability: Experience in assembling and distributing individual/group meal kits, detailing ability to meet caloric, macronutrient, and shelf-life requirements.
- Food Safety: Evidence of compliance with FDA food safety standards and experience adhering to DoD food safety protocols (TB MED 530).
- Past Performance: Brief summary of similar contracts (Government or Commercial) successfully executed within the last three (3) years. Vendors are also required to answer specific Industry Questions regarding optimal delivery points, refrigerated trailer capabilities, minimum drop size, existing distribution hubs in Virginia, and standard lead times for raw subsistence versus meal kits.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified (seeking all capable industry partners, including small businesses)
- Primary NAICS: 311991, 311999
- Secondary NAICS: 424490
- Response Due: June 1, 2026, 11:00 AM EST
- Questions Due: May 15, 2026, 11:00 AM EST
- Published: May 8, 2026
Submission Instructions
Responses must be submitted via email to David A. Pickard (david.a.pickard.civ@army.mil). The subject line must read: "Request for Information Response: Subsistence and Meal Kits VA - [Your Company Name]".
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an obligation on the part of the Government.