DARPA Food Service Concessions
ID: DARPASSN_09252024Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

Limited-Service Restaurants (722513)
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking qualified vendors to establish a food service concession at its facility in Arlington, Virginia, with the aim of enhancing workplace amenities through a fully operational cafeteria. The contractor will be responsible for providing high-quality, minimally processed food options, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, while adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards, and catering to dietary restrictions. This initiative is crucial for promoting convenience and satisfaction among employees and visitors, with a no-cost contract anticipated to be awarded to a single firm starting in January 2025. Interested parties must submit their responses to the Sources Sought Notice by October 9, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Mary Beth Colavito at DARPAConcessionsRequirement@darpa.mil.

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    Posted
    This document outlines the equipment and layout for a café facility managed by DARPA. It details the floor plan for a 24/7 grab-and-go café, specifying locations for various kitchen and food service items such as conveyor toasters, refrigerators, cooking ranges, and serving counters. Each item includes a quantity and description, indicating that all equipment is to be maintained by DARPA. The list reflects a comprehensive kitchen setup that supports efficient food preparation and service, highlighting the importance of functionality in a high-demand environment. The equipment includes essential appliances like fryers, ovens, and sinks, ensuring health and safety standards are met. Notably, the document mentions that specifications are subject to change by DARPA, pointing to a flexible approach in planning. This project appears aligned with government initiatives for providing services, thus fulfilling operational objectives in a government-funded environment.
    The document outlines the insurance requirements for vendors and contractors servicing the building located at 675 N. Randolph St., Arlington, VA. All parties must provide a current certificate of insurance on an ACORD 25 form, detailing specific coverage limits. These include Commercial General Liability with a minimum per occurrence limit of $1 million, Professional Liability where applicable, and Business Automobile Liability, among others. Vendors must name Arlington VA I FGF, LLC and Kodiak Realty Services, LLC as certificate holders and include them as additional insured parties. Furthermore, the document specifies that any self-insured retentions and deductibles must be identified, and a cancellation clause requires a 30-day written notice for any policy changes. The goal is to ensure adequate coverage and liability protection for all operations conducted at the site. This comprehensive insurance provision is a standard requirement in government RFP processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance in managing public properties.
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aims to establish a cafeteria at its Arlington, Virginia facility, catering exclusively to authorized personnel. The contractor will be responsible for delivering high-quality, minimally processed food options while adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards. The cafeteria will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients and cater to dietary restrictions. Operating Monday to Friday, the contractor must manage food preparation, customer service, and maintain cleanliness in compliance with health regulations. Regular audits and quality assurance measures are mandated to ensure service excellence. Additionally, the contractor will handle pricing adjustments, sustainability practices, and employee management, including background checks and compliance with federal laws. Deliverables include a diverse menu, operational schedules, sanitation procedures, and quarterly performance reports. The objective is to enhance workplace convenience and satisfaction through a well-managed food service operation while maintaining a comprehensive oversight framework from DARPA’s Facilities and Logistics Directorate. This initiative illustrates DARPA's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for its workforce.
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking information for food service concessions at its Arlington, Virginia location through a Sources Sought Notice. This request is for market research purposes and is not a formal Request for Proposal (RFP). DARPA aims to identify qualified sources within the NAICS 722513 classification for limited-service restaurants. They invite responses from a diverse range of businesses, including various types of small businesses, assessing the feasibility of a set-aside competition for small firms. A no-cost contract is anticipated to begin in January 2025. Interested companies must submit detailed responses, including company identification, business classification, relevant experience, and other mandatory requirements. Feedback on potential contract types and evaluation criteria is also encouraged. The notice emphasizes that no costs will be reimbursed for response preparation, and that all submissions will be considered confidential under non-disclosure agreements. Responses are due by October 9, 2024. Overall, this document outlines DARPA's initiative to facilitate a competitive bidding process for food service while gathering market insights.
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