ARMY DINING EXCELLENCE INITIATIVE (DINEX)
ID: W5168W26RA017Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE ARMYW6QM MICC-FDO FT SAM HOUSTONFORT SAM HOUSTON, TX, 78234-0000, USA

PSC

OPERATION OF DINING FACILITIES (M1FD)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/b4e187192393417e8c610cbdfdb99d98/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Army's Mission Installation Contracting Command (MICC), is initiating the Dining Excellence Initiative (DINEX) to modernize food service operations at its Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) garrisons. The initiative aims to identify innovative and flexible solutions that enhance food service operations, transitioning from a traditional model to a more dynamic campus-style dining concept that offers diverse and healthy meal options for Soldiers. This effort is critical for improving Soldier well-being and operational efficiency, with the potential to serve over 55 million meals annually across 13 installations. Interested parties are encouraged to review the draft Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) and submit feedback by January 12, 2026, with inquiries directed to Michael D. Schneider at michael.d.schneider55.civ@army.mil or Jeffery Harris at jeffery.d.harris.civ@army.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DINEX COMMERCIAL SOLUTION OPENING (11 DEC 25 DRAFT).pdf
    The Mission Installation Contracting Command (MICC) / Army Sustainment Command (ASC) has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for the Army Food Service Program. The CSO seeks innovative solutions for Enhanced Food Service Operations at T2COM Garrisons, which are responsible for Soldier training and development. The Army aims to modernize its food service from a traditional, restrictive model to a campus-style dining concept, offering diverse and healthy options for over 55 million meals annually across 13 installations. The four-phase evaluation process includes solution briefs, pitches, site visits, and written proposals, culminating in a fixed-price prototype agreement. The prototype will be tested at Fort Lee, Virginia, and Fort Rucker, Alabama, with the potential for follow-on production across all T2COM locations. The goal is to leverage commercial expertise to improve efficiency, cost savings, and Soldier well-being.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    ARMY DINING EXCELLENCE INITIATIVE (DINEX)
    Currently viewing
    Presolicitation
    Similar Opportunities
    FY 26 RTI Catering
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Illinois Army National Guard, is soliciting proposals for catering services to provide prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for the 129th Regiment during training events from January 2 to September 25, 2026. The contract, valued at approximately $9 million, requires the selected vendor to deliver meals to designated locations, including the IMA DFAC at Camp Lincoln and Lincoln Land Community College, adhering to strict delivery protocols and food safety standards. This procurement is crucial for ensuring that military personnel receive nutritious meals during their training, with specific dietary needs and meal counts outlined in the solicitation documents. Interested vendors should direct inquiries to Stephanie Maley at stephanie.c.maley.civ@army.mil or Donald Piper at donald.g.piper6.mil@army.mil, and must comply with the submission deadlines and requirements detailed in the solicitation.
    Army Sustainment Command (ASC) Logistics readiness Command (LRC) Fort Lee Full Foods Service Contract
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Mission Installation and Contracting Command (MICC) at Fort Eustis, is seeking qualified contractors to provide Full Food Service (FFS) and remote site feeding services at Fort Lee, Virginia. The contractor will be responsible for all aspects of dining facility management, including supervision, labor, equipment, materials, and supplies, while adhering to strict quality control, safety protocols, and training requirements. This procurement is crucial for supporting the Army's food service program and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Interested parties must submit capability statements by December 16, 2025, at 12 PM EDT, to primary contact Jayson Dillard at jayson.l.dillard.civ@army.mil or secondary contact Edward Wojtan at edward.w.wojtan2.Civ@army.mil.
    151 ESB Catered Meals 5JAN-10APR 2026
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the South Carolina Army National Guard, is soliciting proposals for the provision of catered meals for the 151st Enhanced Separate Brigade from January 5, 2026, to April 10, 2026. The contract requires the delivery of 2,269 hot catered lunches, adhering to specific food safety regulations and utilizing the SCARNG FY25 14 Day Menu, with all meals to be served buffet-style or in appropriate containers. This procurement is critical for supporting the brigade's annual training event, ensuring that service members receive nutritious meals during their training period. Interested small business contractors must submit their quotes by December 18, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Kevin Esber at kevin.j.esber.mil@army.mil, with an estimated total contract value of $9 million.
    RTI 13M Schoolhouse Meals
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, is soliciting proposals for the RTI 13M Schoolhouse Meals contract, which involves providing three daily meals for scheduled training at the Regional Training Institute in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The contractor will be responsible for all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and quality control necessary to deliver meal services from April 16th to November 20th, 2026. This service is crucial for supporting the training operations at the institute, and the contract will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price under a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Interested vendors must submit their quotes via email by January 7th, 2026, and all inquiries should be directed to Andrew Kennedy by December 11th, 2025, with responses expected by December 17th, 2025.
    W912L725RA007 SMYRNA DFAC SOLICITATION 2026-2031
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Army, is soliciting proposals for dining facility services at the Smyrna Training Site for the Tennessee National Guard, under solicitation number W912L725RA007. The contract, which is a total small business set-aside, requires the contractor to provide comprehensive food services, including meal preparation, serving, and management, while adhering to strict sanitation and security standards. This five-year firm-fixed-price contract includes a one-year base period and four optional one-year extensions, with services expected to commence in February 2026. Proposals are due by December 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM CST, and interested parties should direct inquiries to Rhonda Lien at rhonda.m.lien.civ@army.mil.
    Statewide Food Delivery Service (Bridge)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, is seeking a contractor to provide a statewide food delivery service under a single award service contract. This procurement aims to bridge the gap between the expiration of the current task order and the establishment of a new contract, ensuring continuity of food service operations. The food delivery service is critical for maintaining the well-being and operational readiness of personnel. Interested parties can reach out to Sinamar Benauro at sinamar.b.benauro.civ@army.mil or 615-313-0774, or Teresa Baxter at teresa.a.baxter.civ@army.mil or 615-313-2658 for further details.
    VTARNG RTI Full Food Service JAN - JUN 2025
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army, is seeking qualified small businesses to provide full food service support for training courses at the Vermont Regional Training Institute from January to June 2025. The procurement includes delivering hot meals and light cleaning services across multiple periods, with specific quantities outlined for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the contract duration. This opportunity is crucial for ensuring that service members receive adequate nutrition during their training, reflecting the government's commitment to supporting small businesses in federal contracting. Interested parties must submit their quotes by December 19, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Kathleen O'Neill at kathleen.b.oneill.civ@army.mil or Donald Luby at donald.j.luby.civ@army.mil.
    Salt Lake City Military Entrance Processing Station Noon Meals
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Army, is soliciting quotes from qualified vendors to provide noon meals for applicants at the Salt Lake City Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The contract requires the provision of boxed meals, specifically submarine sandwiches and accompanying items, adhering to strict food safety and sanitation standards, with service expected Monday through Friday, and some Saturdays, excluding holidays and training days. This procurement is crucial for supporting the nutritional needs of Armed Forces applicants during their processing, ensuring they receive adequate meals in a timely manner. Interested vendors, particularly Women-Owned Small Businesses, must submit their quotes by December 23, 2025, with a total estimated award amount of $47,000,000.00 for the contract period, which includes a base year and two one-year options. For further inquiries, vendors can contact Adam Buchert at adam.p.buchert.civ@army.mil or Tara E. Glass at tara.e.glass.civ@mail.mil.
    DFAC Service, Camp Murray, WA
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, is seeking responses from qualified vendors for Weekend Dining Facility Services at Camp Murray, Washington. The anticipated requirement includes providing lunch meals for three consecutive days each month, encompassing setup, preparation, cooking, and cleanup, all in compliance with DoD and Air Force nutritional standards. This service is crucial for maintaining the dietary needs of personnel at the 194th Wing, Washington Air National Guard, with food supplied by the 194th Wing Force Support Squadron. Interested parties must submit their responses, including company information and capabilities, by January 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM, to the 194th Contracting Office via email at 194.wg.fal.msc.contracting@us.af.mil. This opportunity is set aside for small businesses under the SBA guidelines.
    MODULAR OPERATIONAL RATION ENHANCEMENT (MORE)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA Troop Support), is seeking proposals for the Modular Operational Ration Enhancement (MORE), which serves as an enhancement to the Meal-Ready-to-Eat Ration (MRE) and the First Strike Ration (FSR). This procurement focuses on two specialized types of rations: Type I for High Altitude/Cold Weather and Type II for Hot Weather, designed to provide additional calories and nutrients to Warfighters operating in extreme environments. The MORE is critical for maintaining the health and performance of military personnel in areas where nutrient depletion occurs rapidly. Interested vendors can contact Julian Coppertino at julian.coppertino@dla.mil or Tiendung Nguyen at tiendung.nguyen@dla.mil for further details, with the presolicitation notice indicating the importance of adhering to rigorous packaging and inspection standards outlined in the associated documentation.