Bid guide

How to bid on certified halal meals for FCI Ashland from the Department of Justice

Justice, Department of Ashland, KYCloses August 14, 2027

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Federal Bureau of Prisons, specifically FCI Ashland in Kentucky, is looking for vendors to provide quarterly certified halal meals. These meals will be delivered to the correctional institution, with deliveries starting on October 1, 2026.

This opportunity is for businesses that can supply specialized food services, ensuring adherence to halal certification standards. The government intends to make one or multiple fixed-price awards.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on August 5, 2026. Offers are due by August 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. It is crucial to submit your bid before this deadline.

After the deadline, the government will evaluate offers, with price being a more significant factor than past performance. The contract type will be Firm-Fixed Price.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for food service providers specializing in certified halal meals. Firms with experience in supplying correctional facilities or large institutions may find this particularly relevant.

The primary category for this bid is food and agriculture, specifically catering to dietary requirements.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation, click “View original source” to open the opportunity on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though it's not always required.

Bids must be emailed to [email protected]. Remember to include a letter of Halal certification with your bid. Also, ensure your representations and certifications are completed via the On-line Representation and Certification Applications (ORCA).

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Since price is weighted more heavily than past performance, focus on submitting a competitive and well-justified pricing proposal. Clearly outline your costs and ensure they are reasonable.

Pay close attention to all requirements, especially the mandatory halal certification. Provide clear and verifiable documentation for your certification. Double-check that all required forms and certifications, including ORCA, are completed accurately and on time. Ensure your email bid is sent well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond

Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.

View this bid on BiddingSimple

This guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Justice, Department of; the original posting controls.