How to bid on Russell Food and Dirksen Ground & Hart Food and Related Services for the Architect of the Capitol

What the agency is buying

The Architect of the Capitol is seeking proposals for food and related services for the United States Senate. This opportunity will result in two separate contracts: one for Russell Food, and another for Dirksen Ground & Hart Food and Related Services. This is a chance for businesses to provide essential services to a key government institution in Washington, DC.

Key dates and deadlines

A pre-proposal conference and facility walk-through was held on June 9, 2026. Questions regarding the Request for Proposal (RFP) package were due by June 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. The final proposal submission deadline is August 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. Proposals must be received by this date and time to be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for small businesses with experience in providing food and related services, particularly those capable of managing operations within a government facility. Firms in the facilities and food service categories are the primary target for this solicitation. The Architect of the Capitol is looking for vendors who can meet the specific requirements outlined for the US Senate.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to view the original source on the portal. You may need to click the link twice to reach the specific bid page. A free account may be required to view all documents, though this is not always the case.

Proposals must be submitted via the Architect of the Capitol’s Secure File Transfer Site, Kiteworks. It is strongly encouraged to request access to Kiteworks as soon as possible. Instructions for Kiteworks access are provided in Attachment J.23 of the RFP. Questions were to be submitted via Kiteworks using Attachment J.16 - Questions Template.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all sections of the RFP, especially Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Contractor) and Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award). These sections detail exactly how your proposal will be judged. Ensure your proposal directly addresses each evaluation factor.

Pay close attention to all attachments. Attachment J.2, which contains drawings, requires the completion of a nondisclosure agreement (Attachment J.22) before access. Do not complete Attachments J.18 and J.19 as part of your proposal submission, as these are for after a contract award. Ensure all required forms are completed accurately and submitted by the deadline.