Bid guide
How to bid on Mess Attendant Services for the US Naval Academy
What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care
The Department of the Navy is conducting market research for companies that can provide mess attendant and dining facility attendant services at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. This includes support for approximately 4,500 midshipmen at King Hall.
The scope of work involves catering, cleaning, trash and garbage removal, galley pot and pan washing, and other related services. The contractor would be responsible for providing personnel, equipment, materials, and supplies. This is an opportunity for food service contractors to support a significant government facility with a potential long-term contract structure: a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, estimated to start March 1, 2027.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
Responses to this Sources Sought notice are due by August 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. This is a request for information (RFI) for planning purposes, not a solicitation for proposals or bids. No contract will be awarded from this announcement, and the government will not pay for information submitted.
The purpose of this RFI is for the government to gather information from qualified and experienced sources. Submitting a response by the deadline helps the Navy understand the market and potential vendors for a future solicitation.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms categorized under NAICS Code 722310, Food Service Contractors, with a size standard of $47.0 million. Companies with experience in large-scale dining facility operations, particularly those involving institutional or military food service, would be a good fit.
The requirement for managerial, administrative, supervisory, and direct personnel, along with providing equipment and supplies, suggests this is for established food service contractors capable of handling comprehensive support services for a large population.
How to respond
To respond, you must email your submission to [email protected] by the deadline. Your response should reference the number N0016127USNAMESS.
Include your company name, address, point of contact, phone, and email. Provide your CAGE Code and DUNS Number. State your business size (e.g., Large Business, Small Business, 8(a), Woman-owned, Veteran-owned) under the applicable NAICS. Submit a capability statement detailing your ability to perform the services, your experience, and any anticipated teaming or subcontracting arrangements. Describe past performance on similar contracts, including contract numbers, dollar values, and periods of performance. Indicate if you can be a prime contractor or subcontractor, and if subcontracting, the anticipated percentage of effort and business size of subcontractors. Do not submit standard company brochures. Proprietary information should be clearly marked.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your response, focus on clearly demonstrating your firm's relevant experience and capabilities. Since this is a Sources Sought, the government is looking for evidence that your company possesses the necessary expertise to compete for a future acquisition. Provide specific examples of past performance that directly relate to the scope of services outlined, such as large-scale dining operations, catering, and facility cleaning.
Ensure your capability statement directly addresses the requirements in the Draft Performance Work Statement (Attachment I) and the qualifications section. If you plan to team or subcontract, clearly outline those arrangements and the roles of each party. This shows you have a comprehensive plan for meeting the potential contract's demands. Remember, the government will not review standard company brochures, so tailor your submission to the specific information requested.
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 BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of the Navy; the original posting controls.