How to bid on WI Challenge Academy Cafeteria Food Services for the Department of Military Affairs

What the agency is buying

The Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs needs a contractor to provide cafeteria food services for the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy, located on Fort McCoy. This contract involves serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week, during two 22-week class sessions each year. These sessions typically begin in January and July.

The monthly meal volume can range from approximately 6,000 to 10,000 meals, depending on cadet enrollment and scheduled events. The contractor will serve cadets aged 16-19, along with about six duty staff members per meal. Special events may also require additional meals.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on July 10, 2026. All responses must be submitted by August 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. It is crucial to meet this deadline, as late submissions are typically not accepted. A mandatory site visit is required as part of this bidding process.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for food service providers with experience in large-scale cafeteria operations, particularly those capable of managing consistent meal delivery for a residential program. Firms specializing in institutional food service, catering, or dining hall management would be a good fit. The relevant category for this bid is food and agriculture services.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation documents and learn how to respond, you need to view the original source on Wisconsin VendorNet. This is a public site and does not require an account to view the details. The synopsis, contact information, and document names are all available on the bid's detail page.

The posting will direct you on how to submit your response, which may include fax, email, or routing through ShopUW+. Ensure you follow these specific instructions before the August 27, 2026, deadline. The agency contact for this solicitation is Thomas Staskal, [email protected].

Tips for a competitive response

Given the mandatory site visit, ensure you attend and gather all necessary information to inform your bid. This visit is essential for understanding the facility and operational requirements. Clearly outline your experience in providing consistent, high-volume meal services, especially for youth populations or similar institutional settings.

Detail your capacity to manage fluctuating meal volumes and accommodate special events. Highlight your approach to menu planning, food safety, and staffing to demonstrate your ability to meet the academy's needs seven days a week for extended periods. Provide a clear and competitive pricing structure for the services requested.