Maryland Army National Guard Catered Meals

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding the Catered Meals opportunity.

• Beverage Service Format: Individually packaged beverages are preferred, but bulk beverage dispensers are acceptable.
• Meal Service / Packaging Format: Individually packaged meals (grab-and-go style) are preferred, but buffet-style / bulk service delivery is also acceptable.
• SOW Reference: The Statement of Work (SOW) specifies that meals must be delivered ready to serve and that the Government will provide the serving/dining area. The Q&A confirms that while individual packaging is preferred for meals and beverages, bulk options are acceptable, provided Section 1.5 (Food Safety) of the SOW is met.

No specific impact on solicitation requirements, due dates, or submission rules was noted beyond the clarifications provided.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation W912K626QA002 by:

• Extending the Response Due Date from 25 Mar 2026 to 26 Mar 2026.

• Adjusting the quantities for several CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers):

  • CLIN 0001: Quantity increased from 452 to 532 (+80).
  • CLIN 0002: Quantity increased from 565 to 665 (+100).
  • CLIN 0003: Quantity increased from 1,509 to 1,596 (+87).
  • CLIN 0004: Quantity decreased from 1,848 to 1,463 (-385).

• Solicitation/Contract Form Continuation (Response Due Date)

• Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs (CLIN quantities)

• The proposal deadline has been extended by one day.

• The quantities for CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0003 have increased, while CLIN 0004 has decreased. Bidders should review these changes carefully when preparing their proposals.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for catered meals to support the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), 29th Military Police Company during their Inactive Duty Training (IDT) and Annual Training (AT) for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Provide catered meals meeting commercial standards and high-quality customer service.

• Deliver meals to specified locations, including field environments, during designated training periods.

• Adhere to provided daily meal plans, including entrees, sides, desserts, and beverages.

• Ensure food is prepared and maintained at safe temperatures according to Army Technical Bulletin Medical (TB Med) 530 and other applicable food safety guidelines.

• Provide all necessary condiments, ensuring they are preferably individually packaged.

• IDT Period: May 2, 2026, through May 6, 2026

• AT Period: May 7, 2026, through May 18, 2026

• Locations: Westminster Readiness Center (WRC), Aberdeen Proving Ground - Edgewood Area (APG-EA), and Steven Blum Military Reservation.

• Contractor must comply with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and health guidelines (e.g., FDA Food Code, ServSafe).

• Food must be transported in clean, covered vehicles and maintained at specific temperatures (hot items >= 135°F, cold items <= 41°F).

• Contractor personnel must have ServSafe training and adhere to strict personal hygiene standards.

• No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are permitted by contractor personnel on duty.

• Government reserves the right to change meal quantities with 48 hours' notice (for delivery times) or 7 days' notice (for AT dates/cancellation).

• Security requirements for access to military installations must be followed, including providing identification and vehicle documentation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for catered meals for the MD ARMY National Guard 29th MP for IDT/AT events in May 2026. The procurement is set aside for Small Business.

• IDT Breakfast Meals (452 each)

• IDT Dinner Meals (565 each)

• AT Breakfast Meals (1,509 each)

• AT Dinner Meals (1,848 each)

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price for all items.

• Period of Performance:

  • Items 0001 & 0002: May 2, 2026 to May 6, 2026
  • Items 0003 & 0004: May 7, 2026 to May 21, 2026

• Inspection and Acceptance Location: Both Destination.

• Questions Due: March 18, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• Quotes Due: March 25, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

• Quotes must be Firm-Fixed-Price and valid for at least 30 days.

• Offerors must have an active registration in SAM.gov.

• Award will be made on the basis of price alone to the contractor whose offer conforms to the requirements.

• Quotes submitted with errors may be removed from consideration.

• Submission: Via solicitation module or email to cory.l.silfies.civ@army.mil.

• Set Aside: Small Business.

• NAICS Code: 722320 (Caterers)

• Size Standard: USD 9,000,000.00

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including those related to payment instructions via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) and prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment.

• Offerors must include specific information on a cover letter, including CAGE Code, SAM UEI, Socioeconomic Status, and Point of Contact details.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for catered meals to support the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), 29th Military Police Company during their Inactive Duty Training (IDT) and Annual Training (AT) for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Provide catered meals in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Ensure timely, high-quality meals cooked under commercial standards with high-quality customer service.

• Deliver meals to specified locations, including field environments.

• Adhere to provided daily meal plans, including specific menu components and condiments.

• Food must be maintained at safe temperatures: hot items at or above 135°F, cold items at or below 41°F.

• Contractor must comply with Army Technical Bulletin Medical (TB Med) 530, Tri Service Food Code, National Food Code, ServSafe, and other applicable health guidelines.

• Food preparation must occur within a 60-mile radius of the delivery address, unless otherwise specified.

• Food must be served within 4 hours of removal from temperature control.

• IDT Period: May 2, 2026 - May 6, 2026

• AT Period: May 7, 2026 - May 21, 2026

• Locations: Westminster Readiness Center (WRC), APG-EA - 70th Regiment (RTI), and Steven Blum Military Reservation.

• Contractor must provide all necessary food items, including entrees, starches, vegetables, bread, desserts, salads, and beverages as per the specified menus.

• Condiments are required, with a preference for individually packaged items.

• Menu deviations are strictly limited and require separate review for each requirement.

• Contractor personnel must have a minimum of one hour of ServSafe training.

• Contractor personnel must adhere to personal hygiene standards and are forbidden from using alcohol or illegal drugs while on duty.

• Security requirements for installation access must be met, including valid identification and vehicle documentation.