National Defense University Catering Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Navy, on behalf of the National Defense University (NDU), is soliciting proposals for high-level catering services to support the International Student Management Office (ISMO) Spring and Fall Graduate Receptions. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity requires a contractor to provide all personnel, materials, equipment, and services for formal standing receptions at Fort McNair, Marshall Hall Atrium, Washington, D.C., or an alternative university-provided location. Quotes are due May 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will host two annual standing reception events (Spring and Fall) for approximately 450 guests each. Key requirements include:
- Providing comprehensive catering, wait staff, and audio/visual support.
- Ensuring food safety and health code compliance.
- Supplying standing tables, linens, decorations, cocktail china, glassware, bar glasses, and napkins.
- Offering audio/visual capabilities, including voice projection and lighting.
- Accommodating specific nutritional requirements (vegetarian, halal, gluten-free).
- Strictly prohibiting pork or alcohol in menu items (including sauces); alcohol may be served at the bar if supplied by the Government.
- Requiring a formal presentation with non-disposable flatware and metal service dishes.
- Providing full bar service for 450 guests, including licensed bartenders and handling Government-provided alcohol.
- Supplying decorative floral arrangements and centerpieces.
- Staffing for preparation, service, and clean-up, ensuring the work area is returned to its pre-event status.
- Specific event items like passed hors d'oeuvres, a carving station, and buffet items as detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract.
- Duration: Base period plus three option years.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 722320 (Caterers) with a size standard of $9,000,000.00.
- Quote Submission Deadline: May 12, 2026, 1:00 PM ET.
- Published Date: May 8, 2026.
- Anticipated Event Dates (Base Year): June 9, 2026 (Graduation Reception) and October 20, 2026 (Fall Reception).
Submission & Evaluation
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation. Quotes must be submitted via email to Rubean Joy Varghese at rubean.j.varghese.civ@us.navy.mil. Offerors must provide pricing data and an itemized breakdown substantiating their ability to meet PWS requirements. Award will be based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation, with technical acceptability assessed against PWS specifications. Past performance will be evaluated using available sources. Offerors must include a completed copy of FAR 52.212-3 (Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items) and its ALT I with their quote. Prospective contractors must be registered in SAM.
Additional Notes
Interested vendors are encouraged to provide documentation of recent catering events for NDU to demonstrate capabilities. The PWS is located in Section C of the solicitation. Inspection and acceptance will occur at Fort McNair, Marshall Hall Atrium, Washington, DC. Payment instructions will be processed via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).