NIST Boulder Catering Services Base with Four Option Years for Continued Service
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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, CO, is conducting a Sources Sought for Catering Services to support official conferences and meetings. This notice is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. NIST is seeking information from responsible small business sources under NAICS Code 722320 (Catering) with an annual revenue size standard of $9.0M or less. Responses will help inform future acquisition strategy decisions, including potential set-aside determinations. Capability statements are due by June 26, 2026.
Scope of Work
NIST requires catering services on an as-needed basis for events ranging from 20 to 325 attendees, typically 1-5 days long. Services may be provided on-site at the NIST Boulder campus or off-site within 50 miles. The contractor must also be located within 50 miles of the campus. Specific requirements include:
- Food & Beverage: Continental breakfast (with/without hot items), coffee/tea service, AM/PM coffee breaks with snacks, buffet lunch (minimum 4 options), box lunch (minimum 5 options), assorted beverages, hot/cold reception fare, fruit trays, and options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and Kosher diets. Adherence to Government Travel Regulations for M&IE ($20 for breakfast, $22 for lunch per person, inclusive of gratuity/service charges).
- Service: Delivery, setup, and breakdown, including table setup, food/trash removal. Attendants required for buffet lunch and receptions. Contractor is responsible for removing all unused items and trash.
- Equipment: Serving dishes, utensils, compostable paper goods, paper/linen tablecloths, hand sanitizing stations, decor (for VIP events), trash cans, and recycling bins.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Duration: Anticipated one base year with four one-year option periods.
- Anticipated RFQ Issuance: Fourth quarter of FY 2026.
- Anticipated Contract Award: No later than the fourth quarter of FY 2026.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
- Set-Aside: Small Business (NAICS 722320, $9.0M size standard).
- Market Research Objectives: Identify responsible sources, determine small business availability (including socio-economic categories), and assess industry experience.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit a written capability statement addressing:
- Company name, address, UEI, CAGE code, and point-of-contact information.
- Business size and socio-economic status.
- Description of capabilities relevant to the required services.
- Description of prior experience performing similar services.
- Identification of applicable contract vehicles (e.g., GSA FSS, GWACs).
- Any other relevant information for market research.
Submission Details:
- Method: Email to Harry.Brubaker@nist.gov
- Format: Microsoft Word, 12 pages maximum, Times New Roman 11-point font, 8.5 x 11 inches, 1-inch margins.
- Attachments: Include PDFs of catering menus and services provided.
- Response Due: June 26, 2026, 4:00 PM MDT (20:00 UTC).
Additional Notes
NIST Boulder does not have an onsite cafeteria, necessitating these catering services for official events. This notice is for planning purposes only; no solicitation documents exist at this time.