NASA Glenn Food Service Program RFI & Site Visit
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Description
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC) Exchange (hereinafter called the "Exchange"), located at NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center ("GRC"), 21000 Brookpark Road in Cleveland Ohio, is seeking information about potential methods for providing food services at GRC.
Although this Request for Information (RFI) is issued for information and planning purposes, selection of a food services provider may also be determined based on the responses of interested parties to this RFI. This request for information does not commit the Exchange to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Potential offerors are advised that the Exchange will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued.
Background
The Exchange is a non-appropriated federal instrumentality (NAFI), which exists for the benefit of the NASA employees who work at GRC. The Exchange administers and manages operations and activities that create revenue which helps finance activities created to contribute to the efficiency, welfare, and morale of NASA employees. The majority of the GRC workforce is on the day shift and has flexible scheduling available. The Food Service Program (FSP) is an essential service among the GRC Exchange responsibilities and activities and a contributing force in the continuing well-being and effectiveness of the GRC workforce. Food service contributes to the social environment of the Center and plays a role in the recruitment, retention and overall satisfaction of its workforce. The current food services agreement under the Exchange will end on December 15, 2017. In addition to the food services agreement under the Exchange, vending routes at various sites on Center are operated by a separate vendor under a separate agreement and these vending routes will remain in operation.
The purpose of this RFI is to assist the Exchange in designing and maintaining the FSP and operation of the coffee kiosk that meets the needs and enhances the quality of life for the GRC workforce. It is expected that the FSP meet the following objectives (in no particular order):
• To provide a variety of appetizing and nutritionally sound food options and styles of cuisine that support employees' diverse needs and enhance their dining experiences;
• To provide convenient operating hours which are responsive to the needs of the GRC workforce; and
• To maintain efficient and effective operations while keeping costs at a reasonable level.
The Exchange is open to fulfilling its FSP through any of the following (or combination): Traditional cafeteria, Food court, Food trucks, Restaurant (branded or unbranded), catering, delivery service, coffee kiosk or self-serve coffee, etc. Potential offerors are welcome to propose additional alternatives.
Site Description and Site Visit
NASA GRC‘s Lewis Field is a 350-acre site adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. For the purpose of this RFI, it should be noted that within a ten-mile radius of GRC's Lewis Field there are two shopping malls with food courts and full services restaurants as well as a multitude of other fast food and full-service restaurants away from the malls.
GRC's Lewis Field includes more than 150 buildings that contain a unique collection of world-class test facilities. There is one generally centrally located cafeteria at Lewis Field.
The cafeteria kitchen is a fully equipped professional kitchen (a tour of the kitchen and available equipment will be available during the site visits).
The coffee kiosk is located in the lobby of an adjacent building from the cafeteria. It is complete with cooler display and storage areas as well as coffee and specialty beverage equipment and dining areas. Full service coffee kiosk could offer specialty coffee, beverages, teas, pastries, snacks, sandwiches, etc.
SITE VISIT: GRC will hold a site visit on December 20, 2017 at 3 p.m. EST to allow potential offerors an opportunity to visit the cafeteria and kitchen and to speak with GRC representatives.
Those companies wishing to attend the Site Visit SHALL submit a visitor request via email to the Contracting Officer: James.R.Griffin@nasa.gov No Later than 2:30 p.m. on 12/19/17.
Visitors shall provide the following info: Company Name, and First, Middle, and Last Name as printed on a current and valid photo containing Driver's License and/or State Issued Identification Card.
On the Site Visit Day 12/20/17, visitors are recommended to show up at least 30 minutes prior to site visit to allow for processing through Security. Visitors are required to present the photo identification: Driver's License and/or State Issued Identification Card upon arrival at Security. Please note that if a current and valid form of government-issued photo identification cannot be presented, access to the Center will be denied.
Challenges
In order to provide potential offerors with a complete picture the following challenges or potential challenges have been identified:
• Although the GRC population exceeds 3000 individuals (which includes civil servants and contractors), currently only approximately 12% of these individuals use the cafeteria on a daily basis (this number fluctuates based on the season, i.e. more in the summer, fewer in the winter)
• The campus and workforce are spread out geographically
• Parking at or near the cafeteria is limited
• Any issued agreement(s) would be subject to the Service Contract Act
• The cafeteria is scheduled to be relocated to new building in 2020
• Compliance with all food safety requirements including ServSafe IV certifications, adhering to all food handling standards and periodic inspections, and providing necessary documentation for training records and physical exams administered to food handlers
Responses
The potential offeror shall provide its approach to accomplish the aforementioned activities. The response shall include its plan, capabilities, and qualifications to provide these aforementioned services as well as any recent experience similar in nature to the aforementioned activities. Potential offerors are encouraged to be innovative and propose enhancements and alternative approaches for addressing GRC's needs effectively. Potential offerors shall submit a capability statement indicating the ability to perform all aspects of the effort described herein. Responses shall be limited to no more than 10 pages. These pages shall consist of the following:
1. GENERAL INFORMATION: A cover page which briefly describes your company and the types of services performed. This cover page must also include: the names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers for any points of contacts (POCs), and the company's address.
2. PAST PERFORMANCE: The potential offeror may also provide contract information on similar agreements over the past three (3) years. This information shall include: the name of customer/agency, types of services provided, type of contract, and total contract value.
3. CAPABILITIES: Information describing your company's capabilities to meet the requirements Stated above. Recommended strategy. Potential offerors are encouraged to be innovative and propose enhancements and alternative approaches for addressing GRC's needs effectively. Potential offerors should identify equipment needs, if any, to fulfill the desired proposal.
All responses shall be submitted by 4 p.m. EST on January 5, 2018 to:
Jim Griffin, Contracting Officer
NASA Glenn Research Center, MS 60-1
21000 Brookpark Road
Cleveland, OH 44135
Responses may also be e-mailed to james.r.griffin@nasa.gov.
Questions of a general nature may be directed to the Contracting Officer (CO), Jim Griffin at the e-mail address stated above.
Although this Request for Information (RFI) is issued for information and planning purposes, selection of a food services provider may also be determined based on the responses of interested parties to this RFI. Further, the Government will not be financially responsible for any expenses incurred in providing information solicited.
James R. Griffin, Contracting Officer, Phone 2164333340, Email james.r.griffin@nasa.gov - Krasynthia Johnson, Exchange Operations Manager, Phone 2164335083, Email krasynthia.k.johnson@nasa.gov
