REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM 1.0 Description 1.1 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC) Exchange (herein called the Exchange) is seeking information about potential methods for providing food services within a single food service concession agreement at GRC. 1.2 THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Exchange to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Exchange is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders 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 partys expense. The responses to this RFI may be used to assist the Exchange in developing a statement of work and evaluation criteria in support of a future procurement. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement. 2.0 Background The Exchange is a non-appropriated federal instrumentality (NAFI) operating for the benefit of NASA and supporting contractor employees. 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 approximately 3300 GRC personnel. 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. In addition to the food services under the Exchange Operations, vending routes at various sites on Center are operated by a separate vendor under a separate contract and these vending routes will remain in operation. There is currently one generally centrally located full service cafeteria facility located at GRC with an average daily customer count of 150. This facility is operated by a small business Contractor who also can provide catering on an as-needed basis for special events including, but not limited to, celebrations, professional luncheons, holiday activities, meetings, and training events. The existing food service contract can run through May 31, 2015. The purpose of this RFI is to assist the Exchange in designing and maintaining a follow-on food service program that meets the needs and enhances the quality of life for the GRC workforce. It is expected that the FSP meet the following objectives. (This list is not in order of importance) To increase the average daily customer count to at least 12% of the overall workforce To provide maximum satisfaction to customers through an efficient and effective operation To provide appetizing, appealing and nutritionally sound food alternatives To maintain attractive facilities conducive to social interaction and adhere to excellent sanitation and safety standards To promote nutritional awareness, and to enlarge employees eating experiences by offering a variety of foods and styles of cuisine To maintain or create a consumer feedback process that is constantly refined so as to maintain its vitality and interest To effectively implement vibrant marketing strategies To give the utmost care in establishing and maintaining a creative, hospitable and quality-oriented catering program that meets the needs and exceeds the expectations of a variety of Center constituencies To offer the latest food concepts, in addition to exceptional service and convenient operating hours which are responsive to the needs of the GRC workforce To enhance the quality of the food services program and increase sales while maintaining costs at a reasonable level To employ state-of-the-art technology to support the food service operation The Exchange is open to fulfilling its Food Service Program through any of the following (or combination): Traditional cafeteria, Food court, Food trucks, Restaurant (branded or unbranded). Sometime in 2014 the Exchange plans to issue a single Request for Proposal (RFP) that may result in the award of a single concession agreement. The concession agreement will have a minimum five-year performance period, but may be awarded for a longer period of performance dependent on the performance of the concessionaire. The resulting concession agreement will be utilized to support the Exchange in providing a vibrant and quality food service at GRC. 3.0 Responses 3.1 Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with an information package. The information package(s) are due no later than 4:00 PM EST on November 20, 2012 and shall be submitted via e-mail only to
[email protected]. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Exchange, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions become Exchange property and will not be returned. 3.2. The information package shall be limited to ten pages (8.5 x 11) and shall include the following as a minimum: 3.2.1. Name, mailing address, overnight delivery address (if different from mailing address), phone number, fax number, and e-mail of designated point of contact. 3.2.2. Recommended strategy. Interested parties are encouraged to be innovative and propose enhancements and alternative approaches for addressing GRCs needs effectively. 3.2.3. Identify the interest and ability to effectively and efficiently perform the above requirements. 4.0 Site Description The NASA Glenn Research Center is located at Lewis Field, a 350-acre site adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. GRCs physical plant includes more than 150 buildings that contain a unique collection of world-class test facilities. There is one generally centrally located full-service Cafeteria. It should be noted that within a ten (10) mile radius of GRC 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. 5.0 Questions All questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to Michelle Mader at
[email protected]. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Accordingly, questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information.