1/16/2026 - SOURCES SOUGHT
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Exchange Council (KSC Exchange) is hereby soliciting information from potential sources capable of providing food services at KSC through one or more concession agreements. Concessionaires will be responsible for all aspects of operations, including staffing, supplies, equipment (unless otherwise provided by the KSC Exchange), internet, point-of-sale systems, and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and contractual requirements. Currently, food services at KSC is provided by JJW Holdings Southeast, Inc. JJW Holdings Southeast’s concession agreement is set to end December 31, 2026.
The KSC Exchange is a non-appropriated fund instrumentality of the Federal Government, established for the benefit of NASA employees and supporting contractor personnel who work at KSC, a multiuser spaceport. The KSC Exchange administers and manages revenue-generating operations and activities designed to enhance the welfare, morale, and efficiency of approximately 14,000 personnel at KSC.
The Food Service Program is an essential service among the KSC Exchange responsibilities and activities that contributes to the well-being and effectiveness of the KSC workforce. Due to its remote location on Merritt Island, Florida, the workforce’s access to public dining options is limited, with the nearest restaurant approximately 15 minutes away. To support its workforce, KSC maintains two primary food courts on-site. The first food court is located in the Central Campus Headquarters Building (CCHQ). CCHQ opened in 2019 and features modern kitchen infrastructure and updated equipment. The second food court is located in the Multi-Functional Facility (MFF), which opened in 1985. In addition to these primary facilities, there are two additional functional kitchen areas (i.e., without seating) across KSC.
KSC’s existing Food Services Program includes eight vendors or food services providers, with operations Monday through Friday. Currently, operating hours vary, and range from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, pop-up vendors and food trucks operate on a weekly basis. In addition to the Food Services Program under the KSC Exchange, the Division of Blind Services operates two snack bars, two 24/7 mini-markets, and two vending routes across KSC. These operations will remain in place and will be unaffected by any future concession agreement(s).
SECTION 2: SERVICES/SCOPE
The KSC Exchange is seeking to implement a comprehensive Food Services Program that enhances the quality of life for the KSC workforce by providing convenient, affordable, and appealing dining options across the spaceport. KSC’s Food Service Program will accommodate a variety of service models including, but not limited to, traditional cafeteria operations, food courts, branded or unbranded restaurants, mobile units, catering, delivery services, and specialty coffee providers, as well as other innovative concepts and hybrid approaches.
Complete requirements are to be defined. Requirements contemplated include, but are not limited to, the following (not listed in order of priority), which are based on the best information available at the time of publication and is subject to revision:
- Provide a variety of nutritionally balanced food options that accommodate a range of dietary needs and preferences.
- Operate during the hours of 7 a.m. through 2 p.m. and support shift workers or extended operations.
- Maintain efficient and cost-effective operations while offering competitive pricing to patrons.
- Ensure all food court and kitchen areas are clean and well-maintained while complying with all federal, state, and local health and safety regulations.
- Develop and sustain a customer feedback mechanism (e.g., surveys, suggestion portals, in-person comment boxes) to continuously improve service offerings and to respond to patron preferences.
- Provide a responsive catering program capable of supporting official functions, meetings, and special events of varying scale across the installation.
- Provide innovative solutions to improve efficiency and convenience, including technology-based options (e.g., online and kiosk ordering, mobile apps) and service enhancements (e.g., food delivery to workspace or designated pickup points.).
- Ensure qualified and customer-service-oriented staff are employed and trained in food safety, hospitality, and operational procedures.
- Support sustainability and environmental responsibility, where feasible, through practices such as offering eco-friendly packaging, and sourcing locally when possible.
Concession agreement(s) will have a minimum performance period of five years to include options, with the potential for a longer term based on the level of capital investment proposed by the concessionaire(s).
SECTION 3: SUBMISSION INFORMATION
The KSC Exchange seeks industry input on the most effective and manageable structure for the provision of food services at KSC. Interested firms possessing capabilities relevant to requirements contemplated above are requested to submit a capability statement up to 20 pages, and no more than 10 MB, indicating the company’s capabilities and relevant qualifications to provide food services at KSC. A page is defined as one side of a sheet, 8 ½” x 11”, with at least 1-inch margins on all sides, using not smaller than 12-point type. Foldouts count as an equivalent number of 8 1/2” x 11” pages. Responses must be submitted electronically in portable document format (PDF) with searchable text.
The capability statement should include the following:
Company name, address, and a point of contact (name, title, and e-mail addresses).
- Company’s size under North American Industry Classification System Code 722310 Food Service Contractors, with a small business size standard of $47 million.
- Number of years in business.
- Ownership, affiliate information (as applicable) including parent company and joint venture partners.
- Company’s specific capabilities and qualifications that are relevant to the requirements contemplated in Section 2, to include the use of technology, if applicable, to improve customer service or operational efficiency. It is not sufficient to provide brochures or generic information, and responses should identify prior contracts or agreements for food services performed during the last five years. For each contract or agreement, identify the contract number, agency or customer, description of services provided, period of performance, and annual sales.
- Any equipment or infrastructure needs, if applicable.
- Interest in a one-on-one meeting with the KSC Exchange.
- Responses to Section 4: Acquisition Strategy Considerations.
All responses must be submitted electronically via e-mail to the point of contact identified below no later than February 18, 2026, by 5 p.m. ET.
SECTION 4: ACQUISITION STRATEGY CONSIDERATIONS
Interested firms are requested to provide feedback with supporting rationale for the items discussed below. Feedback will be used as research information to support requirements and acquisition strategy development.
Single versus Multiple Awards: Provide feedback on the following approaches to managing food services operations at KSC: (1) Broker Model, wherein a single concessionaire would be awarded a master concession agreement to manage all food service operations. The concessionaire may operate certain locations directly and subcontract to other food vendors. (2) Individual Vendor Model, wherein multiple concession agreements are awarded directly to individual food service providers for specific locations or service types. (3) A combination of the broker and individual vendor models. Indicate your preferred approach and why, to include discussion of any operational and financial implications of each model.
Commission Structure: The KSC Exchange contemplates the following commission model: The concessionaire would be required to pay a monthly commission to the KSC Exchange based on the total monthly gross receipts from all services provided under any agreement. Provide recommendations, with supporting rationale, on the preferred commission model (e.g., flat percentage, sliding scale based on sales volume, tiered structure). Additionally, explain how the recommended commission structure might impact or influence pricing, service quality, or investment in the operation.
Location Assignment and Balancing Profitability: The KSC Exchange recognizes that certain food service locations may be more profitable than others due to traffic, visibility, or proximity to high-density work areas. If an Individual Vendor Model is used, explain how the KSC Exchange can ensure all locations remain open for business. Provide recommendations on how to enable equitable interest across all food service locations and any suggestions with respect to grouping locations. Explain whether minimum requirements such as operating hours, menu variety, or staffing should be defined for each location to ensure consistent service. Existing operations for the MFF and CCHQ food courts are provided below.
MFF: There are two permanent vendors operating at this location. The MFF is structured like a food court with two serving fronts. Each vendor has its own prep area, while the dish room is shared. The facility is equipped with two walk-in coolers, two walk-in freezers, three hood vents, and dried storage closets.
Current Operating Hours:
Vendor 1: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (breakfast and lunch)
Vendor 2: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (breakfast and lunch)
In addition to the permanent food vendors, two “pop-up” vendors operate once a week, serving from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until sold out. On average, MFF vendors generate approximately 12,000 tickets monthly.
CCHQ: There are four permanent vendors operating at this location. CCHQ is setup like a food court with four serving fronts. Each vendor has its own prep area, including a three-compartment sink, while all vendors share a dish machine. Two vendor spots include a hood vent. The facility also has three walk-in coolers, two walk-in freezers, and one large shared dry storage room.
Current Operating Hours:
Vendor 1: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (breakfast and lunch)
Vendor 2: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (lunch only)
Vendor 3: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (lunch only)
Vendor 4: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (breakfast and lunch)
On average, CCHQ vendors generate approximately 9,700 tickets monthly.
Infrastructure Utilization and Improvement: Facility condition and infrastructure availability play a critical role in the successful delivery of food services. Identify any facility requirements, expectations, or limitations that the KSC Exchange should consider to facilitate increased interest and competition. This may include feedback on kitchen equipment needs or upgrades, layout flexibility, storage, or utility needs. A full list of available kitchen equipment is provided in Attachment A, KSFP Kitchen Equipment.
SECTION 5: SITE VISIT
The KSC Exchange representatives have scheduled a site visit at KSC to tour food service facilities on February 12, 2026. Interested parties must email the point of contact email listed below by 2 p.m. EST on February 3, 2026, to request attendance. Emails should include each attendee’s full name, confirmation of US citizenship, company name, telephone number, and email address. Transportation for the tour will be provided. Detailed instructions and the itinerary will be shared in advance.
SECTION 6: INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
The Contracting Officer encourages interested firms to register on the Interested Vendors List available with this notice. Reference to the Interested Vendors List is neither an endorsement nor representative of a preference, by NASA, for any of the listed companies.
The KSC Exchange intends to hold various industry engagement opportunities throughout the acquisition process. At this time, the KSC Exchange contemplates one-on-one meetings with industry following receipt of capability statements. The purpose of the one-on-one meetings is to provide respondents an opportunity to elaborate on any capabilities expressed in their respective capability statements and any recommendations or strategies provided in response to Section 4 to enhance the KSC Exchange’s understanding of industry capabilities and feedback.
Meetings will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, the week of March 2, 2026, via conference call or Microsoft Teams. Meetings will not exceed 45 minutes in length. Respondents interested in meeting with the RDT are requested to provide in its capability statement the names, company affiliation, and titles of those who will attend (to include your respective contract manager(s) or contract administrator(s)). Note: All other interested parties may contact the Contracting Officer at the aforementioned address to schedule time to meet with the Requirements Development Team (RDT) to provide comments or feedback regarding strategy feedback or capabilities. Industry is further encouraged to revisit this notice for announcement of any additional engagement opportunities in the future.
Finally, a preliminary schedule will be provided in a future notice for planning purposes.
SECTION 7: OTHER
This synopsis is for informational and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the KSC Exchange nor will the KSC Exchange pay for information solicited. Further, this synopsis does not constitute a solicitation. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. This synopsis does not obligate the KSC Exchange to award a concession agreement or pursue any specific course of action. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the KSC Exchange to form a binding agreement.
The KSC Exchange is not currently seeking proposals or offers, nor will the KSC Exchange accept unsolicited proposals in response to this notice. Respondents are advised that the KSC Exchange will not reimburse any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice. Participation is entirely voluntary, and all expenses are the sole responsibility of the respondent.
Information received in response to this notice may be used by the KSC Exchange in any future solicitation. Failure to respond to this notice does not preclude participation in any future solicitation. If a formal solicitation is issued, it will be published on SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of interested parties to monitor that site for updates and additional information.
Note: The Contracting Officer will not affirmatively release any information received in response to this notice to the public but may use information received in developing the best approach for a contract strategy, and therefore such information may be recognizable to the interested party who submitted it. Any information submitted in response to this notice that is marked as “Confidential Commercial or Financial Information” will be considered as voluntarily submitted in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
NASA FAR Supplement clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable. The Procurement Ombudsman for this acquisition can be found at: https://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/Procurement-Ombuds-Comp-Advocate-Listing.pdf
