Federal food and catering bids: 128 open in November 2026
As of November 9, 2026, BidFinder lists 128 open federal bids for food and catering: 59 close within 7 days and 80 (62%) are set aside for small businesses. The busiest agency is Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons (50 open). The most common state of performance is District of Columbia (39).
Food and catering come as RFQs and combined synopsis/solicitations for deliveries to a base, school or clinic, and as larger service contracts for dining facilities. Under the Randolph-Sheppard Act, licensed blind vendors have priority to run cafeterias on federal property, including military dining facilities. Notices ask for food safety compliance, delivery schedules and sometimes menus or samples. Common NAICS codes: 722310 for food service contractors, 424410 and 424490 for groceries, and 311999.
Contracting officers set a purchase aside for small businesses when they expect offers from at least two capable small firms at fair prices (the rule of two). Whether a firm counts as small depends on the SBA size standard for the notice's NAICS code, in annual receipts or employees, and offerors need an active SAM.gov registration with a Unique Entity ID.
A general guide to the buying rules, not legal advice. Each solicitation sets its own terms.