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Solicitation for MSG Cook Services

STATE, DEPARTMENT OF.STATE, DEPARTMENT OF.AMERICAN EMBASSY GENEVA · Response deadline: Mon, 09 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Department of State's American Embassy in Geneva is soliciting for MSG Cook Services. This is a food services contract for meal preparation operations at a diplomatic post abroad. Embassy food service operations typically support official functions, staff dining facilities, and potentially visiting delegations. MSG—referring to Marine Security Guard—cook services specifically denote food preparation for Marine Corps personnel assigned to embassy security detachments.

NAICS code 311 covers Food Manufacturing, though in federal contracting this code is broadly applied to food preparation and related services contracts. The classification code S203 further specifies this as a services acquisition in the professional, administrative, and management support category.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no set-aside program designated. Any qualified business, regardless of size, may bid. Small-business preference programs do not apply. Both U.S.-based firms and potentially local Swiss or European contractors capable of meeting security and personnel requirements for embassy work should evaluate eligibility.

Given the overseas place of performance at Embassy Geneva, bidders must assess their ability to:

• Obtain necessary work permits and compliance with Swiss labor law
• Meet Department of State security clearance requirements for personnel
• Source approved food suppliers meeting embassy standards
• Deploy culinary staff to Geneva on timelines the solicitation specifies

How to put together a competitive bid

For international food service contracts at diplomatic posts, competitive bids typically distinguish themselves on several dimensions:

Personnel and labor: Detail your recruitment pipeline for experienced cooks capable of obtaining security clearances. Embassy food service often requires U.S. citizens or screened host-country nationals. Clarify citizenship requirements and your compliance approach in the proposal.

Menu capabilities and dietary accommodation: Demonstrate experience with varied menu planning, including American, local Swiss, and potentially international cuisines. Highlight capability to accommodate dietary restrictions (religious, medical, allergen-related) common in diverse diplomatic environments.

Supply chain and sourcing: Address how you will procure ingredients meeting U.S. standards for quality and safety while operating in Switzerland. Embassy contracts often specify approved supplier lists or require vetting of local vendors.

Pricing structure: Overseas contracts typically incur complexities including currency fluctuation, Swiss cost-of-living adjustments, and potential U.S. dollar payment terms. Structure pricing to account for these variables transparently.

Past performance: Reference comparable federal food service contracts, especially at State Department or other overseas civilian agencies. Marine Corps dining support experience strengthens credibility.

Compliance infrastructure: Demonstrate familiarity with Department of State contract administration, including contractor vetting requirements and potential oversight by the Regional Security Officer.

Next steps

1. Retrieve the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 19SZ3527Q0001 for detailed requirements, including place of performance specifics, contract duration, estimated value, and evaluation criteria.

2. Note the firm deadline: November 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central European Time. Account for time zone conversion in your submission planning.

3. Register in SAM.gov if not already active; verify your entity registration is current for international contracting.

4. Assess teaming needs early given the specialized security, overseas labor, and culinary requirements this contract likely entails.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →