Open federal opportunities

updated (11/4/2027) FCI FORT DIX FY27 1ST QTR KOSHER - JANUARY 1 2027- MARCH 31, 2027.

JUSTICE, DEPARTMENT OF.FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM / BUREAU OF PRISONS.FCI FORT DIX · Response deadline: Tue, 16 Nov 2027

What the government is buying

The Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Fort Dix, part of the Bureau of Prisons at the Department of Justice, is soliciting bids to supply kosher food products for its inmate dining program. The contract covers the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, specifically January 1, 2027 through March 31, 2027.

Kosher food procurement for correctional facilities involves products that meet Jewish dietary laws (kashrut), including requirements for rabbinical supervision, proper slaughtering methods for meat, separation of meat and dairy products, and specific certification from recognized kosher authorities. Correctional food service contracts typically require reliable delivery schedules, strict adherence to food safety standards, and the ability to meet institutional volume needs. See the solicitation for the specific product list, quantities, and delivery requirements.

Key facts

NAICS code 311999 covers "All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing"—a broad category that includes specialty food products not classified elsewhere, which fits specialized dietary items like kosher-certified goods.

Who can bid

This opportunity is set aside for small businesses only—specifically those meeting the Small Business Administration's size standard under NAICS 311999. Large businesses cannot submit offers.

To qualify, your business must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov with active status
• Hold valid kosher certification from a recognized authority acceptable to the government
• Meet the SBA size standard for NAICS 311999 (typically based on average annual receipts; verify current thresholds at SBA.gov)
• Be able to deliver to FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey throughout the covered period

If you qualify for additional SBA socioeconomic programs (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB), ensure these certifications are current in SAM.gov, as they may strengthen your position even on total small business set-asides.

How to put together a competitive bid

Food manufacturing solicitations for federal correctional institutions require particular attention to several areas:

Certifications and documentation: Your kosher certification must be current and from a certifying body the Bureau of Prisons accepts. Include copies with your proposal. Food safety certifications (HACCP, SQF, or equivalent) should also be documented.

Delivery reliability: Correctional institutions operate on strict schedules. Demonstrate your capacity for on-time delivery to FCI Fort Dix's specific location. Past performance delivering to government or institutional customers strengthens your proposal substantially.

Pricing strategy: Analyze whether to bid on the full range of items or a subset. Food service contracts often reward vendors who can supply comprehensive product lines to reduce administrative burden on the government.

Product specifications: See the solicitation for exact requirements. Kosher products often have additional labeling, packaging, and documentation requirements beyond standard commercial items.

Past performance: Prepare references from institutional or government food service contracts, particularly those involving kosher or specialty dietary requirements.

Next steps

Download and review the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 15BFTD27Q00000002. The notice was updated on November 4, 2027, so ensure you're reviewing the current version.

Critical: The response deadline is November 15, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. SAM.gov submissions must be complete before this deadline—no exceptions. Begin SAM.gov registration or renewal immediately if not current, as processing can take several business days.

See the solicitation for complete product specifications, delivery schedules, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →