Closed Solicitation · DEPT OF DEFENSE

    ARMY DINING EXCELLENCE INITIATIVE (DINEX)

    Sol. W5168W26RA017SolicitationFORT SAM HOUSTON, TX
    Closed
    STATUS
    Closed
    closed Feb 20, 2026
    POSTED
    Jan 22, 2026
    Publication date
    NAICS CODE
    722310
    Primary industry classification
    PSC CODE
    M1FD
    Product & service classification

    AI Summary

    The Army is launching the Dining Excellence Initiative (DINEX) to modernize food service operations at T2COM garrisons. This solicitation seeks innovative solutions for enhanced food service, with a focus on new technologies and operational models. A fixed-price agreement for a prototype project will be awarded based on a three-phase evaluation process. Interested parties should submit solution briefs via email.

    Contract details

    Solicitation No.
    W5168W26RA017
    Notice Type
    Solicitation
    Posted Date
    January 22, 2026
    Response Deadline
    February 20, 2026
    NAICS Code
    722310AI guide
    PSC / Class Code
    M1FD
    Contract Code
    2100
    Primary Contact
    Michael D. Schneider
    State
    TX
    ZIP Code
    78234-0000
    AI Product/Service
    service

    Description

    1. Introduction and Project Context The Army’s Mission Installation Contracting Command (MICC), Installation Readiness Center (IRC), in coordination with the Army Sustainment Command (ASC), is launching the Dining Excellence Initiative (DINEX), a focused effort to overhaul and modernize food service operations specifically within its Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) garrisons. The goal of the DINEX initiative is to seek innovative, flexible solutions that deliver superior outcomes compared to the existing food service model, ensuring optimal nutrition and sustainment for the next generation of Soldiers. 2. Acquisition Authority and Method This announcement serves as a Solicitation Notice regarding the Army's intent to issue a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for the DINEX initiative. Authority: This CSO will be issued under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 4022. The Award resulting from this CSO will be executed as an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for prototype projects. Acquisition Streamlining: As an OTA under 10 U.S.C. 4022, this effort is not subject to the Competition in Contracting Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), or the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). This flexible process is critical for quickly identifying and fielding cutting-edge commercial solutions and maximizing collaboration with both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors. 3. Area of Interest (AoI) The Army seeks innovative solutions and new capabilities for a single Area of Interest (AoI): Enhanced Food Service Operations for T2COM Garrisons (Scope provided as Attachment 1 to this posting). Solutions may involve the introduction of new technologies or procedures not currently used by the Army, modifications to existing practices, or entirely new operational models that deliver significant financial or operational benefits in a high-throughput, structured training environment. 4. Anticipated Award and Prototype The IRC anticipates awarding a fixed-price agreement for a single prototype project, based on the three-phase evaluation process described in the CSO. The Agreements Officer will negotiate terms and conditions, including milestone payments, directly with the selected participant. Prototype Test Locations: Fort Lee, Virginia, and Fort Rucker, Alabama. 4. Submission Instructions Solution Briefs must be submitted via email to the points of contact listed below with the subject line: "DINEX CSO Solution Brief - [Company Name]". 5. Point of Contact For all inquiries regarding this announcement and the CSO, please contact: Name: Michael Schneider Title: Contracting Specialist Email: michael.d.schneider55.civ@army.mil Name: Jeffery Harris Title: Contracting Officer Email: jeffery.d.harris.civ@army.mil

    Key dates

    1. January 22, 2026Posted Date
    2. February 20, 2026Proposals / Responses Due

    AI search tags

    Frequently asked questions

    ARMY DINING EXCELLENCE INITIATIVE (DINEX) is a federal acquisition solicitation issued by DEPT OF DEFENSE. Review the full description, attachments, and submission requirements on SamSearch before the response deadline.

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