Food Service Contractors
Size Standard: $47 million
NAICS code 722310 covers Food Service Contractors, representing establishments primarily engaged in providing food services at institutional, governmental, commercial, or industrial locations of others based on contractual arrangements with these type of organizations for a specified period of time. This is one of the most significant NAICS codes for government food service operations.
The federal government operates massive food service operations through military dining facilities, VA hospitals, federal prisons, national parks, and other facilities. The Department of Defense alone serves millions of meals daily across installations worldwide. Food service contractors manage dining facilities, cafeterias, and catering operations at government locations.
Food service contractors provide comprehensive dining services including meal planning, food preparation, serving, and cleanup. Contracts range from small cafeteria operations to base-wide dining services. Many contracts include nutrition requirements, food safety compliance, and specialized dietary accommodations.
AbilityOne (formerly JWOD) provides significant set-aside opportunities through the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. Many military dining facility contracts are set aside under this program. Standard small business set-asides and SDVOSB opportunities also exist.
Successful food service contractors maintain ServSafe and other food safety certifications, demonstrate nutritional expertise, and can meet specific agency requirements (military nutrition standards, healthcare dietary restrictions, correctional security requirements). Labor management and cost control are critical for profitability.
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
- National Park Service (NPS)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Military Dining Facility Management
- VA Hospital Food Service
- Federal Prison Food Service
- National Park Concession Food Service
- Federal Building Cafeteria Operations
These certifications can help you compete for set-aside contracts under NAICS 722310:
What is NAICS code 722310 used for in government contracting?
NAICS code 722310 covers food service contractors who manage dining operations at government facilities. This includes military dining facilities, VA hospital cafeterias, federal prison food service, and other institutional feeding operations.
What is the size standard for NAICS 722310?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 722310 is $47 million in average annual receipts. This relatively high threshold reflects the scale of institutional food service operations.
What is the AbilityOne program?
AbilityOne (formerly JWOD) is a federal program providing employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. Many military dining facility contracts are set aside for AbilityOne participating organizations.
What certifications are required?
Food safety certifications (ServSafe, HACCP) are essential. Understanding nutritional standards (military dining, healthcare dietary) matters. AbilityOne participating organizations have additional requirements.
How do small businesses compete in government food service?
Small businesses compete through 8(a), SDVOSB, and other set-asides. Subcontracting with AbilityOne organizations, specializing in specific facility types, and demonstrating food safety excellence help win contracts.
Businesses below this threshold in average annual receipts qualify as small businesses for set-aside contracts.
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