Buying commercial foodservice equipment for government facilities doesn’t have to be complicated. At Aldevra, we’ve supported federal agencies across the government by helping simplify procurement. Below is a practical guide to help contracting officers navigate the process while remaining FAR-compliant and maximizing small business utilization. Note: we’re not attorneys or warranted contracting people so if you think we have something wrong, or need to clarify, let us know. Also note that this is not tailored to VA with the Vets First preference.
1. Start with Market Research & Acquisition Planning – FAR Overhaul Part 10 and FAR Part 7
- Commercial foodservice equipment is a commercial product. Start with a specific manufacturer and model number. While solicitations should allow “brand name or equal,” identifying a specific model upfront helps vendors quote accurately. “Brand name only” justifications are rarely appropriate when multiple manufacturers meet the specs.
- Leverage existing contracts. Most foodservice equipment is already available under government-wide acquisition contracts like the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). Aldevra participates under GSA Contract GS-07F-175AA.
- Helpful Tools for Market Research:
SBA Small Business Search Tool – To find capable small businesses.
SBA Veteran Certification – Required for VA procurements to verify SDVOSB/VOSB status.
USASpending.gov – Search for vendors by PSC (e.g., PSC 73) or keyword, and filter by small business or socioeconomic status.
2. Choose the Right NAICS Codes - here are the most common NAICS codes used when acquiring commercial foodservice equipment:
i. 333415 – Ice machines, ice & water dispensers, refrigerators, freezers, cold storage/display equipment, refrigerated bases, refrigerated display cases and most things cold. Note that SBA does have class waivers for these items.
ii. 333310 – Ovens, microwave ovens, combi ovens, convection ovens, any kind of oven. Also includes food warming equipment, ranges, steam tables, steamers, ranges, dish machines, and fryers. Note that SBA has a class waiver for ovens.
iii. 333241 – Food prep equipment like kettles, slicers, tilting skillets, coffee machines, choppers, mixers, grinders, and other equipment.
Note: GSA’s SINs are NOT the same as NAICS codes. In some instances they are but not always. The most common GSA SINs used are 333241 and 333415REM.
3. Understand Limitations on Subcontracting https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-I/part-125/section-125.6
- Dealers vs. Manufacturers - Most commercial foodservice equipment is sold through authorized dealers, not directly from the manufacturer. Note: GSA requires the dealer to provide GSA with a letter of supply indicating that the manufacturer will provide the item to the dealer if a customer purchases it from the GSA MAS contract. You shouldn’t need an additional authorized dealer letter.
- Set Aside Considerations
i. Total Small Business (<$250k) = limitations on subcontracting do not apply
ii. SDVOSB = Nonmanufacturer rule applies unless SBA class waiver exists. Be sure to reference the SBA class waiver in the solicitation per FAR 19.505 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/19.505
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GSA task orders between $25k and $250k required to be set aside for small business?
It depends. GAO and GSA say it’s optional. Court of Federal Claims says it’s not optional.
Can installation be included with the equipment?
Yes. Installation is usually a small portion of the total value so the product NAICS code still applies.
Do contractors need to perform 50% of the work?
No; that rule applies to service contracts, not product contracts.
Even if it was a service NAICS code, it’s based on contract value for labor not actual labor. See https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-I/part-125/section-125.6
Does the Buy American Act apply?
On GSA MAS, the Trade Agreement Act applies. TAA compliant countries are listed here.
If it’s not GSA MAS and it’s a set aside, BAA likely applies. That said, BAA does NOT require made in US.
Note: 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate does NOT need to be completed if the item is made in the US.
Do I need the contractor’s SAM registration, Section 889 compliance, taxes paid, etc.?
No; if you’re ordering via GSA MAS, the GSA contracting officer already verified all of this. There is no need to do it again.
Need More Help?
Aldevra is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business with a GSA MAS contract for commercial kitchen equipment. We’re here to help you meet your mission requirements and navigate the procurement process efficiently.
Contact us at sales@aldevra.com or visit www.aldevra.com to learn more.
