PHILADELPHIA –
The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support helped the U.S. Navy on short notice in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Leadership requested a bistro concept project for Gulfport Dining Facility. The Navy required a short suspense to meet grand opening day to showcase the concept to leadership. A large portion of the project were different types of custom-built counters. These counters were built to hold the different Action Stations such as the Asian/Mongolian, Smoothie counter, International/Vegan counter and a Panini Counter.
“This new equipment was necessary to expand menu variety, improve service efficiency and introduce the fresh, made-to-order meals that are the focus of the transformation initiative,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Tim Griffin director of the Subsistence Supply Chain. “This installation now has distinct and fully functional serving stations alongside the galley's current equipment, transforming its capabilities to provide a wider variety of high-quality, contemporary dining options.”
“Subsistence Operational Rations & Equipment Division made this requirement priority #1 and acquired all required equipment to support the bistro concept,” said Matthew Conroy, branch chief, Field Feeding Equipment. “It was important to ensure the customer’s department of public works was involved in the effort, since proper renovations and utility outlets were required to support the new equipment and concept.”
Conroy, along with Food Service Equipment Branch Chief Timothy Coyle knew this support required a quick turnaround time with high performance.
“In order to meet the strict deadline, we had to look for a different acquisition strategy than what is normally utilized for Food Service Equipment,” said Coyle. “The acquisition strategy executed was a unique strategic sourcing solution which streamlined the process.”
“We awarded this contract in 3 days,” said Jasmine Brown, division chief, Operational Rations and Equipment. “For reference, it usually takes at least two months. We worked with the contractor from start to finish to meet the short suspense date.”
To ensure this expedited process kept moving, the subsistence Operational Rations & Equipment Division ensured customer requirements were clear and defined. Additionally, they worked with the support offices to ensure the intended solicitation procedures would be properly implemented and within regulations to support a quick, required turn-around time on performance.
According to the Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport Public Affairs News Release, NCBC Gulfport is one of only two Navy installations selected to pilot the Commander, Navy Installations Command Shore Food Service Transformation initiative. The renovated “campus-style” facility includes updated serving stations, expanded seating and a redesigned layout capable of accommodating up to 495 personnel.
Brown and the branch chiefs noted the project was very successful, and the Navy was very pleased with the results.
“We received a copy of the article about the grand opening date,” said Conroy. “The customers of the bistro were happy with the finished product.”
For more information on the Gulfport DFAC article, follow the link below https://www.dvidshub.net/news/566477/serving-up-excellence-ncbc-gulfport-launches-transformed-colmer-dining-facility.