1. Vendors may have questions to clarify or interpret the RFI to submit the best response possible. To accommodate the RFI questions, vendors shall submit any questions via the SAU Vendor Dining Services portal no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on April 28, 2022. University responses will be posted via the Q&A section of the portal until the last date of response listed on page 3 of this RFI. Campus visits are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact Ms. Abena Cruise at acruise@st-aug.edu and place Dining Campus Visit Request in the “subject line” of your email request. 

2. Notification of award is anticipated no later than May 16, 2022. Commencement of service if selected is anticipated to begin the July 1, 2022. Saint Augustine’s University reserves the right to remain with the current contractor or to accept or reject any bid for any reason. 

3. The following items must be included in the written response to this Request for Information:

a. Company overview; 

b. List of (5) five similar college/university operations and locations where you operate dining services, length of time and contact name and number. 

4. Programmatic, concepts, and brands that would be added, changed or deleted and timelines:

a. Resident Dining;

b. Retail; 

c. Catering; 

d. Assessment from company on whether additional dining/service venues are recommended. 

5. Marketing and communication

a. Ideas concerning the design and marketing of board plans; 

b. Student Engagement; 

c. Student Insight and feedback; 

d. Technology. 

6. Transition Plan 

7. Proforma for entire operation showing gross and net sales; labor and cost of goods sold as percent of sales by area, commissions/contributions as percent of sales by area, i.e., board, retail, catering, and concessions.

a. What investments, grants, funds or capital improvement dollars would be provided and when; 

b. Company’s willingness to accept transfer of the capital investment principal balance of $1.25 million from the current vendor. 

8. Prior to a final comprehensive contract being awarded, full discussion will take place regarding the many items intentionally left out of this Request for Information. 

9. This process is being managed by Saint Augustine’s University and is confidential. Any attempt by companies to contact other individuals or offices on campus throughout the bid process without prior approval from this office will be grounds for immediate disqualification. 

10. Dates for review and award process below reflects the intended schedule for this RFI. The University will make every effort to adhere to this schedule. 

RFI Issued: Friday, April 22, 2022 

Campus Visits: By appointment only April 26 & 27, 2022 

RFI Submitter Questions Due: April 28, 2022, by 5:00 p.m. ET, post questions here.

University Post Responses to RFI Questions: On-going, last response April 29, 2022 by 11:59 p.m. ET, responses will be posted here.

Proposals Due: May 6, 2022, 5:00 p.m. ET, submit proposals here.

Closed Discussions: May 9-13, 2022 

Anticipated Date for Award Announcement: May 16, 2022 

Commencement of New Contract: July 1, 2022