DSU Food Service Operation RFP

Dickinson State University is seeking a qualified and financially sound Dining Services Management Company under solicitation SRC000468 to manage its residential dining and catering services. The objective is to establish a self-supporting operation that provides high-quality, imaginative meals throughout the year. The contract is set for an initial term of three years with the possibility of three subsequent two-year renewals upon mutual agreement. The selected contractor will operate as an independent entity and must adhere to strict sanitation, safety, and non-discrimination standards, while also disclosing any employees who are registered sex offenders to campus police. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the NDBuys portal by November 30, 2026, and must be divided into separate technical and cost volumes. Evaluation is based on a 100-point scale, weighing technical competence, experience in higher education, proposed strategy, and cost factors such as commissions and meal pricing. Financial requirements include providing proof of commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per person and $2,000,000 per occurrence. The university will not provide indemnification for contractors against third-party claims, and the award will be granted to the responsible offeror deemed most advantageous to the institution.