Project Overview Central Lakes College is requesting proposals to assist in developing year round food and catering services to provide students and staff wholesome food and refreshments at moderate prices. A full menu and services are expected on student contact days, with limited services offered over school breaks and summer. The services should be inviting, responsive to the needs of students and staff, and serve as a positive force in attracting and retaining students and community support. Central Lakes College is seeking to enter into a mutually beneficial relationship with an enthusiastic, creative food service provider to develop and implement unique solutions to the specific dining needs of the campus. Contractors are encouraged to be as creative as possible in proposing a food service and catering program that will provide high-quality food at a high level of customer service. Technical/Functional Requirements The attachment in the Buyer Attachments section of the RFP labeled Vendor Requirements Staples contains information pertaining to the Vendor and College Operating Requirements. Selection Process Supplier selection will be based on the information submitted and contained within the response to this RFP as well as management candidates’ responses during a supplier finalist interview at each site. Suppliers are not guaranteed a finalist interview opportunity; therefore, it is imperative that the Supplier’s response contains all information relevant to the complete understanding of the Supplier’s capabilities, experience, proposed services program and financial terms of Minnesota State. The selection process includes the Vice President of Administrative Services, the Director of Business & Auxiliary Services, along with representatives from CLC faculty, staff and students from the Brainerd Campus. This group will evaluate the proposals and make a recommendation to the CLC President for a final decision. Following awarding of the RFP, a contract must be entered into between awardee and CLC before any work around the food service operations can proceed. Minnesota State does not agree to reach a decision by any certain date although it is hoped the evaluation and selection will be completed by the contract terms date identified. Selection and Implementation Timeline Wednesday March 25, 2026 3:00 PM CST Publish RPF Notice Wednesday April 7, 2026- 2:00 PM CST Conduct Pre-Award Informational Session and Site Tour Friday April 10, 2026 12:00 PM Deadline for posting questions on RFP in Marketplace Wednesday April 15, 2026 - 02:00 PM CST Deadline for RFP proposal submissions Thursday April 16, 2026 to Tuesday April 22, 2026 Review RFP proposals Friday April 24, 2026 Select and Contact vendors for interviews Tuesday April 30, 2026 Interview individual responders Monday May 5, 2026 Complete selection process Friday May 15, 2026 Deadline for executing contract Pre-award Informational Session and Site Tour Central Lakes College will hold a pre-award informational session and site tour on Wednesday April 8, 2026 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. CT in the cafeteria at Central Lakes College, 1830 Airport Road, Staples, MN. It is recommended and encouraged that all potential or interested responders attend the conference. Supplier questions, college responses and discussions during the session are not binding and do not replace the answers to questions posted in Marketplace. It is a great time to view equipment, view the spaces (kitchen, dining areas, prep areas, serving lines, supplies, etc...) and ask questions about the RFP and the process. Evaluation Factors The following factors and their identified weight will be used to evaluate the responses: Factor Weight Adherence to Minnesota State Terms and Conditions A statement of the objectives, goals, and tasks to show or demonstrate its view and understanding of the nature of the contract. 3% Qualifications of Respondent & Personnel Ability of respondent to communicate their experiences and ability to perform the work required on CLC's food service operations. 10% Work Plan Concept proposal (menu, pricing, catering services, marketing, etc) 30% Needs Recognition and Solutions Consistency of the proposed solutions to Central Lakes College's present and future needs. 20% Supplier Staffing Plan Qualifications and responsibilities of the vendor and its personnel. 10% Proposed Commissions Thoroughness of plan and details of cost sharing with Central Lakes College over the term of the contract 15% Finalist Interview Gain a deeper undertanding of the strengths of each supplier and their team member(s). Also an opportunity to clarify questions related to Suppliers responses to RFP. 12% Total: 100 Post Submission Meeting/Interview Suppliers that move forward in the process to be Finalists are asked to participate in an interview with members of the selection committee. Finalist suppliers will be notified as to the details of the date, time and location. Suppliers should plan accordingly to have management representatives and proposed on-site staff in attendance. Contract Terms Minnesota State desires to enter into a contract with the successful Respondent(s) effective 7/1/2026 or on the date the last recognized signature is obtained, whichever occurs later. The length of such contract(s) will be 3 years with an optional 2-year extension. If Minnesota State and Respondent are unable to negotiate and sign a contract by 5/15/2026, then Minnesota State reserves the right to seek an alternative Respondent(s). Inquiries and Submission Instructions Minnesota State accepts all questions and bid submissions exclusively through Minnesota State's e-procurement system. Hard copy submissions, emails, or submissions through any other medium will not be considered. Each Respondent is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its questions and bids by the RFP date and time deadlines. Failure to meet the deadlines shall be grounds for rejection.
