RFP C1712 -  Dining Services Operations

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to manage and operate its Dining Services Operations. Here's a summary of the Request for Proposal (RFP) document: **Key Dates:** * Mandatory site visit: October 14, 2025 * Last day for written questions: October 28, 2025 * Proposal due date: December 19, 2025 * Presentations/Interviews: Week of March 2, 2026 * Selection of vendor: Week of May 11, 2026 * Commencement of contract: July 1, 2026 **Proposal Requirements:** * Proposers must submit two separate proposals: one that includes a late-night option and one that does not, as well as one that includes a Faculty Dining Club and one that does not. * Proposals must include a proposed commission percentage return to the College. * Proposers must assume no capital investment in facilities, but may include conceptual plans and technology upgrades to support new concepts. * The College will not consider cost-plus management fee contract proposals or operations that require extended term subsidy of Dining Services. **Company Profile:** * Proposers must have at least 5 years of experience in the food services industry, particularly in the higher education market. * Companies must have a minimum of $7 million in annual gross sales from university and/or commercial dining/food services operations. * Proposers must demonstrate financial viability, including providing balance sheets, loss statements, and audited financial statements. **Dining Services Operations:** * The College is seeking a nutritional, high-quality, cost-effective, and innovative solution to its Dining Services needs. * The successful proposer will be responsible for managing and operating the College's dining services program, including a dining hall, cafes, and catering services. * The College is interested in learning about proposers' use of virtual dining courts, ghost kitchens, and technology for mobile ordering, payments, and speed of service. **Contract Terms:** * The contract will be for a term of [not specified] years, commencing on July 1, 2026. * The contract will include a pouring rights agreement with Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages LLC, which governs the brands of non-alcoholic beverages sold on campus. * The College reserves the right to award a contract based on the proposer's submitted proposal without further discussion.