Dining Services Management

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina A&T State University
Request for Proposal #: 59-P2405
Dining Services Management
Date of Issue: April 2, 2026
Proposal Opening Date: May 22, 2026
At 3:00 PM ET
Direct all inquiries concerning this RFP to:
Stephen Pass
Assistant Procurement Services Director
Email: swpass@ncat.edu
Phone: (336) 334-7555

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Request for Proposal #
59-P2405
For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of proposals, provide your company's eVP (Electronic
Supplier Portal) Number. Pursuant to G.S. 132-1.10(b) this identification number shall not be released to the public.
This page will be removed and shredded, or otherwise kept confidential, before the procurement file is made
available for public inspection.
This page shall be filled out and returned with your proposal.
Failure to do so may subject your proposal to rejection.
Supplier Name
Supplier eVP#
Note: For a contract to be awarded to you, your company (you) must be a North Carolina registered Supplier in
good standing. You must enter the Supplier number assigned through eVP (Electronic Supplier Portal). If you do
not have a Supplier number, register at https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina A&T State University
Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this RFP Request for Proposal #: 59-P2405
to: Proposals will be publicly opened: May 22, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. ET
Stephen Pass - swpass@ncat.edu Commodity No. and Description:
EXECUTION
In compliance with this Request for Proposals (RFP), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned Supplier
offers and agrees to furnish and deliver any or all items upon which prices are bid, at the prices set opposite each item within
the time specified herein.
By executing this proposal, the undersigned Supplier understands that false certification is a Class I felony and certifies that:
this proposal is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54),
none of its officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations
of Chapter 78A of the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S.
143-59.2), and
it is not an ineligible Supplier as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1.
Furthermore, by executing this proposal, the undersigned certifies to the best of Supplier's knowledge and belief, that:
it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily
excluded from covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.
As required by G.S. 143-48.5, the undersigned Supplier certifies that it, and each of its sub-Contractors for any Contract
awarded as a result of this RFP, complies with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the NC General Statutes,
including the requirement for each employer with more than 25 employees in North Carolina to verify the work authorization
of its employees through the federal E-Verify system.
As required by Executive Order 24 (2017), the undersigned Supplier certifies will comply with all Federal and State
requirements concerning fair employment and that it does not and will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any
employee in connection with performance of any Contract arising from this solicitation.
G.S. 133-32 and Executive Order 24 (2009) prohibit the offer to, or acceptance by, any State Employee associated with the
preparing plans, specifications, estimates for public contracts; or awarding or administering public contracts; or inspecting
or supervising delivery of the public contract of any gift from anyone with a contract with the State, or from any person
seeking to do business with the State. By execution of this response to the RFP, the undersigned certifies, for Supplier's
entire organization and its employees or agents, that Supplier is not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or
promised by any employees of your organization.
By executing this proposal, Supplier certifies that it has read and agreed to the INSTRUCTION TO SUPPLIERS and the
NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS incorporated herein. These documents can be
accessed from the ATTACHMENTS page within this document.
Failure to execute/sign proposal prior to submittal may render proposal invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late proposals
shall not be accepted.
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Proposal Number: 59-P2405 Vendor:
COMPLETE/FORMAL NAME OF SUPPLIER:
STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:
CITY & STATE & ZIP: TELEPHONE TOLL FREE TEL. NO:
NUMBER:
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO
SUPPLIERS ITEM #21):
PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF SUPPLIER:
SUPPLIER'S AUTHORIZED DATE: EMAIL:
SIGNATURE*:
VALIDITY PERIOD
Offer shall be valid for at least sixty 60 days from date of bid opening, unless otherwise stated here: 120 days, or if
extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective
upon receipt by the agency issuing this RFP.
ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL
In the event a proposal is accepted, such acceptance shall constitute an award, and all terms, conditions, specifications, and
requirements set forth in this Request for Proposals ("RFP"), together with the contents of the successful Offeror's proposal,
and any written clarifications, modifications, or negotiated terms agreed to by the parties, shall be deemed incorporated
therein and shall collectively form a binding agreement (the "Contract").
The NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS are hereby incorporated by reference and shall
govern, except to the extent expressly modified herein or by the Contract. To the extent of any conflict, the terms of the
Contract shall control.
The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and conditions of the accepted proposal and this RFP shall be
memorialized in a formal written contract to be executed by duly authorized representatives of both parties. No contractual
obligation shall be deemed to exist until such formal written contract has been fully executed.
Depending upon the nature of the goods or services to be provided, additional terms and conditions may be included in the
Contract as mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties.
FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this day of , 20 , as
indicated on
The attached certification, by .
(Authorized Representative of North Carolina A&T State University)
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Proposal Number: 59-P2405 Vendor:
Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 4
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 6
3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS ..................................... 12
3.1 METHOD OF AWARD ........................................................................................................... 12
3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION ....... 13
3.3 PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS ................................................................................. 13
3.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA ...................................................................................................... 15
3.5 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES ............................................................. 16
3.6 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES .................................................................. 17
4.0 REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................... 17
5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK .....................................................................................24
ATTACHMENT A: INTENT TO ATTEND MANDATORY SITE VISIT ....................................... .. 33
ATTACHMENT B: INSTRUCTIONS TO SUPPLIERS ........................................................................ 34
ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS.................................... 34
ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPLIER INFORMATION ............................................ 34
ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM ........................................................................ 34
ATTACHMENT F: LOBBYING ACTIVITY CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL GRANTS .................... 34
ATTACHMENT G: SUPPLIER FINANCIAL PROPOSAL WORKBOOK .................................................. 34
ATTACHMENT H: PARTNERSHIP - Maximum Length 15 pages .......................................................... 34
ATTACHMENT I: PROGRAM - Maximum Length 50 pages ................................................................... 34
ATTACHMENT J: MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING (Narrative) Maximum Length 5 pages ................. 34
ATTACHMENT K: SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAM INFORMATION .......................................................... 34
ATTACHMENT L: PROPOSED EXCEPTIONS - LIMIT 10........................................................................ 34
ATTACHMENT M: ALTERNATE PROPOSAL - (OPTIONAL) .................................................................. 34
ATTACHMENT N: TRANSITION PLAN AND TIMELINE /SCHEDULE...................................................... 35
ATTACHMENT O: STAFFING PLAN ........................................................................................................... 35
EXHIBIT: MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENT .............................................................................................. 35
SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) ......................................................................................................................... 35
PROGRAM STANDARDS ......................................................................................................................... 35
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SITE DATA ................................................................................................................................................. 35
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Proposal Number: 59-P2405 Vendor:
1.0 INTRODUCTION
A. BACKGROUND
Established in 1890, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University ('N.C. A&T') is a high-research
activity, land-grant university. This University is known as a successful education center and economic catalyst serving
not only this state, but the nation. With students drawn from nearly every state in America, and six continents around
the world, its educational impact is as broad and deep as any university in the Southeastern United States. Because of
its academic programs and related strengths, N.C. A&T often leads rankings as the top-rated historically black
university (HBCU) in North Carolina and/or the United States. As a result of the highly effective educational experience
at N.C. A&T, it also ranks among the nation's top 50 universities in social mobility, graduating students into careers
that truly transform their lives, their family's circumstances, and their communities. The University's size and quality
are a potent combination for institutional success and delivering social-justice impact. It has been the largest HBCU for
seven consecutive years and is the leading HBCU STEM institution. N.C. A&T produces more African-
American engineers and agricultural scientists than any university in the nation and are home to the top public HBCU
business school in the country. N.C. A&T's diverse entering classes consistently include more African-
American students than the top 10 national research universities in U.S. News & World Report combined, as well as
large populations of first-generation-in-college and low-income students.
Approximately 5,900 students reside in on-campus housing and participate in the University's dining
program, creating a strong opportunity to foster a sense of community. In Fall 2025, approximately 6,900
students purchased meal plans and utilized two residential dining halls and 10 retail dining locations.
Dining Services also supports summer operations, serving students enrolled in summer courses, as well as
the University's robust Conference Services program and first-year student orientation, which brings more
than 6,000 students and parents to campus. On average, Dining Services serves approximately 7,800 meals
daily to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
North Carolina A&T State University has experienced significant growth over the past decade in
enrollment, academic programming, and research capacity. In 2023 alone, the University added four new
Centers of Excellence. Through the continued implementation of its visionary strategic plan, the University
is projected to expand enrollment by 2030, enhance key facilities including the $90 million Engineering
Research and Innovation Center, which opened in 2025, and increase residential capacity with a new 400-
bed residence hall. Additionally, the University aims to further strengthen its research enterprise through
expanded strategic partnerships with federal agencies and private sector organizations.
The University's Strategic Plan is available for download.
The principles that guide actions and commitment to N.C. A&T are:
* Responsibility. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of performance for the success of
the university.
* Excellence. We demonstrate high quality and attention to detail in all our endeavors.
* Integrity. We uphold moral character and unwavering ethical behavior.
* Inclusiveness. We commit to diversity and demonstrate inclusiveness as we work together for the
advancement of the university and the world.
* Learning. We cultivate a culture of intellectual inquiry, personal growth, and achievement.
The Aggie Experience is the root of its organizational culture - a culture of excellence. This experience requires that
they apply their core values in advancing the university, and that they serve, treat, and teach others with respect and
excellence. It demands that they use feedback for continuous improvement in business processes, implement best
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practices in our work throughout our university and measure our efficacy in the range of strategies and
tactics required to meet our standard of excellence.
A. PURPOSE
1. SCOPE
N.C. A&T is seeking a Dining Services supplier ("Supplier") to manage its Dining Services Program,
comprised of the following services:
i. Residential Dining Services
ii. Retail Dining Services
iii. Catering Services including at Athletic Catering
iv. Summer Conferences/Camps
v. Athletic and Band Training Table
vi. Provision of alcohol service as required in conjunction with the above.
vii. The following services are excluded from this RFP request:
* Beverage and Snack Vending
* Athletic Concessions
viii. See Exhibit E: Scope of Work ("SOW") for additional information on the specific services required.
2. PARTNERSHIP AND PRIORITIES
N.C. A&T seeks a company that will act as a true strategic and operational partner in ensuring that the Dining
Services Program fully aligns with the University's needs, culture, and standards of excellence. Following are
N.C. A&T 's key aspirations and priorities for the Program (in no particular order):
i. Program-Related
* Establish a high-quality dining experience by demonstrating executive level engagement, campus
wide service standards, and year-round program accountability.
* Create an elevated, student-centered residential and retail dining program with extended hours,
consistent wellness aligned offerings, and late-night access.
* Implement a unified, student-centric dining technology that integrates ordering, payment, real-time
venue information, and operational reporting for University oversight.
ii. Financial
* Provide a guaranteed financial return to the University beginning on day one.
* Provide capital investment plan aligned to the full contract term.
* Provide discretionary capital funding for future dining projects.
* Provide an equipment, maintenance, repair fund escalated 3.5% annually over the contract term.
* Protect long-term University value through transparent financial reporting, enforceable KPIs, and
University controlled extension options.
* Provide guaranteed, student centered investment and sponsorship value that directly supports student
success and institutional priorities.
3. N.C. A&T intends to work collaboratively with the successful Supplier to create a performance-based
arrangement that drives continuous improvement and holds the Supplier accountable to achieve
excellence in all areas.
4. The desired financial model is documented in Exhibit E: Scope of Work (SOW).
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5. Exclusions: The following services are excluded from this RFP request:
a. Beverage and Snack Vending
b. Athletic Concessions
6. The intent of this solicitation is to award an Agency Specific Contract.
B. CONTRACT TERM
The Contract shall have an initial term of ten (10) years, beginning on October 1, 2026 (the "Effective Date").
The Supplier shall begin commencement of operations of the dining services program on January 1, 2027.
Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFP and any addenda issued
hereto.
2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENT
This RFP is comprised of the base RFP document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract
award, which are incorporated herein by reference.
2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE
ATTENTION: The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See the paragraph entitled
ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT of the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions.
General information on the E-Procurement Services can be found at: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/.
2.3 NOTICE TO SUPPLIERS REGARDING RFP TERMS AND CONDITIONS
It shall be the Supplier's responsibility to read the Instructions to Suppliers, the North Carolina General
Terms and Conditions, all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this RFP
and comply with all requirements and specifications herein. Suppliers are also responsible for obtaining and
complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this RFP.
If Suppliers have questions or issues regarding any component of this RFP, those must be submitted as questions
in accordance with the instructions in the PROPOSAL QUESTIONS Section 2.6. If the State determines that
any changes will be made because of the questions asked, then such decisions will be communicated in the
form of an RFP addendum. The State may also elect to leave open the possibility for later negotiation of specific
provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer period, prior to contract
award.
Other than through the process of negotiation under 01 NCAC 05B.0503, the State rejects and will not be
required to evaluate or consider any additional or modified terms and conditions submitted with Supplier's
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proposal or otherwise. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Supplier's
proposal that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Suppliers' instructions herein or to render the proposal
non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Supplier's proposal shall constitute a firm offer that shall be held open
for the period required herein ("Validity Period" above).
The State may exercise its discretion to consider Supplier proposed modifications. By execution and delivery
of this RFP Response, the Supplier agrees that any additional or modified terms and conditions, whether
submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect, and will be disregarded unless expressly
agreed upon through negotiation and incorporated by way of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Noncompliance
with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds to reject Supplier's
proposal as nonresponsive.
2.4 RFP SCHEDULE
The table below shows the intended schedule for this RFP. The State will make every effort to adhere to
this schedule.
Event Responsibility Date and Time
Issue RFP State Thursday, April 2, 2026
Supplier Questions Due for Stakeholder Supplier Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Roundtable (Bonfire) ET
Supplier/N.C. A&T Stakeholder University Friday, April 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Roundtable
Pre-Proposal Meeting Attendee List Due Supplier Monday, April 13, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting/Site State Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 9 a.m. ET
Visit
Submit Written Questions (Bonfire) Supplier Friday, April 17, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Provide Response to Questions University Friday, April 24, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. ET
Submit Proposals (Bonfire) Supplier Friday, May 22, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Notification for Presentations and University Monday, June 22, 2026
Candidate Interviews of Finalists
Candidate Management Resumes Due Supplier Monday, July 20, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
(Bonfire)
Finalist Presentations and Management University Week of , July 27, 2026 (Times to Be
Candidate Interviews (On-Site) Determined)
Finalist Documented Best and Final Offers Supplier Friday, August 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Due
Contract Negotiations and Approval University Monday, August 31, 2026, June 30, 2026
Provisional Award Notification University Monday, September 7, 2026
Contract Award and Execution University September 30, 2026
Commencement of Operations Supplier January 1, 2027
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