062-StudentStores-02.dwg

This is a Scope of Work document for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's University Bookstore Management contract opportunity. The project encompasses management of a hybrid bookstore operation including UNC Student Stores, Bull's Head Bookshop, Carolina Computing Initiative Computer Store, and an Online Course Materials Store with associated websites. A mandatory pre-proposal site visit and bidders conference is scheduled for July 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM at 320 Ridge Road Chase Hall End Zone in Chapel Hill. Written questions must be submitted by August 3, 2026, with responses provided by August 17, 2026. Proposals are due September 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST, with public bid opening at the same date and time. The contract term is seven years beginning July 1, 2027, with three optional one-year renewal periods at UNC's discretion.

The initial contract value reflects UNC Student Stores' fiscal year 2025 total sales of $18.6 million. The contractor must purchase existing inventory from the current operator at specified costs: new textbooks at publisher invoice cost, used textbooks at 50% of new retail price, and general merchandise at invoice cost. UNC imposes maximum gross profit margins of 25% on net-priced textbooks and coursepacks, 20% on digital materials, and 75% maximum pricing for used textbooks relative to current new retail prices. Vendors must be registered North Carolina vendors, comply with E-Verify employment authorization verification, and undergo comprehensive background checks for all personnel. The contractor must fund facility improvements to upgrade the Campus Store, with all improvements becoming UNC property at contract termination. Payback obligations apply only if termination occurs before full depreciation through June 30, 2034. Financial stability demonstration and customer references are required from all proposing vendors.