1-RFI 26-0910 - Market Research for Student Meal Plan Food Services.docx

Utah Tech UniversityRequest for Information (RFI) #26-0910

Market Research for Student Meal Plan & Food Services

Introduction Utah Tech University (UT) is seeking information from vendors capable of conducting a comprehensive market analysis regarding student dining operations. This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to gather information that will help the institution obtain market data and create a comprehensive analysis. The information gathered will allow UT to make strategic decisions around solutions that can manage mandatory resident student meal plans in-house as well as third-party food service providers. This RFI is intended to solely gather information on capabilities, available services, and pricing structures. This is not a Request For Proposal (RFP).

Objective The goal of this RFI is to gather information from vendors capable of conducting a comprehensive market analysis regarding student dining operations. ‘The information requested should address the following areas:

· Information on Mandatory Student Housing Meal Plans

· What are the pros and cons of implementing such a plan?

· Do mandatory housing meal plans improve student outcomes?

· What are the financial implications? What are the pricing models?

· What impact do they have on recruitment and retention?

· What impacts do they have on student satisfaction?

· Information on Third-Party Food Service Providers

· What are the pros and cons of implementing such a plan?

· Are outsourced dining services advantageous?

· Under what conditions are outsourced models successful?

· What operating models are most common at peer institutions?

· What alternatives should be considered?

Scope of Research Services It is anticipated that the information provided through this RFI would include but not is not limited to:

· Peer Institution Benchmarking: Information on public universities of similar size and scope that support resident student populations. Information should include mandatory meal plan policies and operations, pricing structures, student participation rates, and vendor relationships.

· Mandatory Meal Plan Feasibility: Information regarding the benefits and risks of mandatory meal plans for resident students, student affordability impacts, student retention impacts, residential experience impacts, and any administrative requirements.

· In-House vs Outsourcing Dining Services: Information on self-operated, fully outsourced, and hybrid models of meal plan administration. Information should include financial implications to the University, staffing considerations, service quality outcomes, and long-term sustainability.

· Student and Stakeholder Research: Information regarding available research methodologies and approach for gathering data, i.e. student surveys, focus groups, campus leadership or stakeholder interviews, etc.

· Strategic Recommendations: Information on potential options, considerations, and best practices that UT may consider when evaluating next steps following review of the information provided through this RFI.

Submission Requirements Interested vendors should submit the following information as separate files (PDF format unless otherwise specified) and uploaded on the U3P website. Emailed or hard-copy responses will not be accepted.

· File #1: Executive Summary

· File #2: Market Research Insights

· File #3: Relevant Experience

· File #4: Pricing Information Submission Deadline & Process Responses should be submitted via the Utah Public Procurement Place website (U3P) by Friday, September 25, 2025. Based on the responses, UT may invite selected vendors for further discussions at the University’s discretion. If UT moves forward with an RFP at a later time, only vendors who have submitted responses to this RFI will be considered responsive.

Disclaimer This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee of a future procurement process. Utah Tech University reserves the right to use the information received to inform future decision-making.

We appreciate your interest and look forward to learning more about your solutions!

Jake King Purchasing Buyer jake.king@utahtech.edu image1.png