DTCC2602-Cafeteria_rfp.pdf

Delaware Technical and Community College

Cafeteria Services for the Owens Campus

Request for Proposal

Contract No. DTCC2602 - CAFETERIA

March 9, 2026

- Deadline to Respond - April 15, 2026

1:00 PM (Local Time)

Version: 04/15/2025

STATE OF DELAWARE

Delaware Technical and Community College

CONTRACT NO. DTCC2602-CAFETERIA

ALL VENDORS:

The enclosed packet contains a "REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL" for DTCC2602-CAFETERIA. The proposal consists of the following:

Contents:

I. INTRODUCTION

II. SCOPE OF WORK

III. FORMAT FOR PROPOSAL

IV. PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCEDURES

V. MANDATORY PRE-PROPOSAL SUBMISSION MEETING

VI. DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

VII. PROPOSAL REPLY SECTION

ATTACHMENTS

Appendix A – SCOPE OF WORK AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Appendix B – PRICING FORMS

** Ctrl+Click on the headings above will take you directly to the section.

In order for your proposal to be considered, the Proposal Reply Section shall be executed completely and correctly and returned in a sealed envelope clearly displaying the contract number and vendor name by April 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM (Local Time) to be considered.

Proposals must be mailed to:

Owens Campus – Student Services Building, Room 946 Attn: Jeanne DiAmico 21179 College Drive Georgetown, DE 19947

Please review and follow the information and instructions contained in the General Provisions and this Request for Proposal (RFP). Should you need additional information, please call Jeanne DiAmico at (302) 259-6110 or email jdiamico@dtcc.edu.

mailto:jdiamico@dtcc.edu

I. INTRODUCTION

A. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to obtain sealed proposals from qualified food service management companies to provide comprehensive cafeteria and food services for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The selected vendor will be responsible for delivering high-quality, affordable, nutritious, and culturally inclusive food options while maintaining excellent customer service, food safety standards, and operational efficiency.

It is the goal of this Request for Proposal to identify a vendor(s) and execute a contract to provide comprehensive cafeteria and food services for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

1. COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL

It has been determined by Delaware Technical and Community College, pursuant to Delaware Code Title 29, Chapter 6924 (a) that this solicitation be offered as a request for competitive sealed proposals because the use of competitive sealed bidding is not practical and/or not in the best interest of the State. The use of competitive sealed proposals is necessary to:

• Use a contract other than a fixed-price type; or

• Conduct oral or written discussions with vendors concerning technical and price aspects of their proposals; or

• Afford vendors an opportunity to revise their proposals through best and final offers; or

• Compare the different price, quality and contractual factors of the proposals submitted; or

• Award a contract in which price is not the determining factor.

2. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

This contract will be issued to provide comprehensive cafeteria and food services. This contract will be for a five (5) year period, with three (3) optional one (1) year renewals. This contract may include the operations of the college’s cafeteria and/or coffee shop.

3. AGENCY USE CONTRACT

Pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 6904(e) respectively, if no state contract exists for a certain good or service, covered agencies may procure that certain good or service under another agency's contract so long as the arrangement is agreeable to all parties. Agencies, other than covered agencies, may also procure such goods or services under another agency's contract when the arrangement is agreeable to all parties.

4. MULTIPLE SOURCE AWARD

Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to award this contract to more than one vendor pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 6926. The basis for such selection shall be: overall best value to the college, ability to meet the operational needs of the campus, and/or specialized expertise by service type.

5. POTENTIAL CONTRACT OVERLAP

http://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c069/sc01/index.shtml http://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c069/sc03/index.shtml#6926

Vendors shall be advised that Delaware Technical and Community College, at its sole discretion, shall retain the right to solicit for goods and/or services as required by its agencies and as it serves the best interest of Delaware Technical and Community College. As needs are identified, there may exist instances where contract deliverables, and/or goods or services to be solicited and subsequently awarded, overlap previous awards. Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part, to make partial awards, to award to multiple vendors during the same period, to award by types, on a zone-by-zone basis or on an item-by-item or lump sum basis item by item, or lump sum total, whichever may be most advantageous to Delaware Technical and Community College.

6. SUPPLEMENTAL SOLICITATION

Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to advertise a supplemental solicitation during the term of the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of Delaware Technical and Community College.

7. CONTRACT PERIOD

Each Vendor’s contract shall be valid for a five (5) year period from August 14, 2026 through August 14, 2031. Each contract may be renewed for three (3) one (1) year periods through negotiation between the Vendor and Delaware Technical and Community College. Negotiation may be initiated no later than ninety (90) days prior to the termination of the current agreement.

Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to extend this contract on a month-to-month basis for a period of up to three months after the term of the full contract has been completed.

B. KEY RFP DATES/MILESTONES

The following dates and milestones apply to this RFP and subsequent contract award. Vendors are advised that these dates and milestones are not absolute and may change due to unplanned events during the proposal and award process.

Activity Due Date

RFP Availability to Vendors March 9, 2026 Non-Mandatory Site Visit March 17 at 2 PM and March 23 at 10 AM Written Questions Due No Later Than (NLT) March 23, 2026 by 4:00 PM Written Answers Due/Posted to Website NLT March 30, 2026 by 4:30 PM Proposals Due NLT April 15, 2026 by 1:00 PM Public Proposal Opening April 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM Proposal Evaluation/Presentations as required TBD Vendor Best & Final Discussions, as required TBD Contract Award Will occur within 90 days of proposal opening

C. INQUIRIES & QUESTIONS

We welcome your interest in working with us, and we will be pleased to answer any questions you may have in formulating your response to this Request for Proposal.

All questions with regard to the interpretation of this solicitation, drawings, or specifications, or any other aspect of this RFP must be received in writing by March 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM. All questions will be answered in writing by March 30, 2026 and posted on https://bids.delaware.gov/ website. All questions must make https://bids.delaware.gov/ specific reference to the section(s) and page numbers from this RFP where applicable. Oral explanations or instructions will not be binding.

D. RFP DESIGNATED CONTACT

All requests, questions, or other communications about this RFP shall be made in writing to Delaware Technical and Community College. Address all communications to the person listed below;

communications made to other Delaware Technical and Community College personnel or attempting to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or recognized as valid and may disqualify the vendor. Vendors should rely only on written statements issued by the RFP designated contact.

Jeanne DiAmico Delaware Technical and Community College – Owens Campus Student Services Center, Room 946 21179 College Drive jdiamico@dtcc.edu

To ensure that written requests are received and answered in a timely manner, electronic mail (e-mail) correspondence is acceptable, but other forms of delivery, such as postal and courier services can also be used.

E. CONTACT WITH DELAWARE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE EMPLOYEES

Direct contact with Delaware Technical and Community College employees other than the Delaware Technical and Community College’s Designated Contact regarding this RFP is expressly prohibited without prior consent. Vendors directly contacting Delaware Technical and Community College employees risk elimination of their proposal from further consideration. Exceptions exist only for organizations currently doing business with Delaware Technical and Community College who require contact in the normal course of doing that business.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

A. OVERVIEW

The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials and labor to supplement the Delaware Technical and Community College’s need for cafeteria services and/or coffee shop services at the Owens Campus as described herein. The contract will require the Vendor(s) to cooperate with the ordering agency to insure the Delaware Technical and Community College receives the most current state-of-the-art material and/or services.

B. BACKGROUND

The Owens Campus is located in Georgetown, Delaware. Cafeteria and catering operations are housed within the Student Services Center. The Owens Campus has approximately 4,100 active enrolled students as of the start of the Fall 2025 semester. Approximately 80 percent of the classes are scheduled and held in-person at the Owens Campus. The Owens Campus also offers Workforce Development classes throughout the year. That student headcount is not included in the 4,100 active enrollees described above.

mailto:jdiamico@dtcc.edu

Cafeteria services are provided in the Student Services Center and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings. Menu options shall include, but are not limited to, soups, pre-packaged salads, cold sandwiches, grill and fryer items, and other comparable selections. The vendor must be able to accommodate a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special dietary restrictions.

Catering services for the Owens Campus are operated from the kitchen facilities located in the Student Services Center and will support both casual and formal events. Catering may include breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner service. While Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) reserves the right to engage third-party caterers for special events - including, but not limited to, Board of Trustees events, President’s Council meetings, Workforce Development and Community Education functions, and student club activities—the selected vendor will be given consideration and the opportunity to submit a competitive quote for each catering event.

In addition to cafeteria and catering services, the selected vendor may have the opportunity to provide the following additional food services to the Owens Child Development Center (CDC). Food services may include the provision of daily snacks for up to 75 enrolled children, as well as specialized lunches and snacks for up to 15 children. Services may be required multiple days per week during the academic year, based on the CDC operating schedules.

External organizations regularly rent campus facilities for meetings, seminars, and other events. The selected vendor’s contact information is provided with each rental agreement as a preferred catering reference. During Fiscal Year 2025, there were approximately 30 external facility rentals, each averaging 150-200 attendees.

The Owens Campus also has a coffee shop which is currently not operating. This coffee shop has historically offered hot and cold beverages as well as limited breakfast and lunch items.

Vendors are invited to submit proposals for one or more of the following service options:

a. Cafeteria and catering services only

b. Coffee shop operations only

c. Combined cafeteria, catering, and coffee shop services

C. STATEMENT OF NEEDS

The statement of needs for this RFP are for Cafeteria/Catering Services and or Coffee shop services to be provided to members of Delaware Technical Community College, Faculty, Staff, Students, and guests.

The College will select a vendor who can provide services that are in the best interest of the College and the college community, either financial or otherwise, and provides a package that mirrors our culture of student success, quality, and value. The successful vendor(s) will be provided with a copy of the Academic Calendar each year with updates as needed. The café is open year-round, with service hours generally from 8am- 7pm Monday-Thursday and 8 am - 1 pm Fridays for mutually agreed upon dates/times. The College reserves the right to request additional hours as needed, also at mutually agreed upon times (early evening, etc.).

These times are negotiable as long as they meet the needs of the campus community and are communicated and approved by campus administration.

Vendor will provide all staff, food, food service packaging and materials. Vendor will have full access to the food service facilities.

D. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

The technical requirements of this RFP are stated in Appendix A. Pricing Proposal.

Vendor must complete the Pricing Plan Bid Form attached to this RFP (Appendix B). In addition to price, the respondent may also provide other “valued added” donations either in kind, monetary or product to DTCC and/or its programs. These may be in the form of student scholarships, sponsorship of fundraising Events, etc.

III. FORMAT FOR PROPOSAL

A. INTRODUCTION

This section prescribes the mandatory format for the presentation of a proposal in response to this RFP.

Each Vendor must provide every component listed in the order shown in this RFP, using the format prescribed for each component. A proposal may be rejected if it is incomplete or conditional.

B. PROPOSAL RESPONSE

The Request for Proposal may contain pre-printed forms for use by the vendor in submitting its proposal.

The forms required by this solicitation shall be considered mandatory, prevailing documents.

When preprinted forms are used, the forms shall contain basic information such as description of the item and the estimated quantities and shall have blank spaces for use by the vendor for entering information such as unit price, total price, as applicable.

The Vendor's proposal shall be written in ink or typewritten on the form provided, and any corrections or erasures MUST be initialed by vendor’s representative completing the proposal submission.

If items are listed with a zero quantity, Vendor shall state unit price ONLY (intended for open end purchases where estimated requirements are not known). The proposal shall show a total price for each item and the total price of the proposal excluding zero quantity items.

Vendors’ proposal must respond to each and every requirement outlined in the RFP criteria in order to be considered responsive. Proposals must be clear and concise.

C. NON-CONFORMING PROPOSALS

Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Non-conforming proposals are defined as those that do not meet the requirements of this RFP. The determination of whether an RFP requirement is substantive or a mere formality shall reside solely within the Delaware Technical and Community College.

D. CONCISE PROPOSALS

Delaware Technical and Community College discourages overly lengthy and costly proposals. It is the desire that proposals be prepared in a straightforward and concise manner. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other promotional materials beyond those sufficient to present a complete and effective proposal are not desired. Delaware Technical and Community College’s interest is in the quality and responsiveness of the proposal.

E. COVER LETTER

Each proposal will have a cover letter on the letterhead of the company or organization submitting the proposal. The cover letter must briefly summarize the Vendor's ability to provide the services specified in the RFP. The cover letter shall be signed by a representative who has the legal capacity to enter the organization into a formal contract with Delaware Technical and Community College.

F. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Each proposal must include a Table of Contents with page numbers for each of the required components of the proposal.

G. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Each proposal must contain a detailed description of how the Vendor will provide the goods and services outlined in this RFP. This part of the proposal may also include descriptions of any enhancements or additional services or qualifications the Vendor will provide that are not mentioned in this RFP.

H. DISCOUNT

Vendors are invited to offer in their proposal value added discounts (i.e. speed to pay discounts for specific payment terms). Cash or separate discounts should be computed and incorporated into unit price(s).

I. SAMPLES OR BROCHURES

Samples or brochures may be required by Delaware Technical and Community College for evaluation purposes. They shall be such as to permit Delaware Technical and Community College to compare and determine if the item offered complies with the intent of the specifications.

J. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF TERMS

By submitting a proposal, each Vendor shall be deemed to acknowledge that it has carefully read all sections of this RFP, including all forms, schedules and exhibits hereto, and has fully informed itself as to all existing conditions and limitations.

K. BID BOND REQUIREMENT

The Bid Bond requirement has been waived.

L. PERFORMANCE BOND REQUIREMENT

The Performance Bond requirement has been waived.

M. NUMBER OF COPIES WITH MAILING OF PROPOSAL

To be considered, all proposals must be submitted in writing and respond to the items outlined in this RFP.

Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to reject any non-responsive or non-conforming proposals. Each proposal must be submitted with 5 paper copies and 1 electronic copy on an USB drive. One of the copies shall be marked “Master Copy” and will contain original signatures in all locations requiring a vendor signature. The remaining copies do not require original signatures. The USB drive must also contain the completed Appendix B Excel sheets, in Excel format.

All properly sealed and marked proposals are to be sent to Delaware Technical and Community College and received no later than 1:00 PM (Local Time) on April 15, 2026. The Proposals may be delivered by Express Delivery (e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc.), US Mail, or by hand to:

Student Services Center, Room 946 21179 College Drive

Attn: Jeanne DiAmico

Any proposal submitted by US Mail shall be sent by either certified or registered mail. Any proposal received after the date and time deadline referenced above shall not be considered and shall be returned unopened.

The proposing vendor bears the risk of delays in delivery. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed as to be made available to competing entities during the negotiation process.

Upon receipt of vendor proposals, each vendor shall be presumed to be thoroughly familiar with all specifications and requirements of this RFP. The failure or omission to examine any form, instrument or document shall in no way relieve vendors from any obligation in respect to this RFP.

Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to award the proposed contract to multiple Vendors if the President of Delaware Technical and Community College determines that such an award is in the best interest of Delaware Technical and Community College.

N. PROPOSAL EXPIRATION DATE

Prices quoted in the proposal shall remain fixed and binding on the proposing vendor at least through April 16, 2027. Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to ask for an extension of time if needed.

O. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

A Vendor may withdraw its proposal unopened after it has been deposited, if such a request is made prior to the time set for the opening of the proposal.

P. PROPOSAL MODIFICATIONS

Any changes, amendments or modifications to a submitted proposal requires that the original proposal be withdrawn, prior to the time set for the submission of the proposal, and a new proposal submitted prior to the deadline for submission of proposals.

Changes, amendments or modifications to proposals shall not be accepted or considered after the hour and date specified as the deadline for submission of proposals.

Q. LATE PROPOSALS

Proposals received after the specified date and time will not be accepted or considered. To guard against premature opening, sealed proposals shall be submitted, plainly marked with the proposal title, vendor name, and time and date of the proposal opening. Evaluation of the proposals is expected to begin shortly after the proposal due date. To document compliance with the deadline, the proposal will be date and time stamped upon receipt.

R. ADDENDA TO THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

If it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, revisions will be posted at https://bids.delaware.gov/ . By submitting an offer to the State, vendors have acknowledged receipt, understanding and commitment to comply with all materials, revisions, and addenda related to the Request for Proposal.

S. INCURRED EXPENSES

Delaware Technical and Community College will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by the vendor in preparing and submitting a proposal.

T. ECONOMY OF PREPARATION

Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straight-forward, concise description of the Vendor’s offer to meet the requirements of the RFP.

U. DISCREPANCIES AND OMISSIONS

Vendor is fully responsible for the completeness and accuracy of their proposal, and for examining this RFP and all addenda. Failure to do so will be at the sole risk of vendor. Should vendor find discrepancies, omissions, unclear or ambiguous intent or meaning, or should any questions arise concerning this RFP, vendor shall notify the Delaware Technical and Community College’s Designated Contact, in writing, of such findings at least ten (10) days before the proposal opening. This will allow issuance of any necessary addenda. It will also help prevent the opening of a defective proposal and exposure of vendor’s proposal upon which award could not be made. All unresolved issues should be addressed in the proposal.

Protests based on any omission or error, or on the content of the solicitation, will be disallowed if these faults have not been brought to the attention of the Designated Contact, in writing, no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the time set for opening of the proposals.

V. EXCEPTIONS

Proposing Vendors may elect to take minor exception to the terms and conditions of this RFP by completing Attachment 3. Delaware Technical and Community College shall evaluate each exception according to the intent of the terms and conditions contained herein, but Delaware Technical and Community College must reject exceptions that do not conform to State procurement law and/or create inequality in the treatment of proposing vendors. Exceptions shall be considered only if they are submitted with the proposal or before the date and time of the proposal opening.

https://bids.delaware.gov/

Exceptions must be submitted utilizing Attachment 3 to be considered. Exceptions listed elsewhere in the Vendor’s proposal will not be considered. Delaware Technical and Community College maintains sole discretion to reject any vendor exceptions that are submitted.

W. BUSINESS REFERENCES

Provide at least three (3) business references consisting of current or previous customers of similar scope and value using Attachment 6. Include business name, mailing address, contact name and phone number, number of years doing business with, and type of work performed. Personal references cannot be considered.

X. DOCUMENT(S) EXECUTION

All vendors must complete and submit with its proposal the non-collusion statement that is enclosed with this Request for Proposal labeled as Attachment 2. The awarded vendor(s) will be presented with the contract form for signature and seal, if appropriate. Both of these documents shall be executed by a representative who has the legal capacity to enter the organization into a formal contract with Delaware Technical and Community College.

New vendors are required to complete the registration process through the Delaware Supplier Portal at http://esupplier.erp.delaware.gov. Successful completion of this registration enables the creation of a State of Delaware supplier record. The Taxpayer ID (SSN or EIN) and Applicant (supplier) name are submitted to the Internal Revenue Service for “matching”. If the Taxpayer ID and name do not match, the vendor record cannot be approved. Without proper registration through the Delaware Supplier Portal, awarded vendors cannot be paid.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to select the appropriate 1099 Withholding Type and Class. If incorporated, a business is not subject to 1099 reporting unless the business is providing legal or medical services.

Any questions about completing this registration or specific comments about the registration, please contact supplier maintenance by phone at 302-672-5000.

Y. SUBCONTRACTS

Subcontracting is permitted under this RFP and contract. However, every subcontractor shall be identified in the Proposal using Attachment 7.

Z. CONFIDENTIALITY

Subject to applicable law or the order of a court of competent jurisdiction to the contrary, all documents submitted as part of the vendor’s proposal will be treated as confidential during the evaluation process.

As such, vendor proposals will not be available for review by anyone other than the Delaware Technical and Community College/Proposal Evaluation Team or its designated agents. There shall be no disclosure of any vendor’s information until a fully executed contract is received unless such disclosure is required by law or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

Delaware Technical and Community College is required to comply with the State of Delaware Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del. C. § 10001, et seq. (“FOIA”). FOIA requires that Delaware Technical and Community College’s records are public records (unless otherwise declared by FOIA or other law to be http://esupplier.erp.delaware.gov/ http://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c100/index.shtml exempt from disclosure) and are subject to inspection and copying by any person upon a written request.

Once fully executed contracts are received, the contents of all vendor proposals are subject to FOIA’s public disclosure obligations and exemptions.

Delaware Technical and Community College wishes to create a business-friendly environment and procurement process. As such, Delaware Technical and Community College respects the vendor community’s desire to protect its intellectual property, trade secrets, and confidential business information (collectively referred to herein as “confidential business information”). Proposals must contain sufficient information to be evaluated. If a vendor feels that they cannot submit their proposal without including confidential business information, they must adhere to the following procedure or their proposal may be deemed unresponsive, may not be recommended for selection, and any applicable protection for the vendor’s confidential business information may be lost.

In order to allow Delaware Technical and Community College to assess its ability to protect a vendor’s confidential business information, vendors will be permitted to designate appropriate portions of their proposal as confidential business information.

Vendor(s) may submit portions of a proposal considered to be confidential business information in a separate, sealed envelope labeled “Confidential Business Information” and include the specific RFP number. The envelope must contain a letter from the Vendor’s legal counsel describing the documents in the envelope, representing in good faith that the information in each document is not “public record” as defined by 29 Del. C. § 10002, and briefly stating the reasons that each document meets the said definitions.

Upon receipt of a proposal accompanied by such a separate, sealed envelope, Delaware Technical and Community College will open the envelope to determine whether the procedure described above has been followed. A vendor’s allegation as to its confidential business information shall not be binding on Delaware Technical and Community College. Delaware Technical and Community College shall independently determine the validity of any vendor designation as set forth in this section. Any vendor submitting a proposal or using the procedures discussed herein expressly accepts Delaware Technical and Community College’s absolute right and duty to independently assess the legal and factual validity of any information designated as confidential business information. Accordingly, Vendor(s) assume the risk that confidential business information included within a proposal may enter the public domain.

AA. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 – No Proposal Reply Form Attachment 2 – Non-Collusion Statement Attachment 3 – Exceptions Attachment 4 – Company Profile and Capabilities Attachment 5 – Confidentiality and Proprietary Information Attachment 6 – Business References Attachment 7 – Subcontractor Information Form Attachment 8 – Monthly Usage Report Attachment 9 – Subcontracting (2nd Tier Spend) Report Attachment 10 – Office of Supplier Diversity Certification Application Attachment 11 – Bid Bond Form - WAIVED Attachment 12 – Performance Bond Form - WAIVED Attachment 13 – Proposal Reply Requirements Appendix A – Scope of Work details

Appendix B – Pricing Form(s)

IV. PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCEDURES

A. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

1. DELAWARE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S RIGHT TO REJECT PROPOSALS

Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part, to make multiple awards, partial awards, award by types, item by item, or lump sum total, whichever is determined to be the most advantageous to Delaware Technical and Community College.

Vendors submitting proposals may be afforded an opportunity for discussion. Vendors may be requested to provide a best and final offer during the negotiation process. Negotiations may be conducted with responsible Vendors who submit proposals found to be reasonably likely to be selected for award. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed so as to be available to competing vendors during the negotiation process.

2. DELAWARE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S RIGHT TO CANCEL SOLICITATION

Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time during the procurement process, for any reason or for no reason. Delaware Technical and Community College makes no commitments expressed or implied, that this process will result in a business transaction with any vendor.

This RFP does not constitute an offer by Delaware Technical and Community College. Vendor’s participation in this process may result in Delaware Technical and Community College selecting your organization to engage in further discussions and negotiations toward execution of a contract. The commencement of such negotiations does not, however, signify a commitment by Delaware Technical and Community College to execute a contract nor to continue negotiations. Delaware Technical and Community College may terminate negotiations at any time and for any reason, or for no reason.

3. FORMAL CONTRACT AND/OR PURCHASE ORDER

No employee of the Contractor(s) is to begin any work prior to receipt of a State of Delaware Purchase Order signed by authorized representatives of Delaware Technical and Community College requesting service, properly processed through the State of Delaware Accounting Office. A purchase order, telephone call, email, fax, or State credit card shall serve as the authorization to proceed with work in accordance with the RFP specifications and the special instructions, once it is received by the Contractor(s).

4. DELIVERY OF PROPOSALS

Proposals shall be delivered in sealed envelopes, and shall bear on the outside the name and address of the Vendor as well as the designation of the contract. Proposals forwarded by U.S. Mail shall be sent first class to the address stated in this RFP. Proposals forwarded by delivery service other than the U.S.

Mail or hand delivered must be delivered to the applicable addresses also stated in this RFP. All proposals must clearly display the contract number (DTCC2602) on the envelope.

Student Services Center, Room 946 21179 College Drive

All proposals will be accepted at the time and place set in the RFP. Vendor bears the risk of delays in delivery and any delivery costs for returned proposals. Proposals received after the time set for public opening will be returned unopened.

5. PUBLIC OPENING OF PROPOSALS

The proposals shall be publicly opened at the time and place specified by Delaware Technical and Community College. Vendors or their authorized representatives are invited to be present.

Only the vendor’s name and address will be read aloud during the proposal opening process.

6. DISQUALIFICATION OF VENDORS

Any one or more of the following causes may be considered as sufficient for the disqualification of a vendor and the rejection of its proposal or proposals:

a. More than one proposal for the same contract from an individual, firm, or corporation under the same or different names.

b. Evidence of collusion among vendors.

c. Unsatisfactory performance record as evidenced by past experience with Delaware Technical or Community College or on a State of Delaware central contract.

d. Any suspension or debarment of the parent company, subsidiary or individual involved with the vendor by federal, any state or any local governments within the last five (5) years.

e. If the unit prices are obviously unbalanced either in excess or below reasonable cost analysis values.

f. If there are any unauthorized additions, interlineations, conditional or alternate proposals or irregularities of any kind which may tend to make the proposal incomplete, indefinite, or ambiguous as to its meaning.

g. Non-attendance of mandatory pre-proposal submission meetings shall be cause of disqualification.

1. AUTHORITY OF AGENCY

On all questions concerning the interpretation of specifications, the acceptability and quality of material furnished and/or work performed, the classification of material, the execution of the work, and the determination of payment due or to become due, the decision Delaware Technical and Community College shall be final and binding.

2. OR EQUAL (PRODUCTS BY NAME)

Specifications of products by name are intended to be descriptive of quality or workmanship, finish and performance. Desirable characteristics are not intended to be restrictive. Substitutions of products for those named will be considered provided the vendor certifies that the function, characteristics, performance and endurance qualities of the material offered is equal or superior to that specified.

B. RESPONSIVENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF VENDOR

Delaware Technical and Community College shall award this contract to the most responsible and responsive vendor who best meets the terms and conditions of the proposal.

1. Rejection of individual proposals. -- A proposal may be rejected for 1 or more of the following reasons:

a. The person responding to the solicitation is determined to be nonresponsive or non-responsible;

b. It is unacceptable;

c. The proposed price is unreasonable; or

d. It is otherwise not advantageous to Delaware Technical and Community College.

2. Vendors whose proposals are rejected as non-responsive shall be notified in writing about the rejection.

3. Responsibility of vendors. -- It shall be determined whether a vendor is responsible before awarding a contract. Factors to be considered in determining if a vendor is responsible include:

a. The vendor's financial, physical, personnel or other resources, including subcontracts;

b. The vendor's record of performance and integrity;

c. Any record regarding any suspension or debarment;

d. Whether the vendor is qualified legally to contract with Delaware Technical and Community College;

and

e. Whether the vendor supplied all necessary information concerning its responsibility.

4. If a vendor is determined to be non-responsible, the vendor shall be informed in writing.

5. Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to waive minor irregularities or request additional information before determining the responsiveness of the Vendor. All Vendors will be afforded the same or similar opportunities, as necessary, and will be treated with equal regard before such determinations are finalized.

C. PROPOSAL EVALUATION COMMITTEE

The Proposal Evaluation Committee (“Committee”) is comprised of representatives of Delaware Technical and Community College.

The Committee reserves the right to:

• Select for contract or for negotiations a proposal other than that with lowest costs.

• Reject any and all proposals or portions of proposals received in response to this RFP or to make no award or issue a new RFP.

• Waive or modify any information, irregularity, or inconsistency in proposals received.

• Request modification to proposals from any or all vendors during the contract review and negotiation.

• Negotiate any aspect of the proposal with any vendor and negotiate with more than one vendor at the same time.

• Select more than one vendor pursuant to 29 Del. C. § 6926. Such selection will be based on the following criteria: overall best value to the college, ability to meet the operational needs of the campus, and/or specialized expertise by service type.

Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part, to make multiple awards, partial awards, award by types, item by item, or lump sum total, whichever may be most advantageous to Delaware Technical and Community College.

D. REQUIREMENTS OF THE VENDOR

The purpose of this section is to assist the Proposal Evaluation Committee to determine the ability of the organization to provide the materials and services described in the application. The proposal response should contain at a minimum the following information:

Information requested in the Scope of Services, Appendix A, and Appendix B and

• Copy of State of Delaware Business License

• Copy of current Certificate of Insurance

E. CRITERIA AND SCORING

Evaluation Criteria Points Meets Mandatory Provisions of the RFP Pass/Fail Background and experience (e.g. past performance on similar ventures) company history, qualifications and experience of the employees and the organization in developing/constructing, managing and operating cafeteria services, catering, and/or food services

Customer service (availability to the site, response time) 15 Financial stability/resources, past performance, financials, and references.

Quality and Diversity of Services & Menu Offerings 25 Value of Vendor’s Proposal to Delaware Tech 20

TOTAL SCORE 100

Procurement Evaluation Committee members will assign up to the maximum number of points listed for each of the criteria listed above. For items having quantitative answers, points will be proportionate to each proposal’s response. Items with qualitative answers will receive the average of points assigned by Proposal Evaluation Committee members.

F. BEST AND FINAL OFFERS

Once the proposals have been evaluated and negotiations have been held with the vendor(s) determined to be likely to receive an award, the Procurement Evaluation Committee issue a request for Best and Final Offers from the vendor(s).

G. REFERENCES

The Committee may contact any customer of the vendor, whether or not included in the vendor’s reference list, and use such information in the evaluation process. Additionally, Delaware Technical and Community College may choose to visit existing installations of comparable systems, which may or may not include vendor personnel. If the vendor is involved in such site visits, Delaware Technical and Community College will pay travel costs only for Delaware Technical and Community College personnel for these visits.

H. ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Selected vendors may be invited to make oral presentations to the Committee. The vendor representative(s) attending the oral presentation shall be technically qualified to respond to questions related to the proposed system and its components.

All of the vendor's costs associated with participation in oral discussions and system demonstrations conducted for Delaware Technical and Community College are the vendor’s responsibility.

V. NON- MANDATORY PRE-PROPOSAL SUBMISSION MEETING

This non-mandatory pre-proposal submission meeting will provide interested proposing vendors with an opportunity to tour the Owens Campus cafeteria and coffee shop facilities. Non-mandatory pre-proposal submission meetings have been scheduled for March 17 at 2:00 p.m. and March 23 at 10 a.m. A guided site tour of the facilities will be conducted during each session.

VI. DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

The attached Definitions and General Provisions apply to all contracts and are part of each Request for Proposal.

The requirement to furnish a bid bond and performance bond is applicable unless waived. Should the General Provisions conflict with the Special Provisions, the Special Provisions shall prevail. Vendors or their authorized representatives are required to fully acquaint themselves as to State procurement laws and regulations prior to submitting a proposal.

A. DEFINITIONS: Whenever the following terms are used, their intent and meaning shall be interpreted as follows:

STATE: The State of Delaware

AGENCY: Delaware Technical and Community College

PROPOSAL INVITATION: The “Request for Proposal” is a packet of material sent to vendors and consists of General Provisions, Special Provisions, specifications, and enclosures.

BOND: The approved form of security furnished by the Vendors and its surety as a guaranty of good faith on the part of the Vendor to execute the work in accordance with the terms of the contract.

CONTRACT: The written agreement covering the furnishing and delivery of material or work to be performed.

DESIGNATED OFFICIAL: The agent authorized to act for an Agency.

GENERAL PROVISIONS: General Provisions are instructions pertaining to contracts in general. They contain, in summary, requirements of laws of the State, policies of Delaware Technical and Community College, and instructions to vendors.

LOCAL TIME: Eastern Standard Time/Eastern Daylight Time

OPPORTUNITY BUY: A special offer from a supplier that is usually associated with a limited time to respond.F

PROPOSAL: The offer of the Vendor submitted on the approved form and setting forth the Vendor's prices for performing the work or supplying the material or equipment described in the specifications.

RFP: Request for Proposal.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS: Special Provisions are specific conditions or requirements peculiar to the contract under consideration and are supplemental to the General Provisions. Should the Special Provisions conflict with the General Provisions, the Special Provisions shall prevail.

SURETY: The corporate body which is bound with and for the contract, or which is liable, and which engages to be responsible for the Vendor's payments of all debts pertaining to and for its acceptable performance of the work for which he has contracted

VENDOR: Any individual, firm, or corporation formally submitting a proposal for the material or work contemplated, acting directly or through a duly authorized representative.

VENDOR'S DEPOSIT: The security designated in the proposal to be furnished by the Vendor as a guaranty of good faith to enter into a contract with Delaware Technical and Community College if the work to be performed or the material or equipment to be furnished is awarded to it.

B. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. INTERPRETATION OF ESTIMATES/QUANTITIES

a. Unless stated otherwise, the quantities given in the RFP are to be considered to be approximate only and are given as a basis for the comparison of proposals. Delaware Technical and Community College may increase or decrease the amount of any item as may be deemed necessary or expedient, during the period of the contract. Proposing vendors shall recognize there are no guaranteed minimum contract quantities or values associated with this solicitation.

b. An increase or decrease in the quantity for any item is not sufficient ground for an increase or decrease in the unit price.

c. Prior contract utilization may be viewed on the Delaware Open Data Portal https://data.delaware.gov/. The Government and Finance data sets provide Central Contract Line Item Spend by Fiscal Year among several additional data products. Past usage shall not be considered a guaranteed future volume.

2. SILENCE OF SPECIFICATIONS

https://data.delaware.gov/

The apparent silence of the specifications as to any detail, or the apparent omission from it of detailed description concerning any point, shall be regarded as meaning that only the best commercial practice is to prevail and only material and workmanship of the first quality are to be used. Proof of specifications compliance will be the responsibility of the vendor.

3. EXAMINATION OF SPECIFICATIONS AND PROVISIONS

The Vendor shall examine carefully the proposal and the contract forms for the material contemplated.

The Vendor shall investigate and satisfy itself as to the conditions to be encountered, quality and quantities of the material to be furnished, and the requirements of any Special Provisions in the RFP and the contract. The submission of a proposal shall be conclusive evidence that the Vendor has made examination of the aforementioned conditions.

4. PRICES QUOTED

The prices quoted are those for which the material will be furnished F.O.B. Ordering Agency and include all charges that may be imposed during the period of the contract. All prices quoted must be in U.S.

Dollars.

All vendors that maintain a core list of products under this contract shall maintain the appropriate negotiated prices on their core list. Vendors shall routinely offer to add to the core list materiel that has been identified as necessary. The Vendors are expected to routinely update any changes to the core list with the appropriate discounts listed.

Any adjustments to a core list must receive prior written approval from Delaware Technical and Community College before a core list can be changed by the Vendor. Changes include but are not limited to the migration of items on and off the core list as well as any price adjustments from the original agreed upon pricing.

5. PUBLIC INSPECTION OF PROPOSALS

All documents submitted as part of the vendor’s proposal will be deemed confidential during the evaluation process. Vendor proposals will not be available for review by anyone other than the Delaware Technical and Community College/Proposal Evaluation Committee or its designated agents. There shall be no disclosure of any vendor’s information to a competing vendor prior to award of the contract.

Delaware Technical and Community College is a public agency as defined by state law, and as such, it is subject to the Delaware Freedom of Information Act, 29 Del. C. Ch. 100. Under the law, all Delaware Technical and Community College’s records are public records (unless otherwise declared by law to be confidential) and are subject to inspection and copying by any person. Vendor(s) are advised that once a proposal is received by Delaware Technical and Community College and a decision on contract award is made, its contents will become public record and nothing contained in the proposal will be deemed to be confidential except proprietary information.

Vendor(s) shall not include any information in their proposal that is proprietary in nature or that they would not want to be released to the public. Proposals must contain sufficient information to be evaluated and a contract written without reference to any proprietary information. If a vendor feels that they cannot submit their proposal without including proprietary information, they must adhere to the following procedure or their proposal may be deemed unresponsive and will not be recommended for selection.

Vendor(s) must submit such information in a separate, sealed envelope labeled “Proprietary Information” with the RFP number. The envelope must contain a letter from the Vendor’s legal counsel describing the documents in the envelope, representing in good faith that the information in each document is not “public record” as defined by 29 Del. C. § 10002(d), and briefly stating the reasons that each document meets the said definitions.

Upon receipt of a proposal accompanied by such a separate, sealed envelope, Delaware Technical and Community College will open the envelope to determine whether the procedure described above has been followed.

6. LAWS TO BE OBSERVED

The vendor is presumed to know and shall strictly comply with all Federal, State, or County laws, and City or Town ordinances and regulations in any manner affecting the conduct of the work. The Vendor shall indemnify and save harmless the State of Delaware, Delaware Technical and Community College, and all Officers, Agency and Servants thereof against any claim or liability arising from or based upon the violation of any such laws, ordinances, regulations, orders, or decrees whether by itself , by its employees, or by its subcontractor (s).

7. APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION

This RFP, any resulting contract, and any and all litigation or other disputes arising therefrom, in connection with, or related hereto shall be governed by the applicable laws, regulations and rules of evidence of the State of Delaware. Proposing vendors submits to personal jurisdiction in the State of Delaware.