ESBD_411995_1744922693963_RFI 25-007 RWC dining final.pdf

RFI 759-24-007

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

RFI 759-25-007 – Campus Recreation & Wellness Cafe Space 2700 Bay Area Blvd Houston, Texas 77058

Posted to ESBD: April 17, 2025; Responses Due: June 3, 2025, 3:00 PM CT

The University will be closed in observance of the following holiday:

https://www.uhcl.edu/human-resources/benefits/leave

I. About the University of Houston-Clear Lake

Nestled on a 524-acre wildlife and nature preserve, University of Houston-Clear Lake (“University” or “UHCL”) has become a cornerstone of higher education along the upper Gulf Coast of Texas. Located midway between Houston and Galveston, Texas, adjacent to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the Armand Bayou Nature Center, the University serves a diverse student population from the state, the nation and abroad. In 2007, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved creation of UHCL Pearland Campus. The new campus was developed as a partnership between UHCL and City of Pearland. Classes began at Pearland Campus in fall 2010. In fall 2014, UHCL welcomed its first freshmen and sophomores.

Since opening its doors in 1974, the University of Houston-Clear Lake (“University” or “UHCL”) has awarded more than 53,000 degrees. More than 2,000 students graduate each academic year. The University is an upper-level and graduate university that serves approximately 8,500 students. The University offers students over 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in four colleges including Business, Education, Human Sciences & Humanities, and Science & Engineering. Academic programs are offered on campus, at remote sites and via distance education technology.

II. Purpose of the RFI

The University is exploring new innovative models for Food Service options serving students, staff, faculty, and guests.

With this RFI the University requests information regarding your company and your products/services. The information obtained in this RFI will help the University formulate a Request for Proposal (RFP,) to which all qualified companies are welcome to respond. In addition to posting the RFP on the State of Texas Comptroller’s Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD), the University will also directly notify those companies that responded to the RFI once the RFP is posted.

III. Disclaimer

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Vendors should notate any information provided that is considered proprietary. Any information that is not noted as proprietary may be requested by and provided to a third party under the Open Records Act. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.

IV. Overview

The University of Houston-Clear Lake Campus Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) is a state-of-the-art fitness facility who is open to students, faculty and staff, and the local community. Campus Recreation and Wellness is seeking information from qualified vendors to provide healthy food, beverage, and snack options for pre and post exercise and additional food options for the Campus Community. Campus Recreation & Wellness Center (RWC) has a diverse student body and faculty, we are committed to offering a variety of options that cater to different preferences and cultural backgrounds. This RFI aims to gather information about vendors’ capabilities, experience, and innovative solutions to meet our RWC location needs.

V. Scope of Services

The UHCL Recreation & Wellness Center has a standalone food service location which currently contains small coolers, ice machine, sink, bar space, and other commercial-grade equipment in good condition.

Square Footage

Food Service location RWC Front of House 295 Food Service location RWC Storage 180

Campus Recreation & Wellness

Hours of Operation August – May

Monday – Thursday: 7AM – 11PM

Friday: 7AM – 6PM

Saturday: 8AM – 6PM

Sunday: 12PM – 6PM

Hours of Operation June – July

Monday – Thursday: 7AM – 9PM

Friday: 7AM – 6PM

Saturday: 8AM – 6PM

Sunday: 12PM – 6PM

Requested Hours for Vendor

Monday – Thursday 7AM – 7PM

Friday: 7AM – 6PM

Saturday: 8AM – 6PM

Sunday: CLOSED

The vendor is responsible for providing food services that meet the following requirements.

1. Retail options for Recreation and Wellness Center location.

2. Healthy and sustainable food options that accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences including halal and kosher.

3. Management of location, including staffing, inventory management, daily cleaning, and upkeep of back of house and food concept area.

4. Integration of technology solutions for online ordering, payment, and feedback collection. The University uses the Agilisys point of sale system and Atrium ID card.

5. Adherence to local, state, and federal health and safety regulations. Regular health inspections and certifications.

6. Food safety training for all staff.

7. Continuous training programs on customer service, food safety, and technology usage.

VI. University Contact

For questions regarding this RFI, you are welcome to e-mail:

Debbie Carpenter, UHCLProcurement@uhcl.edu

VII. RFI Content and Format

Submission Guidelines:

Interested vendors are requested to submit the following information by June 3, 2025 @ 3:00 pm CT.

1. Company overview, including years of experience in providing dining services to educational institutions.

2. Description of previous projects similar in scope and scale to our university’s location.

3. Proposed approach to meeting the specific requirements outlined in the Scope of Services.

4. Sample menus, pricing structures, and any unique culinary offerings.

5. Sustainability initiatives and efforts to promote wellness within dining services.

6. Vendor location.

7. Service levels, products, commitment to maintenance, etc.

8. References from current or past clients within the educational sector.

9. Vendors may also propose any other solutions that they feel may be beneficial to the University in addressing its stated needs.

10. Vendors should provide one (1) hard copy on 8 ½ X 11 inch paper and one (1) flash drive with an electronic file or files in PDF, Word, and/or Excel format.

VIII. Questions

Any questions regarding this Request for Information must be submitted by April 28, 2025 @ 2:00 pm CT. The University will not accept questions after this date. Answers will be posted on the ESBD by May 2, 2025.

IX. RFI Opening

Vendor product and service information must be submitted to the Procurement Department no later than June 3, 2025 @ 3:00 PM CT at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., NOA II Building, Houston TX 77058 or via email to UHCLProcurement@uhcl.edu mailto:UHCLProcurement@uhcl.edu mailto:UHCLProcurement@uhcl.edu