RFP 0002-2026 CSU Dining Services_RFP.pdf

RFP #0002-2026 Page 1 of 36 CSU Dining Services

CSU RFP 0002-2026

COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY DINING SERVICES

DOCUMENT 1 of 2

Prospective bidders/offerors who obtained this document from e-Maryland Marketplace Advantage, or any source other than the procurement officer, should provide their names and email addresses to the issuing office, to ensure receipt of addenda and other communications regarding the solicitation.

ISSUING OFFICE

Coppin State University Procurement Office

PROCUREMENT OFFICE LOCATION

Physical Education Complex, Room 265 2500 W North Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21216

PROCUREMENT OFFICER

Christina Blair

MINORITY BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO RESPOND TO THIS SOLICITATION

The University is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities have equally effective opportunities to participate in and benefit from University programs and services. Persons who may require reasonable ADA accommodations should contact the Issuing Office at (410) 951-3752 at least five (5) days prior to any meeting scheduled in connection with this solicitation.

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KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

RFP ISSUE DATE: December 24, 2025

RFP ISSUING OFFICE: Coppin State University Procurement Office

PROCUREMENT OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE:

Name: Steven Jost Director of Procurement Email: sjost@coppin.edu

PROCUREMENT OFFICE LOCATION: Coppin State University Procurement Office Physical Education Complex, Room 265 2500 W North Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21216

PRE-BID/PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: January 7, 2026, 11:00AM Coppin State University, Talon Center Building, Room 214 Refer to Section I Paragraph C for information.

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: January 14, 2026

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

(Not a Public Bid Opening)

February 25, 2026, 3:00PM. Delivered to the Procurement Office Location. The door will be locked at the deadline.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS: TBD (optional)

CONTRACT TERM: The Contract will commence on August 1, 2026, and conclude on June 30, 2031. The University reserves the right in its sole discretion to exercise five (5) one-year renewal options through June 30, 2036.

MBE Subcontracting Goal An overall Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) subcontract participation goal of 20% of the total contract dollar amount, including all renewal option terms, if any, has been established for this procurement.

The overall MBE subcontract participation goal includes the following subgoals, which have been established for this procurement:

• 3% for Asian-American MBEs; and

• 10% for Woman-Owned MBEs.

Refer to Section I Paragraph L for information about the MBE program and goals.

mailto:cblair@coppin.edu

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NOTICE TO BIDDER/OFFERORS

To help improve the quality of bid and proposal solicitations and to make our procurement process more responsive and "business friendly," we ask that you provide comments and suggestions regarding the enclosed solicitation. Please return your comments with your bid, proposal or "no bid," response, as the case may be. Thank you for your assistance.

Project No.: Project Title:

If you have responded with a “no bid” please indicate the reasons below (check applicable boxes):

Other commitments preclude our participation at this time.

The subject of the solicitation is not something we normally provide.

We are inexperienced in the work/commodities required.

The specifications are either unclear or too restrictive (explain below).

The scope of work is beyond our current capacity.

Doing business with Maryland Government Agencies is simply too complicated (explain below).

We cannot be competitive (explain below).

Time allotted for completion of the bid/proposal response is insufficient.

Start-up time is insufficient.

Bonding/insurance requirements are prohibitive (explain below).

MBE requirements (explain below).

Bid/Proposal requirements (other than specifications or scope) are unreasonable or too risky (explain below)

Prior experience with CSU contracts were not profitable or otherwise unsatisfactory (explain below).

Payment schedule is too slow.

Other:

Explanation:

Remarks/Recommendations:

Bidder/Offeror Name: Contact Person: __________________________________ Signature: Date:

Address: Email: Phone:

RFP #0002-2026 Page 4 of 36 CSU Dining Services

Request for Proposal (RFP) Table of Contents

RFP Document 1 of 2:

NOTICE TO BIDDER/OFFERORS

SECTION I. INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS

A. SUMMARY STATEMENT

B. ISSUING OFFICE AND PROCUREMENT OFFICER

C. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE AND SITE VISIT

D. QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES

E. PROPOSAL DUE DATE

F. DURATION OF PROPOSAL OFFER

G. PROCUREMENT METHOD

H. BASIS FOR AWARD

I. TERM OF CONTRACT

J. ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

K. MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE REQUIREMENTS

L. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES PROVISION RELATED TO MBE GOAL

SECTION II. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS

A. PURPOSE

B. ADDENDA TO THE RFP

C. PRE-PROPOSAL MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF OFFERS

D. CANCELLATION OF SOLICITATION/REJECTION OF ALL PROPOSALS

E. DISCUSSIONS

F. ORAL PRESENTATIONS

G. INCURRED EXPENSES

H. ARREARAGES

I. VERIFICATION OF REGISTRATION AND TAX PAYMENT

J. ECONOMY OF PREPARATION

K. PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT NOTICE

L. EXECUTION OF PROPOSALS

M. DISCREPANCIES, EXPLANATIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

N. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

O. REQUIRED CONTRACT PROVISIONS

P. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Q. CONFLICTING TERMS

R. OFFEROR RESPONSIBILITIES

S. FALSE STATEMENTS

T. PAYMENT TO THE CONTRACTOR; TAXES

U. PRESS RELEASES

V. RECIPROCAL PREFERENCE

W. VENDOR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER REGISTRATION

X. NON-VISUAL ACCESS

Y. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING

Z. PARKING

AA. SMOKING

SECTION III. EVALUATION PROCEDURE

A. EVALUATION COMMITTEE

B. QUALIFYING PROPOSALS

C. TECHNICAL EVALUATION

D. FINANCIAL EVALUATION

E. DISCUSSIONS - BEST AND FINAL OFFERS

F. EVALUATION CRITERIA

G. FINAL RANKING AND SELECTION

H. DEBRIEFING

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SECTION IV. INFORMATION REQUIRED IN ALL PROPOSALS

A. ORGANIZATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

B. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL CONTENTS

C. BID/PROPOSAL AFFIDAVIT

D. MBE UTILIZATION AFFIDAVIT

E. ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM

F. CONFLICT OF INTEREST AFFIDAVIT AND DISCLOSURE

G. PRIME CONTRACTOR LIST OF ALL SUBCONTRACTORS

SECTION V. SPECIFICATIONS/SCOPE OF WORK

A. STATEMENT OF WORK

B. OBJECTIVES

C. BACKGROUND

D. CURRENT ENVIRONMENT

E. EXCLUSIONS FROM SCOPE

F. CONTRACT TYPE

G. VENDOR COSTS

H. CONTRACTOR’S ANTICIPATED REVENUES

I. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS/RENOVATIONS

J. CONTRACTOR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

K. PROJECTED ANNUAL OPERATING SCHEDULE

L. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES:

M. CURRENT OPERATIONS

N. PROGRAM AND SERVICE EXPECTATIONS

SECTION VI. FINANCIAL EVALUATION PROPOSALS

A. FINANCIAL EVALUATION

B. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL CONTENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS

RFP Document 2 of 2: ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A - Required Contract Provisions Attachment B - Bid/Proposal Affidavit (to be included in Technical Proposal) Attachment C - Contract Affidavit (to be completed by selected awardee) Attachment D - Minority Business Enterprise Participation Forms D-1A Part 1-4 (Parts 2-4 to be included in Technical Proposal) D-2 D-3A (to be completed by selected awardee) D-3B (to be completed by selected awardee) D-4 D-5 Attachment E - Sample Contract Attachment F - Company Profile (to be included in Technical Proposal) Attachment G - Firm Experience (to be included in Technical Proposal) Attachment H - Bid/Proposal Bond (to be included in Price Proposal) Attachment I - Performance Bond (to be completed by selected awardee) Attachment J - N/A Attachment K - Addenda Acknowledgement (to be included in Technical Proposal) Attachment L - Key Personnel Form (to be included in Technical Proposal) Attachment M - N/A Attachment N - N/A Attachment O - Conflict of Interest Affidavit and Disclosure Form (to be included in Technical Proposal) Attachment P - Prime Contractor List of All Subcontractors (to be included in Technical Proposal)

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SECTION I. INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS

A. SUMMARY STATEMENT

Coppin State University seeks comprehensive dining services that are innovative, flexible, competitively priced and offer auxiliary revenue (e.g., commissions and other financial incentives) to support its facilities and programs. Coppin State University’s dining service program is student-centered, with quality and value as it is foundational hallmarks. Delivery of the highest evaluated program is the University’s primary interest.

B. ISSUING OFFICE AND PROCUREMENT OFFICER

The sole point of contact in the State for purposes of this RFP is the Procurement Officer or his/her representative (hereinafter referred to as Procurement Officer) noted on the Key Information Summary Sheet.

Only the information communicated by the Procurement Officer shall be deemed the official position of the University; no other State or Institution employee, official, or representative has authority to change the requirements of this solicitation. Attempts by an offeror to contact members of the evaluation committee or otherwise circumvent this procedure in any manner may be grounds for disqualification.

C. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE AND SITE VISIT

A pre-proposal conference will be held as noted on the Key Information Summary Sheet. Offerors shall submit questions in writing to the Procurement Officer prior to the pre-proposal conference. Offerors are encouraged to attend.

Visitor paid parking is available in Unreserved Parking Lot spaces. Lot F is the closest available, followed by Lot H. A Campus Map is available at the following link: https://www.coppin.edu/sites/default/files/pdf-library/2022-03/CSUCampusMap.pdf

The University is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities have equally effective opportunities to participate in and benefit from the University programs and services. Persons who may require reasonable ADA accommodation should contact the Issuing Office at (410) 951-3752 at least five (5) days prior to any meeting scheduled in connection with this solicitation.

D. QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES

Offerors shall direct all communications regarding this solicitation to the Procurement Officer. Submit questions to the Procurement Officer, in writing (email preferred) not later than the date indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet. Addenda, if required, will be furnished to all potential offerors known to have received the RFP.

E. PROPOSAL DUE DATE

Proposals must be received at the Issuing Office by the date and time indicated in the Key Information Summary Sheet. Requests for extensions will not be granted, nor will late proposals, late requests for modification, or late requests for withdrawal be considered. Unless specifically requested, proposals submitted by fax will not be accepted.

F. DURATION OF PROPOSAL OFFER

Proposals submitted in response to this RFP are irrevocable for 180 days following the closing date for proposals or, if requested, the due date for best and final offers (BAFO). This period may be extended by mutual written agreement between the offeror and the University.

G. PROCUREMENT METHOD

This solicitation shall be conducted in accordance with the University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Procurement Policies and Procedures. The procurement method is Competitive Sealed Proposals.

H. BASIS FOR AWARD

https://www.coppin.edu/sites/default/files/pdf-library/2022-03/CSUCampusMap.pdf https://www.coppin.edu/sites/default/files/pdf-library/2022-03/CSUCampusMap.pdf

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1. The University may classify a proposal as "not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award" if it is incomplete or does not meet minimum requirements. CSU may also determine that an offeror is non-responsible, i.e., does not have the capacity in all respects to perform the work required. Should a proposal be judged not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award, or an offeror found not responsible, the proposal will not be considered further; offeror will be notified accordingly.

2. Proposals will be evaluated by an evaluation committee. The committee will recommend award to the responsible offeror whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the University, considering both technical factors and price.

3. An award pursuant to this solicitation is final only upon approval by the appropriate office of the University System of Maryland (USM) and/or the State of Maryland, and contract execution on behalf of the University.

I. TERM OF CONTRACT

1. The Contract resulting from this RFP, shall commence on August 1, 2026, will have a base term of five

(5) years and end on June 30, 2031. At the sole discretion of the University, the Contract may be extended for five (5) additional one-year renewal terms for a total of ten (10) years.

J. ALTERNATE PROPOSALS

Neither multiple nor alternate proposals will be accepted.

K. MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE REQUIREMENTS

1. Establishment of Goal and Subgoals.

An overall MBE subcontractor participation goal as identified in the Key Information Summary Sheet has been established for this procurement, representing a percentage of the total Contract dollar value, including all renewal option terms, if any, has been established for this procurement.

Notwithstanding any subgoals established above, the Contractor is encouraged to use a diverse group of subcontractors and suppliers from any/all of the various MBE classifications to meet the remainder of the overall MBE participation goal.

After completing the MBE Subgoal Worksheet pursuant to the MBE Subgoal Guidance, (i) insert the subgoal amounts for the applicable subgoals above, and (ii) delete any of the above subgoals that do not apply to this solicitation. If after the completion of the MBE Subgoal Worksheet no subgoals are established, then the following sentence should be included instead, in black font:)

2. Attachments D-1 to D-5 – The following Minority Business Enterprise participation instructions, and forms are provided to assist Bidders/Offerors:

Attachment D-1A MBE Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit & MBE Participation Schedule (must submit with Bid/Proposal) Attachment D-1B Waiver Guidance Attachment D-1C Good Faith Efforts Documentation to Support Waiver Request Attachment D-2 Outreach Efforts Compliance Statement Attachment D-3A MBE Subcontractor Project Participation Certification Attachment D-3B MBE Prime Project Participation Certification Attachment D-4A Prime Contractor Paid/Unpaid MBE Invoice Report Attachment D-4B MBE Prime Contractor Report Attachment D-5 Subcontractor/Contractor Unpaid MBE Invoice Report

3. A Bidder/Offeror shall include with its Bid/Proposal a completed MBE Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit (Attachment D-1A) whereby:

i. The Bidder/Offeror acknowledges the certified MBE participation goal and commits to make a good faith effort to achieve the goal and any applicable subgoals, or requests a waiver, and affirms that MBE subcontractors were treated fairly in the solicitation process; and

ii. The Bidder/Offeror responds to the expected degree of MBE participation, as stated in the

RFP #0002-2026 Page 8 of 36 CSU Dining Services solicitation, by identifying the specific commitment of certified MBEs at the time of Bid/Proposal submission. The Bidder/Offeror shall specify the percentage of total contract value associated with each MBE subcontractor identified on the MBE participation schedule, including any work performed by the MBE prime (including a prime participating as a joint venture) to be counted towards meeting the MBE participation goals.

iii. A Bidder/Offeror requesting a waiver should review Attachment D-1B (Waiver Guidance) and D-1C (Good Faith Efforts Documentation to Support Waiver Request) prior to submitting its request.

If a Bidder/Offeror fails to submit a completed Attachment D-1A with the Bid/Proposal as required, the Procurement Officer shall determine that the Bid is non-responsive or the Proposal is not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award.

4. Bidders/Offerors are responsible for verifying that each of the MBE(s) (including any MBE primes and/or MBE primes participating in a joint venture), selected to meet the goal and any subgoals and subsequently identified in Attachment D-1A is appropriately certified and has the correct NAICS codes allowing it to perform the committed work.

5. Within ten (10) Working Days from notification that it is the recommended awardee or from the date of the actual award, whichever is earlier, the Bidder/Offeror must provide the following documentation to the Procurement Officer.

i. Outreach Efforts Compliance Statement (Attachment D-2).

ii. MBE Prime/Subcontractor Project Participation Certification (Attachment D-3A/3B).

iii. If the recommended awardee believes a waiver (in whole or in part) of the overall MBE goal or of any applicable subgoal is necessary, the recommended awardee must submit a fully-documented waiver request that complies with COMAR 21.11.03.11.

iv. Any other documentation required by the Procurement Officer to ascertain Bidder/Offeror responsibility in connection with the certified MBE subcontractor participation goal or any applicable subgoals.

If the recommended awardee fails to return each completed document within the required time, the Procurement Officer may determine that the recommended awardee is not responsible and, therefore, not eligible for Contract award. If the Contract has already been awarded, the award is voidable.

6. A current directory of certified MBEs is available through the Maryland State Department of Transportation (MDOT), Office of Minority Business Enterprise, 7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, Maryland 21076. The phone numbers are (410) 865-1269, 1-800-544-6056, or TTY (410) 865-1342. The directory is also available on the MDOT website at http://mbe.mdot.state.md.us/directory/. The most current and up-to-date information on MBEs is available via this website. Only MDOT-certified MBEs may be used to meet the MBE subcontracting goals.

7. The Contractor, once awarded a Contract, will be responsible for submitting or requiring its subcontractor(s) to submit the following forms to provide the State with ongoing monitoring of MBE Participation:

i. Attachment D-4A (Prime Contractor Paid/Unpaid MBE Invoice Report).

ii. Attachment D-4B (MBE Prime Contractor Report)

iii. Attachment D-5 (MBE Subcontractor/Contractor Unpaid MBE Invoice Report).

8. A Bidder/Offeror that requested a waiver of the goal or any of the applicable subgoals will be responsible for submitting the Good Faith Efforts Documentation to Support Waiver Request (Attachment D-1C) and all documentation within ten (10) Working Days from notification that it is the recommended awardee or from the date of the actual award, whichever is earlier, as required in

COMAR 21.11.03.11.

9. All documents, including the MBE Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit & MBE Participation Schedule (Attachment D-1A), completed and submitted by the Bidder/Offeror in connection with its certified MBE participation commitment shall be considered a part of the resulting Contract and are http://mbe.mdot.state.md.us/directory/

RFP #0002-2026 Page 9 of 36 CSU Dining Services hereby expressly incorporated into the Contract by reference thereto. All of the referenced documents will be considered a part of the Bid/Proposal for order of precedence purposes (see Section II, Paragraph N).

10. The Bidder/Offeror is advised that liquidated damages will apply in the event the Contractor fails to comply in good faith with the requirements of the MBE program and pertinent Contract provisions.

(See Section II, Paragraph N).

11. As set forth in COMAR 21.11.03.12-1(D) when a certified MBE firm participates on a contract as a prime contractor (including a joint-venture where the MBE firm is a partner), a procurement agency may count the distinct, clearly defined portion of the work of the contract that the certified MBE firm performs with its own work force towards fulfilling up to fifty-percent (50%) of the MBE participation goal (overall) and up to one hundred percent (100%) of not more than one of the MBE participation sub-goals, if any, established for the contract.

In order to receive credit for self-performance, an MBE prime must list its firm in Section 4A of the MBE Participation Schedule (Attachment D-1A) and include information regarding the work it will self-perform.

For the remaining portion of the overall goal and the sub-goals, the MBE prime must also identify other certified MBE subcontractors (see Section 4B of the MBE Participation Schedule (Attachment D-1A)) used to meet those goals. If dually-certified, the MBE prime can be designated as only one of the MBE classifications but can self-perform up to 100% of the stated sub-goal.

As set forth in COMAR 21.11.03.12-1, once the Contract work begins, the work performed by a certified MBE firm, including an MBE prime, can only be counted towards the MBE participation goal(s) if the MBE firm is performing a commercially useful function on the Contract.

12. With respect to Contract administration, the Contractor shall:

i. Submit by the 10th of each month to the Agency’s designated representative:

• A Prime Contractor Paid/Unpaid MBE Invoice Report (Attachment D-4A) listing any unpaid invoices, over 45 days old, received from any certified MBE subcontractor, the amount of each invoice and the reason payment has not been made; and

• (If Applicable) An MBE Prime Contractor Report (Attachment D-4B) identifying an MBE prime’s self-performing work to be counted towards the MBE participation goals.

ii. Include in its agreements with its certified MBE subcontractors a requirement that those subcontractors submit by the 10th of each month to the Department’s designated representative an MBE Subcontractor Paid/Unpaid Invoice Report (Attachment D-5) that identifies the Contract and lists all payments to the MBE subcontractor received from the Contractor in the preceding 30 days, as well as any outstanding invoices, and the amounts of those invoices.

iii. Maintain such records as are necessary to confirm compliance with its MBE participation obligations. These records must indicate the identity of certified minority and non-minority subcontractors employed on the Contract, the type of work performed by each, and the actual dollar value of work performed. Subcontract agreements documenting the work performed by all MBE participants must be retained by the Contractor and furnished to the Procurement Officer on request.

iv. Consent to provide such documentation as reasonably requested and to provide right-of-entry at reasonable times for purposes of the State’s representatives verifying compliance with the MBE participation obligations. Contractor must retain all records concerning MBE participation and make them available for State inspection for three years after final completion of the Contract.

Upon completion of the Contract and before final payment and/or release of retainage, submit a final report in affidavit form and under penalty of perjury, of all payments made to, or withheld from MBE subcontractors.

L. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES PROVISION RELATED TO MBE GOAL

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This contract requires the Contractor to make good faith efforts to comply with the Minority Business Enterprise (“MBE”) Program and contract provisions. The University and the Contractor acknowledge and agree that Institution will incur damages, including but not limited to, loss of goodwill, detrimental impact on economic development and diversion of internal staff resources if the Contractor does not make good faith efforts to comply with the requirements of the MBE Program and MBE contract provisions. The parties further acknowledge and agree that the damages the University and Institutions might reasonably anticipate to accrue as a result of such lack of compliance are difficult to ascertain with precision.

Therefore, upon a determination by that the University the contractor failed to make good faith efforts to comply with one or more of the specified MBE Program requirements or contract provisions, the Contractor agrees to pay liquidated damages to CSU at the rates set forth below. The Contractor expressly agrees that the Institution may withhold payment on any invoices as a set-off against liquidated damages owed. The Contractor further agrees that for each specified violation listed below, the agreed upon liquidated damages are reasonably proximate to the loss the Institution is anticipated to incur as a result of such violation.

1. Failure to submit each monthly payment report in full compliance with COMAR 21.11.03.13B (3):

$24.93 per day until the monthly report is submitted as required.

2. Failure to include in its agreements with MBE subcontractors a provision requiring submission of payment reports in full compliance with COMAR 21.11.03.13B (4): $ 87.24 per MBE subcontractor.

3. Failure to comply with COMAR 21.11.03.12 in terminating, canceling, or changing the scope of work/value of a contract with an MBE subcontractor and/or amendment of the MBE participation schedule: the difference between the dollar value of the MBE participation commitment on the MBE participation schedule for that specific MBE firm and the dollar value of the work performed by that MBE firm for the contract.

4. Failure to meet the Contractor’s total MBE participation goal and sub-goal commitments: the difference between the dollar value of the total MBE participation commitment on the MBE participation schedule and the MBE participation actually achieved.

Notwithstanding the use of liquidated damages, the University reserves the right to terminate the contract and exercise all other rights and remedies provided in the contract or by law.

END OF SECTION I.

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SECTION II. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS

A. PURPOSE

The purpose of this solicitation is to provide information to offerors interested in preparing and submitting proposals to meet the requirements contained herein. Offerors shall familiarize themselves with each section and subsection of this document.

B. ADDENDA TO THE RFP

The University reserves the right to amend this solicitation at any time prior to the proposal due date. If it becomes necessary to amend any part of this solicitation, the Procurement Officer will furnish addenda to all prospective offerors known to the University to have received a copy of the RFP. All addenda will be posted on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage.

Each offeror shall acknowledge the receipt of all addenda issued by completing Attachment K, Addendum Acknowledgment Form, and enclosing it with the technical proposal.

Failure to submit a completed and accurate Attachment K may result in a proposal being rejected.

C. PRE-PROPOSAL MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF OFFERS

Proposals may be modified or withdrawn by written notice received at the Issuing Office at any time before the proposal due date and time.

D. CANCELLATION OF SOLICITATION/REJECTION OF ALL PROPOSALS

The University reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, to accept or reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, received in response to this solicitation, and to waive or permit cure of technicalities and/or minor irregularities as its best interests may require.

E. DISCUSSIONS

The University reserves the right to conduct discussions with all qualified or potentially qualified offerors, in any matter necessary to serve its best interests. The University also reserves the right to award a contract based upon written proposals received, without discussions or negotiations.

F. ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Offerors may be required to make oral presentations to the University representatives. These are optional and may be held at the University’s sole discretion. The University will provide notice of the time and place for presentations.

G. INCURRED EXPENSES

The University assumes no responsibility for expenses incurred by the offeror in preparing and submitting a proposal, making an oral presentation, or participating in discussions or any other activity in response to this

RFP.

H. ARREARAGES

By submitting a response to this RFP, the offeror represents that it is not in arrears in the payment of any obligation due and owing to the State of Maryland, including the payment of taxes and employee benefits, and that it shall not become so in arrears during the term of the contract if selected for award.

I. VERIFICATION OF REGISTRATION AND TAX PAYMENT

Each prospective offeror is encouraged to ensure that it is appropriately registered to do business in the State of Maryland, and in good standing with respect to taxes, personal property returns, unemployment insurance, etc., before the closing date. Failure to complete registration with the State Department of Assessments and

RFP #0002-2026 Page 12 of 36 CSU Dining Services

Taxation (SDAT) may disqualify an otherwise successful offeror from recommendation for the contract award.

J. ECONOMY OF PREPARATION

Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straight-forward, concise description of the offeror's ability to fulfill the requirements of this solicitation.

K. PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT NOTICE

An offeror should give specific attention to the identification of those portions of the proposals that they deem to be confidential, proprietary information or trade secrets and provide any justification why such materials, upon request, should not be disclosed by the State pursuant to the Public Information Act (the “PIA”), codified in General Provisions Article (“GP”), Title 4 of the Md. Code Ann.

L. EXECUTION OF PROPOSALS

Proposals must be typewritten or written legibly in ink, and signed in ink or electronically as follows, depending on the offeror's form of business organization:

1. Sole Proprietorship. The proprietor must sign a full name, with an address.

2. Partnership and Joint Venture. Submit the proposal in the name of the partnership or joint venture.

Clearly state the partnership name and the identity of each general partner and execute all affidavits and certificates on behalf of the partnership, or on behalf of each general partner. No provision of any agreement among partners will be binding on unless it is disclosed in the offeror’s proposal.

Reasonable evidence satisfactory to the University of the authority of one partner to bind other purported partners is required. It is recommended that the proposal contains a copy of the partnership agreement, if one exists. If no partnership agreement exists, and if the number of general partners is reasonably small, each general partner should execute all required documents included in the proposal.

At the University’s option, all general partners may be required to sign the proposal. Failure to present the University with satisfactory information concerning a purported partnership or joint venture may be grounds for finding a proposal unacceptable.

1. Corporation. An officer or authorized agent of the corporation shall sign with full name, indicate title, and include the name and address of the corporation. In the case of an authorized agent, enclose a letter from an officer of the corporation authorizing said individual to act on behalf of the corporation.

M. DISCREPANCIES, EXPLANATIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

Should offeror find discrepancies in the specifications or other provisions included in this solicitation, or be in doubt as to the meaning or intent of any section or subsection herein, offeror shall request clarification from the Procurement Officer. Failure to request clarification prior to the due date shall be a waiver of any claim by the offeror for expenses made necessary by reason of later interpretation of the contract documents, and offeror shall be bound to the University’s interpretation. Request clarifications in accordance with the instructions above.

N. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

The contract to be entered into as a result of the RFP ("Contract") will consist of the following Contract Documents, listed in their order of precedence:

1. The contract executed by the parties and/or purchase order issued by the University

2. The solicitation, including Attachment A (Required Contract Provisions) and all other attachments and

3. Offeror's proposal.

No modifications to this order of precedence will be accepted.

O. REQUIRED CONTRACT PROVISIONS

All proposals submitted, and the contracts executed by the successful offeror(s), are subject to Attachment A.

By submitting a proposal, offeror is deemed to have accepted the terms of this RFP, including attachments; a

RFP #0002-2026 Page 13 of 36 CSU Dining Services proposal that takes exception to the terms of the RFP may be rejected. Exceptions, if any, must be clearly identified in the Executive Summary enclosed with the technical proposal. Mutually agreeable modifications of the solicitation provisions, if allowed by law, will be documented by express identification in the final contract as superseding the pertinent provisions of the solicitation. A proposer’s exception to a uniform term or condition may cause its proposal to be classified as not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award or to be disqualified.

P. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The terms of this solicitation and any amendments thereto are made a part of this Contract.

Q. CONFLICTING TERMS

Any proposal for terms in addition to or different from those set forth in this solicitation (or purchase order) or any attempt by the Offeror to vary any of the terms of this offer by the Offeror’s acceptance shall not operate as a rejection of this officer, unless such variance is in the terms of the description, quantity, price or delivery schedule, but shall be deemed a material alteration thereof, and this offer shall be deemed acceptable by the Offeror without the additional or different terms. If this solicitation (or Purchase order) is an acceptance of a prior offer by the Offeror, the acceptance is expressly conditioned upon Offeror’s assent to any additional or different terms contained herein. The Offeror understand and agrees that the terms and conditions of this solicitation may not be waived.

R. OFFEROR RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful offeror shall be responsible for all products and services required by this RFP. Subcontractors, if any, must be identified, and a complete description of their role relative to the project must be identified.

S. FALSE STATEMENTS

Offerors are advised that Maryland law provides that in connection with a procurement contract, a person may not willfully: falsify, conceal or suppress a material fact by any scheme or device; make a false or fraudulent statement or representation of a material fact; use a false writing or document that contains a false or fraudulent statement or entry of a material fact; or aid or conspire with another person to commit any of the aforementioned acts. A person who violates these provisions is guilty of a felony, and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five (5) years, or both.

T. PAYMENT TO THE CONTRACTOR; TAXES

Payment is governed by Title 15, Subtitle 1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. The State of Maryland is exempt from Maryland Retail Sales Tax and Federal Excise Tax.

U. PRESS RELEASES

The successful offeror shall issue no press release to any publication, including newspapers, with regard to work being conducted under this contract.

V. RECIPROCAL PREFERENCE

While Maryland law does not authorize state agencies to favor resident offerors, some other states grant preferences to their residents over Maryland businesses. Therefore, a resident business preference may be given to a Maryland firm if: A responsible offeror whose headquarters, principal base of operations, or principal site that will provide the services required by this RFP is located in another state submits the most advantageous offer; the other state gives a preference to its residents through law, policy, or practice; and the preference does not conflict with a Federal law or grant affecting the contract. The preference given shall be identical to the preference that the other state gives to its residents.

W. VENDOR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER REGISTRATION

Contractors of the State are required to complete a COT/GAD Form X-10, Vendor Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Registration Request Form, for each new contract with a value greater than $200,000. Vendors must register for EFT by submitting a completed COT/GAD Form X-10 to the Comptroller’s General Accounting

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Division (GAD) or request an exemption from GAD. The revised form is on the Comptroller’s Web site at https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov/state-agencies/accounting/eft-ach-for-vendors.html.

X. NON-VISUAL ACCESS

The offeror shall ensure compliance in any applicable contract with State of Maryland IT Non-Visual Access Standards. The standards should be incorporated to the fullest extent possible for information technology contracts. These standards/policies may be revised from time to time, and the offeror shall comply with all such revisions. The Non-visual Access Clause noted in COMAR 21.05.08.05 and referenced in this RFP is the basis for the standards that have been incorporated in the Maryland regulations.

Y. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING

The University reserves the right to extend the terms, conditions, and prices of the contract awarded pursuant to this solicitation to the institutions, and to other State educational institutions (e.g., St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Morgan State University, and Baltimore City Community College) and public agencies with similar requirements. Each such entity will issue its own purchasing documents; the University assumes no contractual obligations on behalf of other users of its contracts. The foregoing applicability of terms, covenants, and conditions to future contracts is intended to provide consistency in contracts among contractors. It is not intended to preclude an institution from negotiating terms unique to its specific needs or circumstances.

Z. PARKING

All vehicles parked on ins properties must strictly observe parking regulations. Many institutions require parking permits unless parked at a paid meter. Parking on sidewalks or unpaved areas is prohibited at all times. All fines for parking or other vehicle violations are the responsibility of the Contractor. This applies to vendors, salespersons, company vehicles, and Contractors’ employees personal vehicles. Long- and short-term permits are available, at designated rates, for vendors with contracts that require them to park regularly on the campus.

AA. SMOKING

Smoking, defined as the burning of tobacco or any other material in any type of smoking equipment, including but not restricted to cigarettes, cigars or pipes, is prohibited on all property owned, leased or operated by the University. This consists of all buildings, including residence halls, leased restaurants and lodging facilities; all grounds, including exterior open spaces, parking lots and garages, on-campus sidewalks, streets, driveways, stadiums, recreational spaces and practice facilities; and in all University - owned or leased vehicles. The policy applies to all individuals on University campuses, including faculty, staff, students, parents, vendors and visitors. Contractors and their employees and subcontractors who violate the policy may be denied access to the campuses.

END OF SECTION II.

https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov/state-agencies/accounting/eft-ach-for-vendors.html

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SECTION III. EVALUATION PROCEDURE

A. EVALUATION COMMITTEE

All technical proposals received by the closing deadline will be evaluated by a committee appointed by the Procurement Officer. The committee may request additional technical assistance from any source within the University, State government, or other sources deemed appropriate. Technical and price proposals will be evaluated independently.

B. QUALIFYING PROPOSALS

Proposals shall be initially reviewed for compliance with the solicitation requirements. Failure to comply with solicitation requirements may result in a proposal being classified as not reasonably susceptible of being selected for award. Minor irregularities in proposals that are immaterial or inconsequential in nature may be cured or waived whenever it is determined to be in the University’s best interest.

C. TECHNICAL EVALUATION

1. After determining compliance with the RFP’s minimum requirements, the evaluation committee will assess and rank technical merit of each proposal in accordance with the criteria below.

2. At the discretion of the Procurement Officer following recommendation by the evaluation committee, a shortlist of qualified proposals may be established during the technical evaluation. If so, only shortlisted offerors would continue in the evaluation process; offerors not short-listed shall be so advised.

D. FINANCIAL EVALUATION

Price proposals will be evaluated separately from Technical Proposals. Do not submit price information in the technical proposal.

E. DISCUSSIONS - BEST AND FINAL OFFERS

1. The Procurement Officer may invite one or more qualified offerors for oral presentations of their proposals. Discussions or negotiations may be conducted with qualified offerors. The Procurement Officer reserves the right to make awards without discussion or negotiation.

2. When in the best interest of the University, the Procurement Officer may request that qualified offerors revise their initial proposals by submitting best and final offers.

F. EVALUATION CRITERIA

In making the most advantageous Proposal determination, technical factors will receive greater weight than financial factors.

The technical evaluation criteria are listed below in descending order of importance:

1. Company’s past performance and experience in higher education on similar or relevant project settings with at least five years of experience in food services

2. Company’s capacity

3. Key Personnel

4. Detailed Plan demonstrating offeror’s understanding of the University’s requirements

5. Value-Added Services Attributes

G. FINAL RANKING AND SELECTION

Following evaluation of the technical and price proposals, the evaluation committee will recommend to the Procurement Officer award to the responsible offeror whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the University.

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H. DEBRIEFING

Unsuccessful offerors may request a debriefing. If the offeror chooses to do so, the request must be submitted in writing to the Procurement Officer within ten days after the offeror knew, or should have known its proposal was unsuccessful. Debriefings shall be limited to discussion of the specific offeror's proposal only and will not include a discussion of a competing offeror's proposal. Debriefings shall be conducted at the earliest feasible time.

END OF SECTION III.

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SECTION IV. INFORMATION REQUIRED IN ALL PROPOSALS

A. ORGANIZATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

1. The technical proposal must arrive at the Procurement Office Location not later than the closing date and time indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet.

2. Provide both electronic and hard copy submissions using a single thumb drive instead of email. Save in PDF format as a single file for the technical proposal, and a single file for the financial proposal. The University prefers electronic PDF format that is organized with bookmarks. By submitting it electronically, the proposing firm is granting CSU Procurement permission to provide the submission to appropriate internal staff for evaluation purposes.

3. Submit one (1) original and seven (7) hard copies of each technical and financial proposal.

4. Proposals shall be addressed to the Procurement Officer Representative at the Procurement Office location listed on the Key Information Summary Sheet.

5. If product literature and other publications are needed to supplement the offeror’s response, include a reference to the document name and page in text, and insert the product literature, etc. following the last section of the response.

6. Ensure that the technical proposal is page-numbered and prepared in a clear and concise manner that addresses each part of the RFP. Do not include price information in the technical proposal.

7. Forms are created by the University for the convenience of both Proposers and the University. All Proposers are required to use the Form formats; however, Proposers may elect to reproduce the form.

Proposers are to include all information requested, even if it wasn’t accurately transcribed into the form.

B. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL CONTENTS

Compile in the following order:

1. Executive Summary. (Limit: 2 pages) Each technical proposal shall be covered by an Executive Summary prepared on the offeror’s business stationery, signed by an individual who is authorized to bind the firm to all statements, proposed services, and prices offered. Do not include price information in the transmittal letter. The executive summary must demonstrate offeror’s understanding of the University’s requirements, highlighting offeror’s proposed solution. The Offeror will also provide to the University the name, title, phone number including extension number, and email address of the Proposing Firm’s contact for the Technical Proposal response. Include the following certification statement by an authorized official of the organization:

The undersigned certified under oath that the information provided herein is true and sufficiently complete so as not to be misleading, and is reflective of this RFP, including Addendum. The undersigned will comply with all of the Coppin State University contract terms and conditions, or else any exceptions are included and clearly identified on a separate page attached to this Executive Summary.

Submitted by:

Name Signature Address

Principal Office

2. Offeror Experience on Similar or Relevant Projects/References. (Limit 6 total pages) Complete the Firm Experience Form (Attachment G), providing not less than three comparable projects currently underway or previously undertaken by offeror including the name and telephone number of the project manager and/or procurement officer for each. Identify the similarities and differences between projects recently completed and the proposed project. Documented success with higher education institutions (IHEs) is preferred. The University reserves the right to make such investigations, as it deems necessary to confirm the responsibility of offeror. In the absence of information clearly indicating that the offeror is responsible, the Procurement Officer shall make a determination of non-responsibility.

3. Company Profile. (Limit 2 pages) Complete the Company Profile form included with this RFP (Attachment F), noting the website to be consulted for additional comprehensive company information.

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4. Key Personnel. (Limit 3 pages each personnel) Using Attachment L, provide the names of key offeror personnel proposed for the University’s project, if awarded, emphasizing specific experience on contracts similar in scope and volume to the requirements of this RFP. Note: offeror shall submit forms only for personnel reasonably expected to be committed to the University for the duration of the project (See Attachment A regarding commitment and substitution of Key Personnel). Include, at minimum, information on the shop manager, and the service representative proposed for assignment to the University’s contract.

5. Provide Detailed Plan. (Limit 5 pages) Demonstrating offeror’s understanding of the University’s requirements, highlighting offeror’s proposed solution for management of Sanitation, Maintenance, General Housekeeping, and Sustainability.

6. Response to Technical Requirements (Section V) to include the Value-Added Services Attributes. (Limit 10 pages) Narrative discussing all objectives and requirements as outlined in Section V of this RFP.

Organize the technical response in the same sequence as Section V of this RFP, and address each separate item herein, confirming compliance and describing in detail how offeror proposes to meet or exceed each requirement. Responses should not be simple “yes” or “no” or “We will comply” responses.

The Offeror must describe, in detail, how the proposed approach and/or services will satisfy the stated requirements.

7. Subcontractors. (Limit 2 pages each) List each subcontractor proposed for the University’s contract, with a complete description of its role and involvement. Duplicate the "Company Profile" form (Attachment F) as necessary for this response.

8. Additional Attachments noted below.

Note: The Technical Proposal submitted in response to this Solicitation must demonstrate that the Offeror has sufficient expertise and experience as well as an understanding of the contract scope and objectives. It is the offeror’s responsibility to tailor its response to demonstrate this specifically for the University rather than providing a ‘cookie cutter/template’ response. Offerors should describe in detail and provide specific examples supporting the qualifications requested. Conciseness and clarity of content are emphasized and encouraged. Vague and general proposals will be considered non-responsive and may result in disqualification.

C. BID/PROPOSAL AFFIDAVIT

State procurement regulations require that bids/proposals contain certifications regarding non-collusion, debarment, cost and price, etc. Complete the Bid/Proposal Affidavit (Attachment B) and submit with the technical proposal.

D. MBE UTILIZATION AFFIDAVIT

The MBE Utilization Affidavit and Participation Schedule (D-1A Parts 2-4) is included in this solicitation in Attachment D. In addition to completing the MBE Utilization Affidavit, offerors are encouraged to: 1) Identify potential MBE(s), the scope of services to be performed by the MBE(s), and the percentage(s) of the total contract price to be paid and counted in accordance with the instructions for said scope of work; and 2)…