Bookstore Management Services

Haywood Community College in North Carolina is seeking a comprehensive bookstore management services vendor through Request for Proposals (RFP #101-HCC2026-04) to manage both onsite and online bookstore operations. The scope of services includes selling course materials in various formats (new, used, rental, digital), general merchandise, special order services, and surplus merchandise management. Key deliverables encompass operating a full-service website, managing social media, implementing an Equitable Access model with Day 1 content delivery, and integrating with the College's Ellucian Colleague R18 SIS and Moodle LMS. The vendor must facilitate faculty textbook adoptions, provide employee training, and ensure financial aid integration. Critical deadlines include written questions due by January 7, 2026, with responses provided by January 14, 2026, and proposals to be submitted electronically via the eVP portal by January 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. Evaluation criteria will focus on vendor experience in higher education bookstore operations, with preference given to North Carolina community college references, and comprehensive pricing structures including commission percentages and minimum annual guarantees.

The RFP encourages HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) participation and requires vendors to submit documentation demonstrating commitment to diversity. Vendor qualifications include financial stability certification, background checks for personnel, and submission of at least three customer references. Technology integration requirements involve compatibility with existing institutional systems and adherence to PCI compliance and data security protocols. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the RFP requires detailed financial submissions including commission percentages for Years 1-5 on non-Equitable Access sales and specific net pricing per student per publisher content item. The initial contract term is three years from final execution, with the College reserving the right to extend. Vendor obligations include maintaining specified operating hours, offering faculty and staff discounts (minimum 10% and 20% respectively), accepting multiple payment types, and implementing comprehensive refund policies with a minimum 15-day window for new textbooks.