Catering Services for Training and Technical Assistance (T2) Center Events

The University of Connecticut is requesting proposals for catering services to support Transportation Training and Technical Assistance (T2) Center events across Connecticut, with proposals due October 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET under RFP TL092526. The University encourages participation from small businesses, minority-owned businesses, woman-owned businesses, and disability-owned businesses certified by Connecticut's Department of Administrative Services, though this is an encouragement rather than a set-aside.

The scope covers buffet-style meal and refreshment service for training events typically serving 15 to 60 attendees per event, including breakfast, lunch, and light refreshment options. Vendors must prepare all food at their licensed facilities, provide setup and serving equipment, and maintain appropriate temperatures during transport to multiple locations across Connecticut. Vegetarian and vegan meal options are mandatory. For events on University property, only Coca-Cola products may be served per the University's exclusive pouring rights agreement. The University reserves the right to request taste testing at the proposer's expense. Proposers must accommodate location changes, schedule adjustments, cancellations with short notice, and multiple same-day events. All food must comply with industry standards and applicable food safety regulations; vendors must maintain Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection licenses, state and local health department permits, and temporary food service permits for University property events.

The initial contract term is one year with four optional one-year extensions, for a potential five-year total. Evaluation weighting: Firm Experience and Demonstrated Success (35%), Products and Services Information (20%), Staffing and Training (10%), and Financial/Economic Proposal (35%). Proposers must provide three references preferably from higher education institutions and disclose conflicts of interest. The contractor must maintain Commercial General Liability of $2 million aggregate, Technology Professional Liability of $2 million, Business Automobile Liability of $1 million, and Workers' Compensation as required by Connecticut law. Proposals must remain valid for 180 days. A pre-proposal conference is scheduled October 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Proposers selected for presentation or demonstration will be scheduled November 2–6, 2026. Questions and mandatory submissions, including Campaign Contribution Certification, Bidder Contract Compliance Monitoring Report, Vendor Code of Conduct acknowledgment, Connecticut Economic Impact Form, and Non-Collusion Affidavit, are due by the proposal deadline. Payment terms are 2% discount if paid within 15 days or net 45 days.