DNR Catering Services located at Camp Ripley, MN

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a licensed caterer to provide comprehensive food services for multiple events at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota. The contract will cover catering services for events ranging from 20 to 400 attendees, including breakfast, morning break, lunch, afternoon break, and dinner throughout the year. Successful vendors must be state-licensed caterers capable of providing flexible meal options, including buffet and plated meals, with considerations for dietary restrictions and nutritionally dense meals for physically active attendees. Proposals are due by January 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time, with a contract term from February 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026. Interested vendors must submit questions in writing to Staci Stoerzinger by January 9, 2025, and must be registered in the SWIFT Supplier Portal. The evaluation process will award points based on acceptance of state terms and conditions (100 points) and cost details (900 points), with a total possible score of 1,000 points.

The procurement offers additional preference points for targeted group businesses, with up to 120 points available for certified businesses, including 12% for veteran-owned businesses and 6% for eligible DEED/DHS providers. The contract allows for potential extensions up to four additional years through amendments. The estimated annual contract value ranges from $100,000 to $150,000, though the state does not guarantee a minimum number of meals or attendees. Vendors must be prepared to maintain firm pricing regardless of actual event attendance. Prospective respondents must complete multiple declaration forms, including workforce and equal pay declarations, veteran-owned preference forms, and additional vendor information documents. Vendors needing registration assistance can contact the Vendor Assistance Helpdesk at 651-201-8100. The solicitation emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and businesses owned by persons with disabilities.