Food Innovation Center Study

The University of Connecticut is seeking a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Food Innovation Center Study, solicitation number KA071522, targeting analysis and strategic development for Food Innovation Labs. The procurement is open to all vendors and requires a comprehensive study that will likely examine the current state, potential opportunities, and strategic recommendations for food innovation infrastructure and programming. The solicitation was issued on July 16, 2022, with proposals due by July 26, 2022, at 2:00 PM EDT. A vendor question and answer period is scheduled from July 16, 2022, at 8:15 AM EDT until July 20, 2022, at 2:00 PM EDT, allowing potential respondents to seek clarification about the project requirements. Proposals must be submitted through the University's HuskyBuy self-service online portal, with delivery terms specified as Free On Board Destination and payment terms to be determined by the vendor. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed in the documents, the primary objective appears to be producing a strategic study that provides insights into food innovation laboratory capabilities and potential developments.

The RFP documentation does not specify any set-aside designations, minority business enterprise requirements, or restrictions on vendor participation. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or existing contractors currently involved with the Food Innovation Labs project. The solicitation does not indicate a specific budget range or award value for the study, which suggests potential flexibility in proposal pricing and scope. Interested vendors are directed to contact Kristin Allen at the University of Connecticut's Storrs campus for additional information or assistance with bid preparation. The lack of detailed financial information, line item specifications, and explicit evaluation criteria suggests that the University is seeking a comprehensive, qualitative assessment of its Food Innovation Labs that may lead to future strategic investments or programmatic developments.