Football Preseason Catering IFB

The University at Buffalo (SUNY) is seeking bids for a comprehensive football preseason catering contract to provide buffet-style meals for the football team during their 2025 preseason training period from July 28th to August 22nd. The procurement is structured as an Invitation for Bid (IFB) #24KES0240, with meals to be delivered to the north campus location in Erie County, New York. Bidders must submit proposals electronically through the ShopBlue (Jaggaer) eProcurement system by June 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The contract covers both lunch and dinner services, with specific requirements including 8 ounces of protein, 2 cups of starches, 1.5 cups of vegetables, and 1 cup of fruits per person, with mandatory accommodations for various dietary needs such as vegetarian, diabetic, kosher, and gluten-free options. Lunch deliveries are scheduled between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, while dinner deliveries will occur between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The evaluation criteria will focus on responsiveness, vendor responsibility, and the ability to meet specified nutritional and service requirements, with the award to be made to the lowest-price bidder meeting all specifications.

The procurement does not include a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Set Aside, and the contract allows for broad participation from food service professionals. The previous contractor was FitFuel in 2024, and the current solicitation allows bidders to submit proposals for either lunch or dinner services, or both. The contract term is one year, contingent upon execution and approval by the State Office of the Attorney General and State Comptroller. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive meal requirements suggest a substantial catering contract serving between 151-182 people daily with extensive menu variety and dietary accommodations. The university reserves the right to award the contract in whole or in part, reject any or all proposals, or make no award at all. Bidders must provide all necessary serving equipment, including plastic ware, and be prepared to coordinate menu details with the Football Director of Nutrition. The procurement emphasizes compliance with New York State regulations, including the Procurement Lobbying Act and Iran Divestment Act, and requires vendors to complete a mandatory responsibility questionnaire.