RFP 2026-1184 Texas Tech University Textbook, Course Material, and Merchandise Operations

Texas Tech University (TTU) has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 2026-1184 seeking an operator for textbook, course material, and merchandise services at the university's Student Union Building in Lubbock, Texas. This procurement encompasses comprehensive campus bookstore operations serving TTU's in-person and virtual communities, including textbook and course material sales, promotional merchandise, sundry items, graduation regalia, and computer hardware and software. Proposers must submit detailed compensation schedules, marketing plans, merchandising plans, and material adoption plans, with pricing remaining firm for twenty-four months following execution and subject to a maximum three percent annual increase thereafter. The evaluation will be conducted on a best-value basis, weighted at forty percent for financial value, thirty-five percent for demonstrated ability to fulfill requirements, fifteen percent for value-added options, and ten percent for quality assurance measures. TTU reserves the right to award multiple proposers if advantageous and will consider alternate proposals that differ from specifications. The critical timeline includes a solicitation conference on March 17, 2026, a written questions deadline of April 3, 2026, and proposals due by 2:30 PM Central Time on April 17, 2026, with evaluation anticipated for April-May 2026 and award recommendations in May 2026. The contract term is anticipated to begin upon last signature and expire five years from that date, with automatic renewal for one additional five-year term unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to contract expiration.

The RFP includes specific restrictions on apparel brands, including Nike, Converse, Under Armour, Russell, Puma, Reebok, New Balance, and Asics, due to existing partnership agreements, and requires compliance with TTU's exclusive Coca-Cola pouring rights and existing Starbucks operations. Proposers must carry comprehensive insurance including general liability, workers' compensation, and cyber liability coverage, and provide a performance bond equal to one hundred percent of estimated annual contract value. The current bookstore operator is Follett, which has managed the operation since August 2021 and operates an online platform integrated with TTU's Canvas learning management system; all proposals must demonstrate compatibility with existing campus infrastructure and learning management systems. Contractors must comply with comprehensive data security requirements outlined in the Data Security Addendum, including NIST Special Publication 800-53 cybersecurity standards, FERPA compliance, Texas Government Code 2054.0593 (TX-RAMP) requirements, and immediate notification protocols for any data breaches, with strict liability imposed for data protection failures. TTU will be responsible for external and internal building maintenance, utilities, trash removal, and janitorial services at no cost to the proposer, while the proposer is responsible for daily interior cleaning, equipment maintenance, security measures, and all retail sales taxes. No specific budget range or award value is listed in the RFP documentation provided.