Powers Building Cafeteria Services

The Rhode Island Department of Administration-Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) is soliciting qualified food service/catering firms to operate a full-service kitchen in the lower level of the Powers Building in Providence, Rhode Island. The procurement seeks a vendor to prepare and provide food services for state employees and public customers, with a comprehensive requirement for a turnkey cafeteria operation. Potential vendors must demonstrate expertise in food service management, catering, and institutional food preparation. The Request for Proposal (RFP23002528) outlines a detailed procurement process with a non-mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled for March 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM EST, and proposals are due by April 19, 2023, at 2:00 PM GMT. Evaluation criteria will include technical merit, cost proposal, and Minority/Women/Disability Business Enterprise (ISBE) participation rates, with points awarded across these categories. Vendors must submit separate technical and cost proposals through the Ocean State Procures system and maintain specific insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 in general liability insurance per occurrence, $100,000 in workers compensation, and $1,000,000 in automobile liability coverage.

The procurement strongly encourages participation from Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disability Business Enterprises (DisBEs), with scoring explicitly factoring in proposed ISBE utilization rates. Vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures system and complete all required forms, including an Affirmative Action Policy Statement. The initial contract term is set for three years, beginning approximately July 1, 2023, with options for two additional 12-month renewal periods contingent on vendor performance and funding availability. While no incumbent vendor information is provided, the contract will be funded by the State of Rhode Island and is subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Vendors will be required to comply with state non-discrimination policies and demonstrate the ability to provide comprehensive food service operations in a government building setting. The state reserves the right to award the contract based on cost alone or to cancel the solicitation at its discretion, ensuring flexibility in the procurement process.