SHIP Sept 2026 Catering Services

The State of Minnesota is requesting bids for catering services for the 2026 Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) Meeting on September 22–23, 2026, at the Eagan Community Center in Eagan, with bids due August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time via the SWIFT Supplier Portal. Only caterers with an existing valid service agreement with the Eagan Community Center are eligible for award — a mandatory eligibility gate.

The scope includes continental breakfast, morning and afternoon break service with healthy snacks, lunch (sandwiches on Day 1, taco bar on Day 2), and all-day beverage service. All meals must be served buffet-style, include low-fat/low-cholesterol and vegetarian options, clearly label allergens, and accommodate special dietary requests submitted one week prior. The estimated attendance is 250 persons, though the State does not guarantee a minimum number of attendees or meals. Quoted prices are firm and will not be adjusted if actual attendance falls below the estimate.

Targeted group businesses, economically disadvantaged businesses, and veteran-owned businesses certified by the State receive a 12 percent preference in points. DEED and DHS eligible providers receive a 6 percent preference.

Bidders must submit Attachment A (Responder Declarations), Attachment B (Responder Forms), Attachment C (Additional Information), and Exhibit D (Price Schedule) with itemized pricing for each service line broken into food costs, gratuity, and taxes. Cancellation fee structures for three notice periods (45–31 days, 30–15 days, 14–0 days) must also be provided. The contract term runs September 1 through December 31, 2026. The contractor must maintain Commercial General Liability of $2,000,000 per occurrence and Workers' Compensation insurance per Minnesota statute. Questions are due August 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time to james.cole@state.mn.us. Responses remain firm for 180 days from submission.