University Bookstore Management

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is requesting proposals for management of a hybrid university bookstore operation comprising UNC Student Stores, Bull's Head Bookshop, Carolina Computing Initiative Computer Store, and an Online Course Materials Store with associated websites, with proposals due September 2, 2026 (note: the RFP document states September 14 at 2:00 PM EST; the cover sheet lists September 2 as due date — the September 14 deadline in the detailed RFP governs). A mandatory pre-proposal site visit and bidders conference is scheduled for July 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM at 320 Ridge Road Chase Hall End Zone in Chapel Hill.

Vendors must be registered as North Carolina vendors, comply with E-Verify employment authorization verification, and undergo comprehensive background checks for all personnel. Financial stability demonstration and customer references are required.

The contract term runs seven years beginning July 1, 2027, with three optional one-year renewal periods at UNC's discretion. The initial contract value reflects UNC Student Stores' fiscal year 2025 total sales of $18.6 million. The contractor must purchase existing inventory from the current operator at cost — new textbooks at publisher invoice cost, used textbooks at 50% of new retail price, and general merchandise at invoice cost. UNC imposes maximum gross profit margins: 25% on net-priced textbooks and coursepacks, 20% on digital materials, and 75% maximum pricing for used textbooks relative to current new retail prices. UNC retains control over course materials strategic decisions and adoption data.

The contractor must fund facility improvements to upgrade the Campus Store; all improvements become UNC property at contract termination. Payback obligations apply only if termination occurs before full depreciation through June 30, 2034. Written questions are due August 3, 2026, with responses by August 17, 2026. Public bid opening occurs September 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST.