Western Connecticut State University Campus Dining Services

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is soliciting sealed proposals for comprehensive University Dining Services across all campus locations, including facilities at the Westside and Berkshire campuses in Fairfield County, Connecticut. This procurement encompasses full-service dining operations with detailed specifications provided through operational data tables and campus facility floor plans. Prospective vendors must demonstrate capability to manage food service operations at multiple locations, maintain compliance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (effective September 16, 2020, through August 31, 2025), and coordinate equipment relocations and facility modifications as outlined in the renovation specifications. The RFP, issued December 5, 2025, establishes a vendor question and answer period running from December 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST through January 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST, with a sealed proposal submission deadline of January 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. Bidders should direct inquiries to Seth Koos at Western Connecticut State University, 181 White Street, Danbury, Connecticut 06810, telephone 203-837-8657, or kooss@wcsu.edu. All qualified vendors are eligible to submit proposals for this opportunity, with delivery terms specified as Free On Board Destination and vendor-specified payment terms to be negotiated as part of the proposal process.

The solicitation imposes specific compliance requirements applicable to state contracts, including submission of the Connecticut Campaign Contribution Certification Form (OPM Form 1) at the time of bid submission, which must be signed and notarized before a Commissioner of the Superior Court or Notary Public. This certification is mandatory for contracts valued at $50,000 or more and requires bidders to certify that neither they nor their principals have made campaign contributions violating Connecticut General Statutes Section 9-612. The RFP documentation does not identify any set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, incumbent vendors, or specific budget ranges for this procurement. Two amendments to the original RFP were issued during the solicitation period, and prospective bidders must reference all solicitation materials, including operational data tables and facility floor plans, to develop comprehensive proposals. The contract will be awarded to a qualified vendor capable of assuming responsibility for all dining service operations and managing the unionized workforce under the existing collective bargaining agreement through its current expiration date.