WOU - Operation of the Hamersly Library's First Floor Cafe

Western Oregon University (WOU) is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the exclusive operation of a full-service cafe located on the first floor of the Wayne & Lynn Hamersly Library in Monmouth, Oregon. The cafe space encompasses approximately 1,601 square feet and requires vendors to provide hot beverages (coffee and tea), cold drinks (water, juices, and sodas), and pre-packaged food offerings including sandwiches, salads, wraps, and baked goods, with explicit exclusions for fried foods, excessive odors, and open-flame cooking. WOU will provide the dedicated space, built-in service counter, commercial-grade La Marzocco Linea 2EE espresso machine, refrigerated display case, sinks, and two large industrial refrigeration/freezer units, while vendors must supply all smallwares, consumables, point-of-sale systems, backup equipment, and maintain daily cleaning and sanitation in compliance with local and state health department regulations. Operational hours must align with peak academic needs during the academic year with negotiable daily schedules, reduced hours during breaks and holidays, extended hours during finals week, and reduced schedules during summer term. Evaluation criteria weight operational feasibility and quality at 40 percent, proposed menu and pricing for students at 40 percent, vendor experience and references at 10 percent, and financial quote at 10 percent. Mandatory site visits are scheduled for February 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM or February 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM, with proposal submissions due by March 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM, and a deadline for requests for clarifications and specification protests on February 17, 2026.

Minimum vendor qualifications include possession of all necessary business licenses and food service certifications for Monmouth, Oregon; commercial liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate; a minimum of three years of experience operating retail food service locations; and three professional references. The RFQ does not indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular organization types or disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must structure their financial proposals as either a percentage of gross monthly revenue or a guaranteed minimum monthly lease payment to the University, with other clearly articulated financial models subject to consideration; however, specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the procurement documentation. All beverage offerings must comply with WOU's existing vending agreements and university policies and require advance approval by the University. The initial lease term and renewal periods are negotiable, and upon vendor selection, the contract will be formalized through a Restaurant Lease agreement.