Beverage Pouring Rights and Sponsorship

Delaware State University
Request for Proposal
Beverage Pouring Rights and Sponsorship
Contract No. DSU260510 - BEVERAGESP
Bid packets must be received by 3:00pm on July 15, 2026
Time listed above is the local time in the State of Delaware
E-mail: contracts@desu.edu
Note: Bidder bears the risk of bid's late delivery, non-delivery, or spam box
delivery. Bidder must have a system delivered e-mail return receipts request.
Point of Contact: Procurement Team
E-mail: contracts@desu.edu
Page 1 of 58

ALL VENDORS:
The enclosed packet contains a "REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL" (RFP) for the contract listed on cover page. The
proposal consists of the following:
I. Introduction
II. Scope of Work
III. Format For Proposal
IV. Proposal Evaluation Procedures
V. Pre-Bid Meeting
VI. Definitions and General Provisions
VII. Proposal Reply Section - Proposal/ Bid Submission Form
Attachments:
1) Non-Collusion Statement
2) Exceptions
3) Confidentiality and Proprietary Information
4) Business References
5) Subcontractor Information Form
6) Bid/ Pricing Sheet
7) Financial Responsibility
Appendixes:
A. Details of the scope of work
B. Cyber Responsibilities, Liability and Insurance
Responses must be submitted electronically via email to contracts@desu.edu . The email subject line must
include the RFP title and contract number. The RFP title may be abbreviated if necessary.
Each electronic submission must consist of one single file only. The file name must begin with the vendor's
legal name. The uncompressed file size must not exceed 5 megabytes. The submission must be in PDF
format, must not be passwordprotected, and must be provided as one consolidated file, not multiple
attachments. Any deviation from these requirements will result in automatic rejection of the submission.
Vendors shall not send any messages to this email address other than the required submission. Any
unnecessary or unrelated emails may be automatically filtered as spam, and the vendor assumes full
responsibility and liability for any resulting failure of the University to receive or respond to such
communications.
The bidder bears all risks associated with incomplete submissions, late submissions, or submissions sent to
any email address other than the one specified in this RFP. It is the bidder's responsibility to ensure that a
confirmation of receipt is obtained from the University. The University is not responsible for submissions that
are filtered to spam, blocked, corrupted, or otherwise not delivered by the bidder's or the University's email
systems unless and until the University issues an explicit confirmation of receipt.
In order for your proposal to be considered, the Proposal Reply Section shall be executed completely and
correctly including but not limited to all attachments and bid submission form.
Page 2 of 58

Please review and follow the information and instructions contained in the General Provisions and this Request for
Proposal (RFP).
There will be NO mandatory pre-bid meeting.
Bid bond requirement for this RFP has been waived.
The term of the contract between the successful bidder and the University shall be for three (3) years.
There is an option to renew the contract for two (2) One year each extension by negotiation.
This RFP will use Institutional Funds.
Page 3 of 58

I. INTRODUCTION
A. PURPOSE
Delaware State University (hereinafter referred to as "University") solicits proposals from qualified vendors
(hereinafter referred to as "vendor") for Beverage Pouring Rights and Sponsorship. It is our intent to receive
proposals from qualified Bidders, demonstrating the capability to provide the quality of products and/or services
required to meet the needs and objectives of the University. This request for proposals ("RFP") is issued pursuant
to 29 Del. C. 6924.
To get more information about university, please visit us at http://www.desu.edu
1. COMPETITIVE PROPOSAL
It has been determined by the Delaware State University, pursuant to Delaware Code Title 29, Chapter
6924 (a) that this solicitation be offered as a request for competitive proposals because the use of
competitive bidding is not practical and/or not in the best interest of the University. The use of competitive
proposals is necessary to:
* Use a contract other than a fixed-price type; or
* Conduct oral or written discussions with vendors concerning technical and price aspects of their
proposals; or
* Afford vendors an opportunity to revise their proposals through best and final offers; or
* Compare the different prices, quality and contractual factors of the proposals submitted; or
* Award a contract in which price is not the determining factor.
2. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS
The contract will be issued to meet the University needs as described in the scope of work.
3. STATE AGENCY USE CONTRACT
Pursuant to 29 Del. C. 6904(e) respectively, if no state contract exists for a certain good or service,
covered agencies may procure that certain good or service under another agency's contract so long as
the arrangement is agreeable to all parties. Agencies, other than covered agencies, may also procure
such goods or services under another agency's contract when the arrangement is agreeable to all parties.
4. MULTIPLE SOURCE AWARD
The University reserves the right to award this contract to more than one vendor pursuant to 29 Del. C.
6926.
5. POTENTIAL CONTRACT OVERLAP
Vendors shall be advised that the University, at its sole discretion, shall retain the right to solicit for goods
and/or services as required by its departments and as it serves the best interest of the University. As
needs are identified, there may exist instances where contract deliverables, and/or goods or services to
be solicited and subsequently awarded, overlap previous awards. The University reserves the right to
reject any or all bids in whole or in part, to make partial awards, to award to multiple vendors during the
same period, to award by types, on a zone-by-zone basis or on an item-by-item or lump sum basis item
by item, or lump sum total, whichever may be most advantageous to the University.

6. CONTRACT PERIOD
Each Vendor's contract shall be valid for period as listed previously in this RFP. The University reserves
the right to extend this contract on a month-to-month basis after the term of the full contract has been
completed. However, the University reserves the right to change the term of the contract resulting from
this RFP as deemed necessary and at its sole discretion. The University reserves the right to terminate
any contract at any time upon 30-day notice. Further, the University reserves the right to negotiate with
the Vendor any additional contracts that would start prior to the intended expiration date, and/or has the
option to extend the intended expiration date.
B. KEY RFP DATES/MILESTONES
The following dates and milestones apply to this RFP and subsequent contract award. Vendors are advised that
these dates and milestones are not absolute and may change due to unplanned events during the bid proposal
and award process.
* Deadline to Receive Questions May 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM
* Responses to Questions Posted by June 26, 2026
* Bid Opening July 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM
* Contractor Selection Date TBD
* Projected Contract Start Date August 01, 2026
* Each of the above dates is subject to change. Local time means the State of Delaware local time.
Note: All questions must be submitted in writing and provided in Microsoft Word format. Each
question shall be written in paragraph form, numbered sequentially, and shall not include tables,
Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, or any other embedded objects or attachments. All questions must be
submitted via email to contracts@desu.edu. Questions shall conform exactly to the required format
described below. Any submission that deviates from these requirements will not be reviewed,
accepted, or considered by the University.
Section number___, Paragraph number___, Page number___, Text of passage being
questioned____, Question: _________________________________________.
Answers will be published at https://mmp.delaware.gov/Bids/ in the form of an addendum next to the RFP.
We will publish all public related information, including but not limited to answers to RFP questions,
amendments or changes to the RFP, changes to the RFP's scheduled events/ dates, contract award/ no award,
and other relevant information at https://mmp.delaware.gov/Bids/ next to the RFP. Most of this information
will be published in the form of addendums. Please do not expect to receive any personalized or individual
responses from the University. Therefore, we encourage all prospective bidders to please take a moment to
register your organization (provided you have not already done so) by clicking at
https://denotificationservices.bbcportal.com/
Each proposal must be accompanied by a transmittal letter which briefly summarizes the proposing firm's
interest in providing the required professional services. The transmittal letter must also clearly state and
justify any exceptions to the requirements of the RFP which the applicant may have taken in presenting the
proposal. (Applicant exceptions must also be recorded in Attachment 2).

C. RFP DESIGNATED CONTACT
All requests, questions, or other communications about this RFP shall be made in writing to the
University. Address all communications to the person listed below; communications made to other
University personnel or attempting to ask questions by phone or in person will not be allowed or
recognized as valid and may disqualify the vendor. Vendors should rely only on written statements
issued by the RFP designated contact.
Attention: Procurement Team
To ensure that written requests are received and answered in a timely manner, e-mail
correspondence must be sent to contracts@desu.edu
D. CONTACT WITH UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE
Direct contact with university employees other than the University Designated Contact regarding this RFP is
expressly prohibited without prior consent. Vendors directly contacting University employees risk elimination
of their proposal from further consideration.
II. SCOPE OF WORK
A. OVERVIEW
The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials and labor to supplement the University's need for this contract
as described herein in Appendix A. The contract will require the Vendor(s) to cooperate with the University to ensure
the University receives the most current state-of-the-art material and/or services.
III. FORMAT FOR PROPOSAL
A. INTRODUCTION
This section prescribes the mandatory format for the presentation of a proposal in response to this RFP. Each
Vendor must provide every component listed in the order shown in this RFP, using the format prescribed for
each component. A proposal may be rejected if it is incomplete or conditional.
B. PROPOSAL RESPONSE
The Request for Proposal may contain pre-printed forms for use by the vendor in submitting its proposal. The
forms required by this solicitation shall be considered mandatory, prevailing documents.
When preprinted forms are used, the forms shall contain basic information such as description of the item and
the estimated quantities and shall have blank spaces for use by the vendor for entering information such as unit
bid price, total bid price, as applicable.
The Vendor's proposal shall be written in ink or typewritten on the form provided, and any corrections or erasures
MUST be initialed by vendor's representative completing the bid submission.

If items are listed with a zero quantity, Vendor shall state unit price ONLY (intended for open end purchases
where estimated requirements are not known). The proposal shall show a total bid price for each item bid and
the total bid price of the proposal excluding zero quantity items.
Vendors' proposal must respond to each and every requirement outlined in the RFP criteria in order to be
considered responsive. Proposals must be clear and concise.
C. NON-CONFORMING PROPOSALS
Non-conforming proposals will not be considered. Non-conforming proposals are defined as those that do not
meet the requirements of this RFP. The determination of whether an RFP requirement is substantive or a mere
formality shall reside solely within the University.
D. CONCISE PROPOSALS
The University discourages overly lengthy and costly proposals. It is the desire that proposals be prepared in a
straightforward and concise manner. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other promotional materials beyond
those sufficient to present a complete and effective proposal are not desired. The University's interest is in the
quality and responsiveness of the proposal.
E. COVER LETTER
Each proposal will have a cover letter on the letterhead of the company or organization submitting the proposal.
The cover letter must briefly summarize Vendor's ability to provide the services specified in the RFP. The cover
letter shall be signed by a representative who has the legal capacity to enter the organization into a formal
contract with the University.
F. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Each proposal must include a Table of Contents with page numbers for each of the required components of the
proposal.
G. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND QUALIFICATIONS
Each proposal must contain a detailed description of how the Vendor will provide the goods and services
outlined in this RFP. This part of the proposal may also include descriptions of any enhancements or additional
services or qualifications the Vendor will provide that are not mentioned in this RFP.
H. DISCOUNT
Vendors are invited to offer in their proposal value added discounts (i.e. speed to pay discounts for specific
payment terms). Cash or separate discounts should be computed and incorporated into unit bid price(s).
I. SAMPLES OR BROCHURES
Samples or brochures may be required by the University for evaluation purposes. They shall be submitted to
the University to compare and determine if the item offered complies with the intent of the specifications.
J. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF TERMS
By submitting a bid, each Vendor shall be deemed to acknowledge that it has carefully read all sections of this
RFP, including all forms, schedules and exhibits hereto, and has fully informed itself as to all existing conditions
and limitations.

K. BID BOND REQUIREMENT
Bid bond requirement is waived for this RFP.
L. NUMBER OF COPIES WITH MAILING OF PROPOSAL
To be considered, all proposals must be submitted in writing and respond to the items outlined in this RFP. The
University reserves the right to reject any non-responsive or non-conforming proposals.
Any proposal received after the date and time deadline specified in this RFP on the cover page shall not be
considered. Vendor bears the risk of late delivery or delivery at any other location of the University than
specified herein. Any response/ responses received after the stated time or received at any other location
of the University than specified herein will not be entertained. The contents of any proposal shall not be
disclosed as to be made available to competing entities during the negotiation process.
Upon receipt of vendor proposals, each vendor shall be presumed to be thoroughly familiar with all specifications
and requirements of this RFP. The failure or omission to examine any form, instrument or document shall in no
way relieve vendors from any obligation in respect to this RFP.
The University reserves the right to award the proposed contract to multiple Vendors if the University
determines that such an award is in the best interest of the University.
M. PROPOSAL EXPIRATION DATE
Prices quoted in the proposal shall remain fixed and binding on the bidder at least through the term of the
contract. University reserves the right to ask for an extension of time if needed.
N. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS
A Vendor may withdraw its proposal unopened after it has been deposited, if such a request is made prior to
the time set for the opening of the proposal.
O. PROPOSAL MODIFICATIONS
Any changes, amendments or modifications to a submitted proposal requires that the original proposal be
withdrawn, prior to the time set for the submission of the proposal, and a new proposal submitted prior to the
deadline for submission of proposals.
Changes, amendments or modifications to proposals shall not be accepted or considered after the hour and
date specified as the deadline for submission of proposals.
P. LATE PROPOSALS
Proposals received after the specified date and time will not be accepted or considered. To guard against
premature opening, proposals shall be submitted, plainly marked with the proposal title, vendor name, and time
and date of the proposal opening. Evaluation of the proposals is expected to begin shortly after the proposal
due date. To document compliance with the deadline, the proposal will be date and time stamped upon receipt.
Q. ADDENDA TO THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

If it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, revisions will be posted at http://bids.delaware.gov/ .
By submitting an offer to the University, vendors have acknowledged receipt, understanding and commitment
to comply with all materials, revisions, and addenda related to the Request for Proposal.
R. INCURRED EXPENSES
The University will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by the vendor in preparing and submitting
a proposal.
S. ECONOMY OF PREPARATION
Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straight-forward, concise description of
the Vendor's offer to meet the requirements of the RFP.
T. DISCREPANCIES AND OMISSIONS
Vendor is fully responsible for the completeness and accuracy of their proposal, and for examining this RFP
and all addenda. Failure to do so will be at the sole risk of vendor. Should vendor find discrepancies,
omissions, unclear or ambiguous intent or meaning, or should any questions arise concerning this RFP,
vendor shall notify the University's Designated Contact, in writing, of such findings at least ten (10) days
before the proposal opening. This will allow issuance of any necessary addenda. It will also help prevent
the opening of a defective proposal and exposure of vendor's proposal upon which award could not be made.
All unresolved issues should be addressed in the proposal.
Protests based on any omission or error, or on the content of the solicitation, will be disallowed if these faults
have not been brought to the attention of the Designated Contact, in writing, no later than ten (10) calendar
days prior to the time set for opening of the proposals.
U. EXCEPTIONS
Bidders may elect to take minor exception to the terms and conditions of this RFP by completing Attachment
2. Government Support Services shall evaluate each exception according to the intent of the terms and
conditions contained herein, but Government Support Services must reject exceptions that do not conform to
State bid law and/or create inequality in the treatment of bidders. Exceptions shall be considered only if they
are submitted with the bid or before the date and time of the bid opening.
Exceptions must be submitted utilizing Attachment 2 to be considered. Exceptions listed elsewhere in the
Vendor's proposal will not be considered. University maintains sole discretion to reject any vendor exceptions
that are submitted.
V. BUSINESS REFERENCES
Business references are to be provided via Attachment 4.
W. DOCUMENT(S) EXECUTION
All vendors must complete and submit with their proposal the non-collusion statement that is enclosed with this
Request for Proposal labeled as Attachment 1. The awarded vendor(s) will be presented with the contract form
for signature and seal, if appropriate. Both of these documents shall be executed by a representative who has
the legal capacity to enter the organization into a formal contract with the University.
The University requires completion of the Delaware Substitute Form W-9 to make payments to vendors.
Successful completion of this form enables the creation of a university vendor record. The Taxpayer ID (SSN

or EIN) and Applicant (vendor) name are submitted to the Internal Revenue Service for "matching." If the
Taxpayer ID and name do not match, the vendor record cannot be approved.
X. PRICE NOT CONFIDENTIAL
Vendors shall be advised that as a publicly bid contract, no Vendor shall retain the right to declare their pricing
confidential.
IV. PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCEDURES
A. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
1. UNIVERSITY'S RIGHT TO REJECT PROPOSALS
University reserves the right to reject any or all proposals in whole or in part, to make multiple awards, partial
awards, awards by types, item by item, or lump sum total, whichever is determined to be the most
advantageous to the University. Vendors submitting proposals may be afforded an opportunity for
discussion. Vendors may be requested to provide the best and final offer during the negotiation process.
Negotiations may be conducted with responsible Vendors who submit proposals found to be reasonably
likely to be selected for award. The contents of any proposal shall not be disclosed so as to be available to
competing vendors during the negotiation process.
2. UNIVERSITY'S RIGHT TO CANCEL SOLICITATION
The University reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time during the procurement process, for
any reason or for no reason. The University makes no commitments expressed or implied, that this process
will result in a business transaction with any vendor.
This RFP does not constitute an offer by the University. Vendor's participation in this process may result in
the University selecting your organization to engage in further discussions and negotiations toward
execution of a contract. The commencement of such negotiations does not, however, signify a commitment
by the University to execute a contract nor to continue negotiations. The University may terminate
negotiations at any time and for any reason, or for no reason.
3. FORMAL CONTRACT AND/OR PURCHASE ORDER
No employee of the Vendor(s) is to begin any work prior to receipt of a University Purchase Order signed
by authorized representatives of the University requesting service.
4. DELIVERY OF PROPOSALS
Proposals shall be delivered as prescribed in this RFP.
All proposals will be accepted at the time and place set in the RFP. Vendor bears the risk of late delivery
or delivery at any other location of the University than specified herein. Any response/ responses received
after the stated time or received at any other location of the University than specified herein will not be
entertained.
5. PUBLIC OPENING OF PROPOSALS
The proposals may or may not be publicly opened at the time and place specified by the University. In case
there is a public opening, vendors or their authorized representatives are invited to be present. In such case
only the vendor's name and address will be read aloud during the bid opening process.