Cafeteria Services for the Stanton and George Campuses

STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
Delaware Technical and Community
College
Cafeteria Services for the Stanton and George
Campuses
Request for Proposal
Contract No. DTCC2604 - CAFETERIA
July 6, 2026
- Deadline to Respond -
September 4, 2026
1:00 PM (Local Time)
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
ALL VENDORS:
The enclosed packet contains a "REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL" for DTCC2604-CAFETERIA. The proposal consists
of the following:
Contents:
I. INTRODUCTION
II. SCOPE OF WORK
III. FORMAT FOR PROPOSAL
IV. PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCEDURES
V. MANDATORY PRE-PROPOSAL SUBMISSION MEETING
VI. DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
VII. PROPOSAL REPLY SECTION
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A - SCOPE OF WORK AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Appendix B - PRICING FORMS
** Ctrl+Click on the headings above will take you directly to the section.
In order for your proposal to be considered, the Proposal Reply Section shall be executed completely and correctly
and returned in a sealed envelope clearly displaying the contract number and vendor name by September 4,
2026 at 1:00 PM (Local Time) to be considered.
Proposals must be mailed to:
Delaware Technical and Community College
George Campus (Wilmington)
Rachel Anderson
300 N. Orange St.; Office W255
Wilmington DE, 19810
Please review and follow the information and instructions contained in the General Provisions and this Request for
Proposal (RFP). Should you need additional information, please contact Rachel Anderson at rander17@dtcc.edu.
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
I. INTRODUCTION
A. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to obtain sealed proposals from qualified food service
management companies to provide comprehensive cafeteria and food services for students, faculty, staff,
and visitors at both the Stanton and George campuses. The selected vendor(s) will be responsible for
delivering high-quality, affordable, nutritious, and culturally inclusive food options while maintaining
excellent customer service, food safety standards, and operational efficiency. The College is obtaining
sealed proposals for both the Stanton and George Campuses and may chose to award contracts to
different vendors.
It is the goal of this Request for Proposal to identify a vendor(s) and execute a contract to provide
comprehensive cafeteria and food services for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
1. COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSAL
It has been determined by Delaware Technical and Community College, pursuant to Delaware Code
Title 29, Chapter 6924 (a) that this solicitation be offered as a request for competitive sealed
proposals because the use of competitive sealed bidding is not practical and/or not in the best interest
of the State. The use of competitive sealed 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 price, quality and contractual factors of the proposals submitted; or
* Award a contract in which price is not the determining factor.
2. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS
This contract will be issued to provide comprehensive cafeteria and food services. This contract will be
for a three (3) year period, with three (3) optional one (1) year renewals. This contract may include the
operations of the Stanton and/or George campus cafeterias.
3. 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
Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to award this contract to more than one
vendor pursuant to 29 Del. C. 6926. The basis for such selection shall be: overall best value to the
college, ability to meet the operational needs of each campus, and/or specialized expertise by service
type.
5. POTENTIAL CONTRACT OVERLAP
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
Vendors shall be advised that Delaware Technical and Community College, at its sole discretion,
shall retain the right to solicit for goods and/or services as required by its agencies and as it serves
the best interest of Delaware Technical and Community College. 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. Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right
to reject any or all proposals 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 Delaware
Technical and Community College.
6. SUPPLEMENTAL SOLICITATION
Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to advertise a supplemental
solicitation during the term of the Agreement if deemed in the best interest of Delaware Technical and
Community College.
7. CONTRACT PERIOD
Each Vendor's contract shall be valid for a three (3) period from January 1, 2027 through December 31,
2029. Each contract may be renewed for three (3) one (1) year periods through negotiation between
the Vendor and Delaware Technical and Community College. Negotiation may be initiated no later than
ninety (90) days prior to the termination of the current agreement.
Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to extend this contract on a month-to-
month basis for a period of up to three months after the term of the full contract has been completed.
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
proposal and award process.
Activity Due Date
RFP Availability to Vendors July 6, 2026
Non-Mandatory Site Visits Stanton Campus: July 29 3:00 PM -4:30 PM
July 30 3:00 PM -4:30 PM
Wilmington Campus: July 30 3:00 PM-4:30 PM
July 31 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Written Questions Due No Later Than (NLT) August 7, 2026 by 4:00 PM
Written Answers Due/Posted to Website NLT August 21, 2026 by 4:30 PM
Proposals Due NLT September 4, 2026 by 1:00 PM
Public Proposal Opening September 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Proposal Evaluation/Presentations as required TBD
Vendor Best & Final Discussions, as required TBD
Contract Award Will occur within 90 days of proposal opening
C. INQUIRIES & QUESTIONS
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
We welcome your interest in working with us, and we will be pleased to answer any questions you may have
in formulating your response to this Request for Proposal.
All questions with regard to the interpretation of this solicitation, drawings, or specifications, or any other
aspect of this RFP must be received in writing by August 7, 2026 at 4:00 PM. All questions will be answered
in writing by August 21, 2026 and posted on https://bids.delaware.gov/ website. All questions must make
specific reference to the section(s) and page numbers from this RFP where applicable. Oral explanations
or instructions will not be binding.
D. RFP DESIGNATED CONTACT
All requests, questions, or other communications about this RFP shall be made in writing to Delaware
Technical and Community College. Address all communications to the person listed below;
communications made to other Delaware Technical and Community College 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.
Delaware Technical and Community College
George Campus (Wilmington)
Rachel Anderson
300 N. Orange St.; Office W255
Wilmington DE, 19810
rander17@dtcc.edu
To ensure that written requests are received and answered in a timely manner, electronic mail (e-mail)
correspondence is acceptable, but other forms of delivery, such as postal and courier services can also
be used.
E. CONTACT WITH DELAWARE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE EMPLOYEES
Direct contact with Delaware Technical and Community College employees other than the Delaware
Technical and Community College's Designated Contact regarding this RFP is expressly prohibited
without prior consent. Vendors directly contacting Delaware Technical and Community College
employees risk elimination of their proposal from further consideration. Exceptions exist only for
organizations currently doing business with Delaware Technical and Community College who require
contact in the normal course of doing that business.
II. SCOPE OF WORK
A. OVERVIEW
The Vendor(s) shall provide all equipment, materials and labor to supplement the Delaware Technical and
Community College's need for cafeteria services at the George and Stanton campuses as described herein.
The contract will require the Vendor(s) to cooperate with the ordering agency to insure the Delaware
Technical and Community College receives the most current state-of-the-art material and/or services.
B. BACKGROUND
The George (Wilmington) and Stanton Campuses are located in New Castle County, Delaware. The
Goerge Campus is located in the City of Wilmington at 300 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware and the
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
Stanton Campus is located at 400 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, Delaware. The Stanton Campus has
3,400 students and the George Campus has 3,700 students. have approximately 7,500 active enrolled
students as of the start of the Fall 2026 semester. Approximately 80 percent of the classes are
scheduled and held in-person. As a student service, the cafeterias provide cost-efficient menu options
for our student population.
Cafeteria services are provided in the Student Services Center and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner
offerings. Menu options shall include, but are not limited to, soups, pre-packaged salads, cold sandwiches,
grill and fryer items, and other comparable selections. The vendor must be able to accommodate a variety
of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special dietary restrictions.
The cafeterias may also provide catering for both casual and formal events as needed. Catering may
include breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner service. While Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC)
reserves the right to engage third-party caterers for special events - including, but not limited to, Board of
Trustees events, President's Council meetings, Workforce Development and Community Education
functions, and student club activities, the selected vendor may be given consideration and the opportunity
to submit a competitive quote for each catering event.
External organizations regularly rent campus facilities for meetings, seminars, and other events. The
selected vendor's contact information will be provided with each rental agreement as a preferred catering
reference. During Fiscal Year 2026, there were approximately 40-50 external facility rentals, ranging from
30-300 guests.
Vendors are invited to submit proposals for one or more of the following service options:
a. Cafeteria services at the George (Wilmington) Campus
b. Cafeteria services at the Stanton Campus
c. Cafeteria services at both George (Wilmington) and Stanton Campuses
C. STATEMENT OF NEEDS
This Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks qualified vendors to provide comprehensive cafeteria services for
Delaware Technical Community College, serving faculty, staff, students, and campus guests at the George
and Stanton campuses. The College intends to select a vendor(s) that delivers services aligned with the
institution's commitment to student success, quality, and value, while also providing overall benefits to the
College community, whether financial or otherwise. The selected vendors(s) will receive the College's
Academic Calendar annually, along with updates as needed, to support service planning and operations.
Cafeteria services are expected to operate year-round, with standard hours generally as follows: Monday
through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., based on mutually
agreed-upon schedules. During the summer months, operating hours are typically reduced to Monday
through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the cafeteria closed on Fridays. Summer camp
programs are offered during this period, and participants, including students and parents, frequently utilize
cafeteria services. The College reserves the right to request adjustments to service hours, including
extended or additional hours (e.g., early evening operations), as needed. All scheduling modifications will
be mutually agreed upon, must meet the needs of the campus community, and require approval from
campus administration.
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
The selected vendor(s) will provide all staff, food, food service packaging and materials. Vendor will have
full access to the food service facilities.
D. DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
The technical requirements of this RFP are stated in Appendix A - Scope of Work and Technical
Specifications.
Vendor must complete the Pricing Plan Bid Form attached to this RFP (Appendix B). In addition to price, the
respondent may also provide other "valued added" donations either in kind, monetary or product to DTCC
and/or its programs. These may be in the form of student scholarships, sponsorship of fundraising Events,
etc.
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 price, total 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 proposal 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 price for each item and the
total 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 Delaware Technical and Community College.
D. CONCISE PROPOSALS
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
Delaware Technical and Community College 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. Delaware Technical and Community College'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 the Vendor's ability to provide the services specified in
the RFP. The cover letter shall also clearly indicate if the vendor is submitting a proposal for one or both
campuses. The cover letter shall be signed by a representative who has the legal capacity to enter the
organization into a formal contract with Delaware Technical and Community College.
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 price(s).
I. SAMPLES OR BROCHURES
Samples or brochures may be required by Delaware Technical and Community College for evaluation
purposes. They shall be such as to permit Delaware Technical and Community College to compare and
determine if the item offered complies with the intent of the specifications.
J. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF TERMS
By submitting a proposal, 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
The Bid Bond requirement has been waived.
L. PERFORMANCE BOND REQUIREMENT
The Performance Bond requirement has been waived.
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
M. 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.
Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to reject any non-responsive or non-
conforming proposals. Each proposal must be submitted with 5 paper copies and 1 electronic copy on an
USB drive. One of the copies shall be marked "Master Copy" and will contain original signatures in all
locations requiring a vendor signature. The remaining copies do not require original signatures. The USB
drive must also contain the completed Appendix B Excel sheets, in Excel format.
All properly sealed and marked proposals are to be sent to Delaware Technical and Community College and
received no later than 1:00 PM (Local Time) on September 4, 2026. The Proposals may be delivered by
Express Delivery (e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc.), US Mail, or by hand to:
Delaware Technical and Community College
George Campus (Wilmington)
Rachel Anderson
300 N. Orange St.; Office W255
Wilmington DE, 19810
Any proposal submitted by US Mail shall be sent by either certified or registered mail. Any proposal received
after the date and time deadline referenced above shall not be considered and shall be returned unopened.
The proposing vendor bears the risk of delays in delivery. 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.
Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to award the proposed contract to multiple
Vendors if the President of Delaware Technical and Community College determines that such an award
is in the best interest of Delaware Technical and Community College.
N. PROPOSAL EXPIRATION DATE
Prices quoted in the proposal shall remain fixed and binding on the proposing vendor at least through June
30, 2027. Delaware Technical and Community College reserves the right to ask for an extension of time if
needed.
O. 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.
P. 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.
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STATE OF DELAWARE
Delaware Technical and Community College
CONTRACT NO. DTCC2604-CAFETERIA
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.
Q. LATE PROPOSALS
Proposals received after the specified date and time will not be accepted or considered. To guard against
premature opening, sealed 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.
R. ADDENDA TO THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
If it becomes necessary to revise any part of this RFP, revisions will be posted at
https://bids.delaware.gov/ . By submitting an offer to the State, vendors have acknowledged receipt,
understanding and commitment to comply with all materials, revisions, and addenda related to the
Request for Proposal.
S. INCURRED EXPENSES
Delaware Technical and Community College will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by the
vendor in preparing and submitting a proposal.
T. 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.
U. 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 Delaware Technical and Community College'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.
V. EXCEPTIONS
Proposing Vendors may elect to take minor exception to the terms and conditions of this RFP by completing
Attachment 3. Delaware Technical and Community College shall evaluate each exception according to the
intent of the terms and conditions contained herein, but Delaware Technical and Community College must
reject exceptions that do not conform to State procurement law and/or create inequality in the treatment of
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