Dining Services: Request for Proposals (RFP)

Overview

As Azusa Pacific University (APU) prepares for the conclusion of its current food service contract with Bon Appétit in spring 2025, we are excited to announce the initiation of a Dining Services Request for Proposals (RFP) process. This is a crucial step to ensure we continue to offer exceptional dining experiences that align with our strategic goals and meet the diverse needs of our campus community.

Our Commitment

We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process, and we encourage all interested food service management companies to participate in the RFP. Bon Appétit is invited to submit a proposal alongside other potential vendors.

RFP Process

1. Define Dining Services Priorities

Conduct Surveys: Gather input from students, faculty, and staff to understand dining preferences, needs, and expectations.

Review Strategic Plan: Align Dining Services with the university’s strategic goals, such as guest experience, health, diversity, and community engagement.

2. RFP Development

Focus on identifying key priorities for the university’s dining program, and establish requirements for a new agreement.

3. Distribute the RFP

Includes the release of the Dining Services RFP to several food service management companies, which will prepare proposals for APU’s consideration.

4. Review Proposals

The RFP Committee will review proposal submissions and identify several finalists to invite to campus for in-person presentations. A final recommendation is based on all available information and feedback.

5. Selection

The RFP Committee will choose the vendor that best meets the university’s needs and aligns with its strategic vision.

6. Implementation

Implementation is the period during which operations are adjusted to accommodate new contract terms. A new agreement will become effective in Summer 2025.

Community Input

APU recognizes the importance of gathering input from all campus stakeholders in planning for the future of its dining program. Feedback will be collected through various channels and evaluated by a cross-departmental RFP committee.

Focus groups: Target specific stakeholder groups to provide valuable insights into the unique wants and needs of the community.
Comments from all campus stakeholders: These can be submitted in our online survey.
Dining Services Open Forum:
- Date: October 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Location: Duke Commons
- Details: Stop by to provide input on key areas of interest for dining, and meet our consulting partners, Webb Foodservice Design. This event is open to all campus faculty, staff, and students.
  - This open forum allows you to stay for as little or as long as you’d like. There is no structured agenda or program.
Other feedback sources: Annual satisfaction survey results and previous program evaluation assessments will also be considered.

Upcoming Events

October 2-3 Stakeholder meetings, focus groups, and open forum

General Timeline

Period	Activity
Summer 2024	RFP Development
Fall 2024	Community engagement, RFP release, and proposal evaluation
Spring 2025	Finalist presentations, vendor selection, and contract negotiation
Summer 2025	Contract implementation