Rutgers University Livingston & Busch Student Center Food Vendor RFP - RRUPS-2026-0541
Rutgers University-New BrunswickHigher Ed · New Brunswick, NJ- Due
- Apr 6, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Feb 27, 2026
- Contract term
- 7 years
- Primary contact
- Emily Ijalana
- (848) 932-0042
The 30-second brief
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is soliciting proposals for new food court vendors at the Livingston and Busch student centers under RFP RRUPS-2026-0541. The university seeks dynamic food and beverage partners for a seven-year lease agreement with two one-year renewal options, aiming for one provider per student center. The scope includes the build-out of approximately 1,268 sq ft at Livingston and 1,750 sq ft at Busch. Eligible concepts must not duplicate existing offerings such as Chinese, pizza, Mexican, or bubble tea, and must comply with Liberty Coca-Cola beverage exclusivity. A mandatory walk-through is scheduled for March 11, 2026. Proposals are evaluated based on financial offer (25%), operational capacity (20%), and quality/menu (15%), with an expected opening date of July 1, 2026. Submissions are due by April 6, 2026.
Financial Offer 25%, Operational Capacity 20%, Quality & Menu 15%, Customer Service 10%, Regulatory & Compliance 10%, Innovation 10%, Assurance of Supply 5%, Sustainability 5%
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Summary
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is soliciting proposals for new food court vendors at the Livingston and Busch student centers under RFP RRUPS-2026-0541.
The university seeks dynamic food and beverage partners for a seven-year lease agreement with two one-year renewal options, aiming for one provider per student center. The scope includes the build-out of approximately 1,268 sq ft at Livingston and 1,750 sq ft at Busch. Eligible concepts must not duplicate existing offerings such as Chinese, pizza, Mexican, or bubble tea, and must comply with Liberty Coca-Cola beverage exclusivity. A mandatory walk-through is scheduled for March 11, 2026. Proposals are evaluated based on financial offer (25%), operational capacity (20%), and quality/menu (15%), with an expected opening date of July 1, 2026. Submissions are due by April 6, 2026.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
8- Financial Offer 25%
- Operational Capacity 20%
- Quality & Menu 15%
- Customer Service 10%
- Regulatory & Compliance 10%
- Innovation 10%
- Assurance of Supply 5%
- Sustainability 5%
- Submit to
- [email protected]
- Scope location
- Piscataway, NJ
- Projected sq ft
- 3,018 sq ft
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is April 6, 2026. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Emily Ijalana.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Rutgers University-New Brunswick in NJ, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Emily Ijalana at (848) 932-0042. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Financial Offer 25%, Operational Capacity 20%, Quality & Menu 15%, Customer Service 10%, Regulatory & Compliance 10%, Innovation 10%, Assurance of Supply 5%, Sustainability 5%" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
All active and historical solicitations from Rutgers University-New Brunswick are tracked and searchable. As a higher ed agency, Rutgers University-New Brunswick regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 7 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. Review the full document from Rutgers University-New Brunswick for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Piscataway, NJ. The total projected area is 3018 sq ft. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.