Kent State University At Kent Kentuniversity #2048

Kent State University seeks primary food vendor for Culinary Services Department across nine campuses

Kent State University is seeking a primary food vendor to supply its Culinary Services Department across nine campuses. - Government Buyer: - Kent State University, Procurement Department - Contact: Lawrence W. McWilliams III, C.P.M., Director - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Multiple food manufacturers and brands referenced, including Tyson Foods, Hormel, Pilgrim's Foodservice, High Liner Foods, Rich's, Roseli, Glenview Farms, Monarch, Cattleman's Selection, Patuxent Farms, Italcrust, Sinco Inc, Venice Baking, Molly's Kitchen, Simplot Global Food, Boxtech Ohio, Turano Baking Co, Crispycoat, Natural Choice Hormel, Ibp-Iowa Beef Processors, Rotella's Italian Bakery, Chef's Line, Hilltop Hearth, Fontanini, Monogram, Empire Pizza and Bar, Steak Eze - Products Requested: - Wide range of food products: fresh, frozen, and dry meats (chicken, beef, pork, turkey), seafood (salmon), produce (pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew), dairy (cheese, eggs), bakery items (pizza crusts, rolls, buns, biscuits), specialty items (Halal, Kosher, antibiotic-free, sustainable seafood) - Notable product line items include: - Chicken, Thigh Random Boneless-Skinless Raised Without Antibiotics (Gerbers Amish Farm, 2022 units) - Beef, Patty Ground 80/20 Homestyle (Cattleman's Selection, 2699 units) - Potato French Fries (Monarch, multiple types and quantities) - Cheese, Mozzarella Shredded (Roseli, 1254 units) - Salmon, Atlantic Fillet (High Liner Foods, 445 units) - Pizza crusts (Rich's, Italcrust, Sinco Inc, Venice Baking) - Specialty and sustainable items (Halal, Kosher, antibiotic-free, sustainable seafood) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Vendor must support local sourcing and provide product labeling - Integration with Jamix EDI for electronic data interchange - Implementation activities required: product identification, EDI setup, payment/account setup, IT integration, test deliveries - Sustainability and specialty product support (e.g., antibiotic-free, Halal, Kosher, sustainable seafood) - Annual spend estimated at $8 million or more - Contract term: five years with up to four one-year renewals (maximum nine years) - Evaluation criteria: pricing, product quality, delivery, sustainability

Description

Kent State University is soliciting proposals for the selection of a primary food vendor to serve its University Culinary Services Department. The procurement involves providing food services to the university, with proposals due electronically by September 18, 2026, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. The process includes a question submission period, evaluation of proposals, possible vendor presentations, and contract award announcement in December 2026. The contract is expected to begin on July 1, 2027, with implementation activities occurring from January through June 2027.

View original listing