SUMMARY
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Budget approved
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DESCRIPTION
A government authority in Lillington, North Carolina, is seeking a vendor to provide dining services under a five-year contract. Services may include meals, receptions, hors d’oeuvres, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcohol service for eligible events.
Alcohol service must comply with applicable state law, Jackson County ordinances, and university policies. Events serving alcohol must also provide food and non-alcoholic beverages, follow specified service-time restrictions, and prohibit service to visibly intoxicated individuals. Alcohol generally may not be served before 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, except at permitted athletic facilities.
A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for September 30, 2026, and all questions must be submitted by October 6, 2026. Proposals are due November 9, 2026.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a regional or national contractor
- Must attend the mandatory site visit on September 30, 2026
- Must submit proposals electronically via the Bonfire Portal
- Must provide a certification of financial condition
- Must maintain required insurance coverage for contracts exceeding $1,000,000
- Must comply with federal E-Verify system requirements for employees
- Must provide a transition plan and staffing schedule
- Must designate a project manager as the primary point of contact
- Must comply with all applicable state and federal non-discrimination laws
- Must maintain PCI compliance if handling credit/debit card information
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TIMELINE
Issue RFP: September 16, 2026
Hold Pre-Proposal Meeting: September 23, 2026
Site Visit: September 30, 2026
Submit Written Questions: October 6, 2026
Provide Response to Questions: October 11, 2026
Submit Proposals: November 9, 2026
Finalist Presentations: January 2027
Contract Award: March 2026
Contract Effective Date: July 1, 2026
Issuing Agency
Western Carolina University
CONTACTS
Primary procurement contact — name, title, email, and phone
Additional decision-makers and their departments
Similar RFPs
Frequently asked questions
- When is the submission deadline?
- Submissions are due November 9, 2026. Questions must be submitted by October 6, 2026.
- Who issued this RFP?
- It was issued by Western Carolina University. The work is located in Asheville, North Carolina, United States; Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States.
- Who is a good fit for this opportunity?
- Experienced institutional or government dining-services provider
- Capability to deliver meals, receptions, hors d’oeuvres, and beverage services
- Demonstrated compliance with North Carolina alcohol laws and local ordinances
- Qualified staff and operational capacity for a five-year service contract
- Experience serving university, athletic, or other public-sector events
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