Dining Services Request for Proposals

LMU's current foodservice contract with Sodexo is coming to the end of its 10-year agreement. In preparation for this, it is important for the university to not only assess its campus dining priorities but to also evaluate a variety of food service management companies to ensure that the campus community is receiving the best possible services.

To accomplish these goals, LMU is initiating a Dining Services Request for Proposals (RFP) process. It is important to understand that following the end of a contract, conducting an RFP process is a fair and responsible practice for the university. Sodexo has been welcomed to participate in the RFP process by providing a proposal. 

This 18-month process consists of four phases:

1. RFP Development focuses on identifying key priorities for the university’s dining program and establishes requirements for a new agreement.
2. Bidding includes the release of the Dining Services RFP to a number of food service management companies, which will prepare proposals for LMU’s consideration.
3. Selection takes place when the University reviews proposal submissions and identifies several finalists to invite to campus for in-person presentations. A final recommendation is based on all available information and feedback.  
4. Implementation is the period of time during which operations are adjusted to accommodate new contract terms. A new agreement will become effective in Summer 2025.

Community Input

The university recognizes the importance of gathering input from all campus stakeholders in planning for the future of LMU's dining program, therefore, feedback will be collected through a variety of channels and evaluated by a cross-departmental steering committee.

• Focus groups targeting specific stakeholder groups will provide valuable insights into the unique wants and needs of the community. 
• Drop-in Open Forums will provide students, faculty, and staff with an opportunity to provide in-person feedback on a variety of topics related to food service. 
• Comments from all campus stakeholders can be submitted in an online form.
• Other sources of feedback, such as annual satisfaction survey results and previous program evaluation assessments will be considered as well.

General Timeline

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

Upcoming Events

• Westchester Campus Drop-In Open Forum
  Wednesday, February 7, 11:00-2:00pm in VDA 190 (just above the main bookstore)
  Stop by for five minutes or for a whole hour to provide input on a variety of key areas of interest and meet our consulting partners from Webb Food Service Design. Open Forums are designed in a way that allows you to come at any time (between 11:00-2:00pm) and stay for as little or as long as you'd like - there is no structured agenda or program.  This event is open to all campus faculty, staff, and students. 
• Loyola Law School Drop-In Open Forum
  Thursday, February 8. Time and location TBD.  Additional information will be communicated directly to the LLS community. 

Comments for consideration? Submit them here.

Questions about the process may be directed to Auxiliary and Business Services.