Specifications include, but are not limited to: Vendor will work with the University through (1) pre-planning, (2) solicitation development, and (3) evaluation and negotiations as follows: 1. Pre-planning: a. Perform an independent examination of the URI’s current pouring rights agreement, sales volumes, and ordering practices. b. Benchmark URI against other comparable institutions of higher education to determine where the University currently falls within the marketplace of exclusive beverage deals. c. Provide recommendations based on expertise and benchmarks including in what areas URI could gain improved contract value and additional services (e.g., marketing assets, locations, technologies, etc.). d. Meet with University stakeholders to gain an understanding of individual department priorities and advise on considerations such as: i. Procurement options and considerations. ii. Extent of campus engagement throughout the process. iii. Options to improve or optimize existing contract operations and language. iv. Monetary and non-monetary areas such as: Sponsorship Funds, Product Pricing, Complimentary Product, Student Scholarships, Student Employment, and Sustainability. e. Upon completion of pre-planning develop a solicitation strategy. 2. Solicitation Development: a. Provide guidance on the overall process of the RFP specific to the University’s requirements. b. Develop RFP solicitation materials incorporating those identified strategies to maximize the value proposition, for review and use in the formal procurement conducted by the University’s Purchasing Department. c. Develop proposal evaluation criteria and submittal forms that allows for equal comparison of offers taking into consideration financial and non-financial incentives, cost and other value areas identified as important by the University. d. Engage pouring rights marketplace to solicit interest and receive proposals for potential beverage partnership through University RFP. e. Act as the University’s subject matter expert during the solicitation. f. Attend and develop an agenda/presentation that would be utilized when the interested parties come to campus for a pre-proposal meeting. g. Advise on responses to questions from proposers.
