April 22, 2019

Dear Members of the AU Community,

We’re pleased to let you know that the search for a dining partner has achieved an important milestone.

On Friday, we released the Request for Proposal (RFP) that lays out the requirements that potential vendors must meet to become AU’s dining partner. This means the bidding process is officially open. Dining service providers have until May 13 to send us proposals that tell us how they will meet our requirements. We will choose a vendor in early June.

The RFP incorporates the priorities identified by our community through surveys, forums, and stakeholder representatives on the Dining Projects Team. The student survey is also part of the RFP and provides key information to potential bidders on our students’ expectations in a dining program.

Requirements to become AU’s dining partner include being able to:

• Provide high-quality food with fresh preparation methods and strong nutrition;
• Offer a wide array of national, regional, and locally-owned dining options popular with the community;
• Address a broad range of community preferences and needs, including vegetarian, vegan, high-protein, low-fat, gluten-free, Kosher and Halal options;
• Prioritize customer service, including expectations for freshness, hygiene, a welcoming environment, and hours of service that support the student lifestyle.

Student representatives have been, and will continue to be, instrumental on the Dining Projects Team and RFP Committee, serving through the summer to help evaluate proposals and choose a vendor.

The Dining Projects Team also includes faculty and staff with subject expertise in health and nutrition and the needs of those with dietary concerns, including allergies and religious considerations. It reports to Fanta Aw, Vice President of Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence, and Doug Kudravetz, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Treasurer.

To reach out to students engaged in the process, you may contact Angela Chen (angela.chen@ausg.org) or Parker Butler (parker.butler@ausg.org) of AU Student Government; Haiman Wong (hw7433a@student.american.edu) or Hayden Schutt (hs0239a@student.american.edu) of the Residence Hall Association; and international student representative Zumrud Hajiyeva (zh7722a@student.american.edu).

We’ve posted a timeline online that you can follow to see the steps and when they’ll happen.

Sincerely,
Charles E. Smith, Executive Director, Auxiliary Services
Ann Marie Powell, Director, Dining and Auxiliary Services