The University of Florida (‘University’ or ‘UF’) is a top-tier public research institution with over 55,000 students and approximately 33,000 employees. UF’s excellence extends to all facets of its operations. The University recognizes the critical role that bookstore sales and services play in the academic life of students and faculty. In addition to books and other educational materials, the bookstore plays an important role in providing access to goods related to technology, school spirit, brand promotion, and general support items. UF is seeking a business partner with an established record of providing high quality and innovative bookstore sales and services in the higher education market. The Selected Vendor is expected to join UF in its drive for excellence by providing high level products and services to its students, employees, and guests. The selected vendor must be committed to the highest quality bookstore sales and services operations, while at the same time maximizing the return on investment over the life of the contract. The University also desires a partnership with a firm that seeks to understand and will subsequently embrace the university’s values and objectives as demonstrated by the firm’s robust support of relevant university programs and initiatives. The University is seeking creative ideas and options as to how the selected firm can meet the everchanging needs of a growing and diverse campus population. It should also be noted that the University has exclusive and non-exclusive contracts and mandatory requirements in place which could have an impact on the Bookstore Sales and Services Agreement (i.e. the Pouring Rights and Beverage Services Agreement, the dining services contract with Chartwells Higher Education, and the snack vending contract with Canteen). In addition to or aligned with specific detailed responses requested in this ITN, the university invites interested firms to identify: • Demonstrated evidence of and commitment to provide the necessary resources to supply products and services at an exceptional level to meet the bookstore sales and services needs of the University • A commitment to provide significant financial and non-financial support for the University and its priority programs and initiatives • Specific University programs and initiatives that you desire to support The Selected Vendor shall have the following responsibilities (list is not all inclusive): (1) Provide the necessary capital investment in space to house bookstore sales and services. Existing space at the University for bookstore sales and services is approximately 47,679 square feet in three locations (the main store is approximately 41,636 square feet). (2) Fit-out (including interior finishes), furnish, decorate, and provide all other materials, equipment, and related items necessary to operate the business and provide the Services. (3) Offer for sale to the UF community a full range of merchandise and services consistent with a high quality university bookstore. (4) Stay abreast of and implement best practices and cutting edge methods and technologies to deliver books and educational materials to students and others in the UF community.
