25-3901 Professional Catering Services RFQ

The City of North Little Rock, Arkansas is requesting qualifications from professional catering service providers for the 2026 calendar year. The city aims to qualify and contract with multiple suppliers who can provide a variety of menus, including box lunches, breakfast, buffets, receptions, and plated meals. The selected caterers will be permitted to provide catering and food services at the North Little Rock Event Center. Key requirements and responsibilities for the selected caterers include: 1. Providing catering and food services for events at the North Little Rock Event Center. 2. Having control, access, and use of the kitchen facility at the premises. 3. Maintaining a clean and safe environment, with an "A" grade from the Arkansas Department of Health. 4. Providing necessary equipment, pots, pans, spoons, and cooking items to serve 25-900 people. 5. Presenting a professional and experienced workforce, with a standard uniform and neat appearance. 6. Following all access protocols and restrictions, and adhering to the "no smoking" policy on city property. 7. Maintaining consistent contact with the General Manager to ensure delivery times, set-up times, and clean-up times are adhered to. 8. Paying a per-plate fee or a percentage of the per-plate fee charged by the caterer for any catered event on the premises. The proposal requirements include: 1. A cover letter with company information, contact person, and proof of insurance. 2. A copy of all permits, licenses, and certificates related to providing food service in Arkansas. 3. A damage deposit of $250.00 made payable to the city. 4. A brief overview of professional history, expertise, and capability. 5. A completed questionnaire, including information on business name, address, phone number, and contact person. 6. Evidence of authority to do business in Arkansas and the City of North Little Rock. 7. Evidence of five years or more of successful off-site premise catering. The questionnaire includes questions on the caterer's ability to handle multiple requests, online ordering process, post-service evaluation process, equipment provision, and custom orders for dietary requirements. The city reserves the right to award contracts to multiple companies, and to utilize awarded companies for future projects on an as-needed basis. The contract period will be from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, with the option to renew or terminate the contract as needed.