UOW Student Residences accommodates over 2200 students across five sites, providing catered and self-catered options for residents. The purpose of Student Residences is to provide a supportive, safe, and respectful community that fosters connection and is inclusive for all residents, inspiring them to reach their personal & academic goals.

The University of Wollongong (UOW) Student Residences are seeking proposals from suitably qualified Respondents to provide catering services to its existing suite of catered residences (Campus East and I House) from January 2026. Proposals must include a minimum offering of 14 meals per week (breakfast and dinner daily) for up to 560 residents, and scalable depending on occupancy. Respondents are also invited to provide information on their capability for any additional services and initiatives that could supplement the minimum offering.

This Request for Proposals is stage one of the procurement process for the provision of catering services. Submitted proposals will be reviewed and assessed by the University appointed evaluation committee. Respondents whose proposals are selected will be invited to deliver an oral presentation to the evaluation committee. During this presentation, the committee may adjust their scoring based on the insights gained. Presentations will be offered in-person or online. Shortlisted Respondents will be invited to stage two.

Evaluation of proposals in stage one will focus on the Respondents' capabilities to meet the requirements of the RFP, including scalability, service quality, creativity, innovation, and sustainability. Indicative pricing will form part of the review and assessment; however, this will be further evaluated in future stages of the procurement process.

In stage two, shortlisted Respondents will be invited to attend a tender site meeting. These Respondents will also receive a comprehensive final scope and a draft contract, allowing them the opportunity to refine their proposals and submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Detailed information regarding the tender site meeting, the final submission deadline and evaluation criteria for stage two will be provided upon the conclusion of stage one.

For the awareness of Respondents, other catering operations exist within the University, however these operations are NOT part of this request for proposal.