Active SLED Opportunity · CONNECTICUT · CITY OF NEW LONDON

    Wedding and Event Catering Services at Ocean Beach Park

    Issued by City of New London
    cityRFPCity of New LondonSol. 239402
    Open · 4d remaining
    DAYS TO CLOSE
    4
    due Apr 28, 2026
    PUBLISHED
    Mar 24, 2026
    Posting date
    JURISDICTION
    City of
    city
    NAICS CODE
    722320
    AI-classified industry

    AI Summary

    The City of New London seeks qualified catering vendors to provide food and beverage services for events at Ocean Beach Park venues. This RFP targets full-service event catering including weddings, corporate functions, and community gatherings. Proposals are due by April 28, 2026.

    Opportunity details

    Solicitation No.
    239402
    Type / RFx
    RFP
    Status
    open
    Level
    city
    Published Date
    March 24, 2026
    Due Date
    April 28, 2026
    NAICS Code
    722320AI guide
    Jurisdiction
    City of New London
    Agency
    City of New London

    Description

    The City of New London invites proposals from qualified catering vendors to provide comprehensive food and beverage services for event spaces at Ocean Beach Park, including The Port 'N Starboard, Pilot House, Nautilus Room, Pavilion, and The Sandbar Café.

    These premier waterfront venues host a wide range of private and public events, including weddings, birthday celebrations, holiday parties, corporate functions, community gatherings, and other special occasions. The selected vendor will deliver high-quality culinary experiences and professional beverage services that enhance the guest experience while reflecting the vibrant atmosphere of Ocean Beach Park.

    Qualified caterers with demonstrated experience in full-service event catering, bar services, and large-scale event operations are encouraged to submit proposals.

    Project Details

    • Reference ID: 2026-10 CONL
    • Department: Procurement
    • Department Head: - (-)

    Important Dates

    • Questions Due: 2026-04-28T20:00:00.000Z
    • Pre-Proposal Meeting: 2026-04-08T14:00:00.000Z — Meet at Ocean Beach Park at the entrance to the event spaces.

    Addenda

    • Addendum #1 (released 2026-03-26T16:03:27.580Z) —

      Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.

      Walk-thru has been changed from April 1 to April 8, 2026 at 10 A.M.

    • Addendum #2 (released 2026-04-09T13:34:32.469Z) —

      Non-mandatory pre-proposal sign-in sheet

    • Addendum #3 (released 2026-04-13T18:12:24.169Z) —

      Copy of current contract

    • Addendum #4 (released 2026-04-16T18:20:47.986Z) —

      An additional site-visit will be available Tuesday, April 21 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

    • Addendum #5 (released 2026-04-16T18:21:08.698Z) —

      An additional site-visit will be available Tuesday, April 21 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

    • Addendum #6 (released 2026-04-21T17:34:22.176Z) —

      Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.

    Evaluation Criteria

    • Experience Operating Similar Venues (20 pts)
    • Operational Plan (30 pts)
    • Staffing Plan (10 pts)
    • Marketing Plan (10 pts)
    • Menu Quality & Pricing (15 pts)
    • References (15 pts)

    Submission Requirements

    • Respondent Submittals (required)

      Please Upload your COMPLETE response, including any and all required forms listed in the solicitation and the corresponding attachments.

       

    • Please complete and upload the forms in the attachment labeled "Exhibit D" here. (required)
    • I have reviewed the City’s sample contract and the standard terms and conditions. I understand that portions of this language may be incorporated into the final contract negotiated in connection with this RFP. (required)
    • I certify that I have read, understood and agree to the terms in this solicitation, and that I am authorized to submit this response on behalf of my company. (required)
    • Pricing (required)
      • Choose Option 1 when you have set line items, for example:
        • This is a quote for goods or commodities.
        • This is a public works bid, with a pricing table that can be uploaded into OpenGov Procurement from an Excel spreadsheet.
        • Seeking services for hourly rate schedules.
      • Choose Option 2 when you need vendors to provide you with the line items. 
    • Evaluation Committee? (required)

      Will there be an evaluation committee to review the proposals and score them based on weights and multiple criteria?

    • Procurement and/or Project Contact

      Select the information you would like display.

    Questions & Answers

    Q (Exclusive or List): Hello! Is this bid for the exclusive catering rights to these venues OR are you trying to put together a list of preferred caterers to recommend to your clients?

    A: Hello. This opportunity is for the exclusive catering rights to these venues along with operating the Sandbar Cafe.


    Q (Cost for Venue): Hello! What is the rental price for these venues? What would you say your average client is looking to spend on an event such as a wedding?

    A: The selected operator has the discretion to set the rental price and menu prices according the clientele they expect to reach and attract for events.


    Q (Foodservice Equipment Bid): Good Afternoon, Under Addendum B there is a listing of Items for the Banquet Kitchen along with pictures. Do you have written specifications for those items Such as deminsions of the Bally combo box with refrigeration details and Electrical requirements and model numbers for the other Equipment.

    A: No


    Q (Foodservice Equipment Installation): When are you looking to install these pieces of equipment

    A: This RFP is not for the purchase and installation of new equipment.


    Q (Existing Equipment): Will the existing pieces of equipment be removed and demoed By Others or is that something that should be included in our Bid

    A: This RFP is not for the purchase and installation of new equipment unless the selected operator decides they need new equipment. The purchase of new equipment would be the responsibility of the selected operator and not the City.


    Q (previous contract): Is it possible to furnish a copy of the previous contract with Sodexo?

    A: Addendum #3 is a copy of the current contract. Keep in mind, the current contract is to operate the complete park and not just the rental venues.


    Key dates

    1. March 24, 2026Published
    2. April 28, 2026Responses Due

    AI classification tags

    Frequently asked questions

    SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.

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