Dear Prospective Partner,

At Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (PTS), food and hospitality are central to the life of our community. We seek a partner who can provide high-quality food service while also helping cultivate a welcoming environment that supports learning, fellowship, and community life.

PTS invites food service vendors to submit a proposal in response to our Request for Proposals (RFP) for food service partnership on our campus.

A complete copy of the Request for Proposal - Food Services Partner - Pittsburgh Theological Seminary can be downloaded here.

Please note the following deadlines relevant to the submission of a proposal:


Friday, March 13

RFP opens

April 14 / 15 / 16
9:00am - 4:00pm

 Tours offered to prospective vendors
(email: asteele@pts.edu to reserve a day/time)

Monday, April 20

Final day to submit questions about the RFP
(email questions to: asteele@pts.edu)

Friday, April 24

PTS responds to questions
Friday, May 1 (12noon)

Proposals due
(submit a digital proposal using Survey Monkey or email your proposal using this Word template to asteele@pts.edu)
Friday, May 22
Final selection(s) made

Below is a digital version of the template we request all prospective partners to utilize to the complete your responses to the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's Request for Proposals (RFP) for food service partnership on our campus.

The Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Directors, Ashley Steele, will serve as the single point of contact for all questions related to this RFP. Please submit questions via email to asteele@pts.edu, which is our preferred method of communication. For additional inquiries, Ashley Steele may also be reached at (412) 924-1367 (office) or (412) 848-9835 (cell).

Sincerely,
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

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* 1. Business Name

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* 2. Type of Business

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* 3. Ownership Structure
(Include ownership details, parent/affiliated/subsidiary businesses, and any business partners.)

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* 4. Description of Services
(Describe the services your business provides, including the type(s) of food you serve.)

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* 5. Years in Operation

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* 6. Key Personnel
(List key staff and include relevant professional backgrounds and experience.)

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* 7. Website

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* 8. Social Media links

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* 9. Food Service Certifications
(List all applicable certifications, licenses, and permits.)

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* 10. Health Department Violations
(Disclose any violations within the past ten years. If none, state “None.”)

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* 11. Legal Proceedings
(Disclose any business litigation or legal proceedings within the past five years involving the organization or its officers/principals. Include explanations and current status. If none, state “None.”)

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* 12. Experience with Higher Education
(Describe your experience working with colleges, universities, seminaries, or similar institutions. Include examples, scope of services, and outcomes.)

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* 13. Why do you want to partner with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary?
(How do you envision interacting with and serving the Seminary community?)

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* 14. Lunch Meal Service Plan

Describe your approach to providing required lunch meals for the Seminary community, including:
  • Menu planning
  • Dietary accommodations
  • Staffing
  • Scheduling
  • Service model

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* 15. Catering Services Approach

Describe how you would plan and execute catering events at the Seminary, including:
  • Menu options
  • Event sizes
  • Staffing
  • Logistics

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* 16. Shared Kitchen Use
(Explain your approach to sharing kitchen space with other vendors, Seminary staff, and faculty. Include collaboration practices, scheduling, sanitation, and conflict resolution.)

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* 17. Additional Kitchen Use
(Describe how you would use the kitchen beyond required lunch meals and Seminary catering events.)

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* 18. Community Building
(What is your vision for how food can build community?)
Provide examples of how your food service has fostered community in the past.

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* 19. Future Goals
(Describe your business’s short- and long-term ambitions and how this partnership fits into your growth plans.)

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* 20. Please combine these documents into a single PDF and upload the full file:
  • Licenses and certifications
  • Sample monthly lunch menu; can include breakfast items
  • Sample catering menu
  • References
  • Insurance documentation
  • Additional supporting materials

Thank you for submitting a proposal to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

A confirmation email will be sent to you upon the Seminary's receipt of your proposal.

Please note: The Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Directors, Ashley Steele, will be the single point of contact for questions about this request for proposal. Questions should be submitted via email to asteele@pts.edu. This is our preferred communication method.

For all other questions, Ashley Steele can be contacted via office phone at (412) 924-1367 or cell phone at (412) 848-9835.

T