Policy Statement

The University of Richmond is committed to conducting its affairs in complete accordance with all applicable professional and ethical standards. To this end, all University personnel who purchase on behalf of the University are obligated to avoid conflicts of interest and perceived conflicts of interest in the procurement of goods and services. Procurements for goods and services are entered into solely on the merits of each transaction. It is the policy of the University to obtain competitive price quotations or bids whenever practical. Requests to vendors are conducted in a manner that provides, to the maximum extent possible, open and free competition.

Vendor quotations and bids are evaluated based on product quality, technical compliance with specifications, total price, service and reputation and credentials of the vendor. Vendor awards are made in the best interest of the University. Any and all quotations and bids may be rejected when it is in the University's best interest to do so. Prices secured on quotations and bids are considered confidential and should not be discussed with other vendors by University personnel prior to the award of the transaction. The University values its vendors and appreciates the services they provide.

Business Affairs Division Vendor Policy

The Business Affairs Division of the University of Richmond is committed to following exemplary practices in a timely and professional manner with the highest standard of integrity. While we are open to considering business proposals from our valued corporate contributors, we also must reserve the right to make the procurement of goods and services on the basis of value, fair price, quality products, and quality service.

Vendor Information

Thank you for your interest in doing business with the University of Richmond Dining Services. At the University, our goal is to work with a diverse pool of vendors while being responsible steward of University resources.

Dining Services is committed to environmental sustainability and follows the Green Purchasing Guidelines which incorporates environmental criteria as part of normal purchasing evaluation along with product safety, price, performance, and availability.

We seek to develop mutually beneficial business relationships with those vendors that are:

• Committed to supporting sustainability initiatives with good environmental track records and reaching out to be inclusive of a diverse group of vendors, such as, minority and locally or regionally owned.

• HACCP certified.

• Deliver quality, service and value.

Dining Services is self-operated and includes: Heilman Dining Center, ETC, University Catering, Tyler's Grill, Concessions, The Cellar, Eight-Fifteen at Boatwright, The Dean's Den at Whitehurst, and Freshens.

We are basically a "scratch" cooking operation. Limited convenience entrees are used, and pre-packaged products are used only in our cash operations.

Specifications

Our purchasing department maintains specifications for all products used in our operations. We continually update specifications and add products to our approved products list, pending student evaluation.

Interested Purveyors

Vendors interested in doing business with the University of Richmond can access a vendor application available for down load here.

If approved, the vendor will be added to the University Approved Vendor List and will be eligible to do business with the University.

Sample Protocol

Dining Services has developed a two-step process for screening new products or alternatives to existing products.

• Paper Screen
  To request the consideration of our team members to sample products please forward product information including availability and cost to the Purchasing Office. Information will be considered then, based on potential menu application, availability and cost, a sample will be requested.
  
  
• Product Evaluation
  Pending the product category the University Dining Services the Menu Committee will sample and evaluate products. In addition, students may be invited the sample products in the General Managers' Talk & Taste meetings.

Gifts

Exclusive Contracts

Exclusive contracts preclude the purchase of competitor goods or services with University funds. Examples of University exclusive contracts include: Coca Cola for beverages. Contact Louie Love, Director of Business Affairs Initiatives for complete information on specific exclusive contracts. llove@richmond.edu

Collegiate Licensing

The University of Richmond's Office of Collegiate Licensing works with LRG, our licensing partner, and law enforcement agencies to enforce our trademark rights. The University is committed to the protection of the University of Richmond's marks and the reputation they represent. No use of University of Richmond trademarks is permitted without written consent of the University of Richmond's Office of Collegiate Licensing.

Manager of Collegiate Licensing, Jessica Ryder Morrall, at 804.287.6668 or jmorrall@richmond.edu

Appointment

If you are a vendor (you have a product or service that you wish to promote) and you would like to arrange an appointment, call 804.289.8519.

Contact Information

University of Richmond
Dining Services Business Office
Heilman Dining Center
University of Richmond, VA 23173

Fax
804.289.8779

Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Memberships

VARA
(Virginia Restaurant Association)

NACS
(National Association Collegiate Concessionaires)

For an appointment call 804.289.8519
Directions to campus

Once on campus follow signs to the Heilman DiningCenter, the Heilman Center Business Office is located across from parking lot adjacent to the US Post Office.