This week sees two opportunities for cafe operators to secure government contracts in Canberra.
The first is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Café Operator Services at the Treasury Building in Parkes ACT. The Treasury Café consists of both internal and external space and is accesible to the public. There is approximately 1,500 staff working within the Treasury Building and proposed hours of operation for the Café are 7:00am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday excluding public Holidays. The Café operator will be required to provide a variety of quality food and drink options for breakfast and lunch services. The initial term of the contract is five years with extension periods of three and a further two years. The contract is expected to commence January 2019. This opportunity also requires tenderers to propose an upgrade scope of work to the premises to enhance the look, feel and operation of the Café and space. The initial fitout works are expected to be undertaken at the commencement of the Licence, however any work will need to be conducted to minimise downtime for the Café. The Licensee is to propose the fitout work and factor in the costs within their financial model included in their tendered offer. While not mandatory, a site visit is offered, and considering the nature of the tender is highly recommended unless you are already familiar with the site. The site visit is being held on 17 September.
The second opportunity is of a larger scope and is for the provision of Full Cafeteria and Associated Services at the RG Casey Building, Barton ACT, and the potential provision of services at another site on London Circuit, Canberra City, ACT. Both sites are part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), with approximately 2500-2750 staff at Barton and 550-600 at the London Cct site. DFAT may host high profile functions at Barton, which can include attendance by Ministers, general public and can draw media attention. For this reason, the quality of food, beverages and services must be appropriate for these types of functions. There is no major refurbishment required at the Barton site, however cafe services are not currently provided at London Circuit and DFAT would like to take this opportunity to investigate the option. Both sites will operate Monday to Friday excluding ACT public holidays. The contract is expected to be awarded in November 2018. DFAT is holding an Industry Briefing and site inspection which in this case is mandatory to attend for participation in the RFT. The site inspection is being held on 20 September. This contract will have an initial term of 3 years, with an option to extend for a further term of 2 x 1 years.
Both opportunities will require the licensee to hold the relevant Food Licence or be able to obtain a Food Licence to operate in the ACT. Sustainable practices and the operators experience are key evaluation criteria.
If you are after further advice on this topic or any other opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
