Procurement Services is pleased to announce that a recent strategic-sourcing initiative has resulted in a new portfolio of Preferred Contract Caterers. In alignment with University priorities, key award criteria included sustainability, supplier diversity, utilization of local food sources, and an assessment of each supplier’s ability to provide and serve high-quality food safely and in a cost-competitive manner.
The process entailed a year-long exercise to gather stakeholder input prior to soliciting proposals from both approved and prospective caterers. As an outcome, over 60 caterers were awarded master contracts and designated with Preferred Contract Caterer status. Among this population, 39 organizations hold at least one diversity classification and 46 companies are based in Philadelphia (19 in West Philadelphia).
Catering@Penn has been developed to encourage visitors to search for providers based on any combination of criteria such as cuisine type, service offerings, and geographic location. Importantly, Procurement Services worked closely with Penn Sustainability to conveniently provide information about participating suppliers’ capabilities to service Penn at various levels of “green” requirements. The online tool also allows individuals to easily seek diversity suppliers. Penn’s buyers are encouraged to use the site to explore options that embrace and support Penn’s goals of sustainability and economic inclusion
Included among those supplier choices is Penn’s strategic preferred caterer, Bon Appétit. Bon Appétit continues to work with Penn to drive meaningful impact that aligns with the University’s established priorities.
While it is expected that purchasers will use the Preferred Contract Caterers whenever possible, many of the small providers such as pizza shops, bagel and doughnut bakeries, specialties shops, etc. are still available in Penn Marketplace as Approved Suppliers. As with using any Approved Supplier, bidding is required on purchases that exceed the $10,000 threshold.
For more information on this program please contact sourcing@upenn.edu