Strategic Support for Optimizing Outsourced Campus Dining Programs

Operational Assessments 

Selecting and managing a dining services partner can be complex—but done well, it lays the foundation for operational excellence. IHS begins by helping you clearly define your vision for campus dining  programs and compare it to current realities to identify critical gaps. The insights from this operational assessment directly inform the structure and strategy of your Request for Proposal (RFP), ensuring alignment from day one. 

Request for Proposal 

A well-crafted Request for Proposal (RFP) should reflect your strategic vision while ensuring clarity, flexibility, and accountability from all bidders. IHS designs RFPs that allow vendors to offer creative program solutions while standardizing financial formats for easy comparison. We manage the entire process—from development and issuance to response evaluation, clarification with bidders, and a final recommendation for contract award. 

Contract Negotiations 

While dining service providers often seek clarity around financial terms, they may resist specific language around operational commitments—frequently using disclaimers like “non-binding proposal” in their RFP responses. IHS works on your behalf to ensure final contracts include clear, enforceable obligations that reflect what was promised during the proposal process. We translate vague commitments into specific, measurable terms—creating true accountability for both financial and service performance. 

Operational Assessment 

We begin by clarifying your expectations, identifying current strengths, and outlining areas of concern. We then review your current contract and evaluate your outsourcing company’s performance against its terms. This includes identifying gaps between your vision, what’s contractually promised, and actual delivery—including financial performance. 

Contract Review / Renegotiation 

Based on our operational assessment findings, IHS will support contract revisions or renegotiations—working collaboratively with your dining provider to clarify operational expectations, redefine financial commitments, and establish clear standards for accountability across all key performance areas. 

Strategic Planning 

IHS collaborates with your team—and your provider, when appropriate—to define strategic goals and create a forward-looking roadmap. This plan incorporates financial realities, operational constraints, and future opportunities. It is designed to be practical, achievable, results-oriented, and sustainable. 

Meal Plan Assessments 

We evaluate meal plan design, policies, pricing, and participation rates to ensure your outsourced program supports both student engagement and institutional goals. 

Financial Assessments 

Our team conducts a comprehensive review of financial performance, analyzing key indicators such as cost per meal, amenity costs, waste, supply chain efficiency, labor utilization, and retail revenue. We identify specific opportunities to reduce costs and increase financial returns. 

Voice of the Customer 

Capturing stakeholder feedback is critical in a multi-audience environment like a college campus. IHS gathers insights through online surveys, focus groups, and intercept interviews with students, faculty, staff, catering clients, and administrators. These findings are summarized with actionable recommendations to improve satisfaction and service delivery. 

Pre-Facility Design Programming

IHS provides consultative input for new construction and renovations—focusing on kitchens, dining rooms, and retail space programming that informs design team for the  promotion of operational efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and innovation. 

Quality Assurance

CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance is a customizable proprietary, web-based platform partner used to assess dining program performance across areas such as marketing, contract compliance, technology, safety, nutrition, and food quality. Trained assessors conduct on-site evaluations, identify underperforming areas, and track corrective actions through a secure digital platform. 

Adviser Model 

• Initial operational assessment to establish a tailored Roadmap to Operational Excellence 

• Annual review of performance against key program goals and roadmap milestones 

• Annual best practices and market insights to support ongoing innovation 

• Quarterly business reviews with client stakeholders and dining leadership to maintain accountability 

• Initial deployment of CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance to baseline vendor performance across agreed-upon criteria 

Partner Model 

Includes all Adviser Model services, plus: 

• Quarterly financial performance analysis to support budget alignment and fiscal accountability 

• Development and implementation of revenue optimization strategies to enhance participation and profitability 

• Targeted operational studies based on the Roadmap to Operational Excellence 

• Annual procurement and supply chain reviews to identify cost-saving opportunities 

• Virtual best-practice forums featuring insights from IHS industry experts 

• Ongoing CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance assessments conducted at agreed intervals 

 Program Manager Model 

Includes all Partner Model services, plus: 

• Full program oversight, including regular on-site visits and monthly virtual check-ins with campus leadership and dining outsourced provider teams 

• Monthly financial reviews with variance reporting and corrective action planning 

• Support in developing and refining the annual food service budget 

• Customized mid-year and year-end CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance assessments 

• Marketing strategy evaluation and satisfaction survey oversight to ensure engagement and continuous improvement 

• A dedicated IHS program team to ensure continuity, responsiveness, and long-term sustainable results