With all the collaboration and public engagement opportunities planned for Memorial University’s Battery Facility, stomachs will inevitably start to rumble.

To ensure meetings or events are not derailed by hungry participants, Memorial has issued a request for expressions of interest (EOI) to provide food services at the facility.

“We’re looking for providers who will be able to offer something creative and fresh and fits our vision for the space as a public engagement and innovation hub,” said Dr. Rob Greenwood, executive director, Office of Public Engagement at Memorial. “We know that food brings people together, and connection is at the heart of what we’re working to achieve, both through the programming that will take place at the facility and through the practical day-to-day operations.”

Proposals will be assessed on a number of factors, from experience and the ability to provide necessary services, to creativity and relevance to Newfoundland and Labrador. As part of the proposal process, all interested submitters are required to attend a session at Memorial, including a visit to the Battery Facility, on either June 17 or June 22.

“Finding the right fit is very important to us, so we want to make sure that our submitters understand what we’re looking for and have a chance to look around to develop their own ideas about how best for us to work together,” explained Dr. Greenwood. “It’s a unique opportunity, and we’re very interested in seeing proposals that explore and complement our vision for the space.”

Electronic copies of the EOI request are available by calling (709) 864-4479 or can be picked up in person by visiting FM-2031 in the Facilities Management building at Memorial’s St. John’s campus. All submissions must be received by Friday, July 8, 2016.