RFP - Kchi Wiikwedong Round Dance Feast Caterer

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians

Request for Professional Services: Kchi Wiikwedong Round Dance Feast Caterer

January 3, 2026

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians (GTB) is requesting proposals from qualified individuals or catering services to provide food service for the Kchi Wiikwedong Round Dance Feast on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The event will be held at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, MI, with feast time at 3:00 PM.

Qualifications Desired

Applicants must be an individual or staffed catering service with the following:

• Current Grand Traverse Band health permit to serve food
• Completed W-9 form
• Demonstrated ability to cater events serving 1,300–1,500 people
• Certificate of liability insurance and worker's compensation (if applicable)

Deadline to respond to this Request for Proposal (RFP):

November 30, 2025

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Scope of Work

The selected Vendor will provide full food service for the Kchi Wiikwedong Round Dance Feast, including preparation, delivery, setup, serving, and cleanup. Vendor shall provide all necessary cooking, processing, warming, and serving equipment.

Vendor shall develop a traditional Odawa/Ojibwe feast menu in collaboration with GTB Cultural Department staff no later than Thursday, December 18, 2025.

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1. Description of the Meal

Vendor shall design and prepare a traditional feast menu that incorporates Anishinaabe foods and cooking traditions.

An example menu may include:

• Wild rice or hominy dish
• Potato dish
• Warm vegetable such as corn, beans, or squash
• Fry bread
• Fruit (berries or melon)
• Dessert dish (cake, pudding, or pie)
• Garden salad with dressing
• Tea and coffee (Vendor to provide cups and condiments)

GTRS will supply all tableware, plates, disposable silverware, napkins, and cups.

Vendor may include additional culturally appropriate dishes to enhance the feast.

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1. Items Provided by GTB

Kitchen space at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa to prepare feast food prior to feast.

Vendor must provide tea and coffee (hot and/or cold) for the feast.

On-site trash and waste facilities (dumpster) will be provided.

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1. Additional Requirements

• Vendor must consider food allergies and dietary restrictions in menu planning.
• Vendor shall be able to provide ingredient information for dishes containing nuts, soy, dairy, or gluten.
• Vendor must ensure timely preparation and serving for all attendees.

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Evaluation of RFP Respondents

Criteria Maximum Points

Qualifications: Years of experience in food service 40

References: Success and relevancy of previous experience 25

Experience catering Native American / Traditional Foods 15

Native American-owned Business 20

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Proposal Submittal

Proposals must include:

1. A statement of qualifications and summary of experience
2. An example traditional feast menu
3. A cost proposal (in a separate sealed envelope)

Mailing address, deadline and submittal details for responding:

• Proposals must be received by GTB by November 30th, 2025. Proposals received after this time will not be evaluated.

Submit bid package to the following address:

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians

Round Dance Feast Caterer RFP

Attn: Government Accounting

2605 N. West Bayshore Drive

Peshawbestown, MI 49682

Or email bid to Tyler.McCarthy@gtb-nsn.gov

Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Aaron Chivis at 231-534-7764. Conforming submissions will be unsealed on Monday, December 1, 2025 in the GTB Accounting Department. Vendor selection will be made no later than December 5, 2025 and the vendor will be notified by the same date.

Current Openings for RFP Kchi Wiikwedong Round Dance Feast Caterer Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians