Today was the deadline for private companies to submit their proposals to take over Texas A&M dining services.

The university is moving forward in the process to possibly privatize not just dining services, but landscaping, custodial and building maintenance.

Hundreds of employees with facility services have voiced their opinions by holding protests and meetings saying they are opposed to outside companies taking over their jobs.

TAMU chancellor John Sharp says looking at private companies is a money-saving measure the university is looking into. No decisions have been made.

The university would not release any information on the companies who have submitted bids.

TAMU spokesman Jason Cook released a statement:
"It remains the practice of Texas A&M to withhold the identity of all Respondents as well as their respective proposals from public disclosure until after negotiations are completed and a formal contract is awarded."

The other deadlines for private companies to submit their proposals are:

4/10/12 – Custodial services
4/11/12 – Landscaping maintenance services
4/12/12 – Building maintenance services