159-24-RFI - Freight and Logistics Services.pdf

Virginia ABC RFI # 159-24-RFI

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL AUTHORITY

(Virginia ABC)

7450 Freight Way

Mechanicsville, VA 23111

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION 159-24-RFI

FOR:

Freight and Logistics Services

Issue Date: 10/25/2024

Due Date/Time: 4/22/2025 10:00 AM EDT

Contract Officer: Monte Dugger

E-mail Address: monte.dugger@virginiaabc.com

Response Delivery Method: Responses will only be accepted at the email address listed above.

Be sure to include the subject line as “159-24-RFI – Freight and Logistics Response”.

Please include the corresponding question and the question number in all responses.

Note: Late responses will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure that responses are submitted on time by the date and time noted above.

mailto:monte.dugger@virginiaabc.com

Note: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority does not discriminate against faith-based organizations in accordance with the Code of Virginia, §2.2-4343.1 or against a Supplier because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment.

Virginia ABC is committed to increasing procurement opportunities for small, women-owned, and minority-owned (SWaM) businesses, strengthening the Commonwealth’s overall economic growth through the development of its suppliers.

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION 4

A. PURPOSE 4

2. BACKGROUND 5

A. VIRGINIA ABC OVERVIEW 5

B. VIRGINIA ABC’S MISSION AND VISION 5

3. QUESTIONS 6

4. CONTACT INFORMATION 8

1. INTRODUCTION

The intent of this Request for Information (RFI) is solely to gather information; it is not a formal procurement. Information received may be used for informational and planning purposes. Nothing in this RFI should be construed as intent, commitment, or promise to solicit or procure a solution. Responding to the RFI is not a pre-requisite to submitting a proposal for any subsequent procurement should a formal solicitation be issued. Respondents should not provide any confidential or proprietary information.

Information submitted in response to this RFI will become the property of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia ABC and the Commonwealth of Virginia will not pay for any information herein requested and provided by Offeror. Virginia ABC and the Commonwealth of Virginia will not be liable for any costs incurred by the Offeror related to this RFI. All such costs are Offeror’s sole responsibility.

Following receipt of responses to this RFI, Virginia ABC may contact some respondents for clarification meetings to gain additional understanding.

A. Purpose

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority seeks information from qualified freight service provider(s) to enhance and streamline our logistics operations. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather comprehensive information regarding potential freight partner(s) that can support our transportation needs, including but not limited to, domestic freight services, shipping logistics, and supply chain management. We aim to better understand the market landscape, available options, capabilities, and pricing structures in order to make informed decisions and foster potential partnerships.

Our objectives include:

1. Identifying Service Providers: To compile a list of viable freight service providers that can meet our logistical requirements.

2. Understanding Capabilities: To assess the range of services, technology and tools offered by prospective providers to enhance supply chain efficiency.

3. Evaluating Costs: To gauge competitive pricing models for various freight services across different modes of transportation.

4. Exploring Contractual Terms: To learn about service level agreements, insurance policies, and other contractual obligations pertinent to freight services.

This RFI will allow us to better outline our needs and expectations and facilitate a more targeted approach in our potential Request for Proposal (RFP) or bidding process down the line.

2. BACKGROUND

A. Virginia ABC Overview

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (Virginia ABC) features 403 retail locations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. As an independent political subdivision and one of 11 public safety agencies working with the Secretariat of Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Authority administers ABC laws with an emphasis on public safety by ensuring an orderly and regulated system for convenient sales and responsible consumption of alcohol. The Virginia ABC’s nearly 5000 employees are proud to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia with world class customer service.

As one of 17 control states across the United States – where the state government manages the sale and distribution of distilled spirits at the wholesale level, Virginia ABC stores are the only retail locations in Virginia where customers may purchase liquor.

B. Virginia ABC’s Mission and Vision

Mission: To generate a reliable stream of revenue for Virginia and promote public safety through the responsible sale and regulation of alcoholic beverages.

Virginia ABC employees accomplish this mission and vision by embracing four (4) core values:

• Accountability: We build trust by delivering on our promises.

• Service: We take pride in our role as public servants and put customers, both internal and external, first in all we do.

• Integrity: We are fair, consistent, transparent and treat everyone with respect.

• Performance Excellence: We are innovative, collaborative and strive to improve every day.

Vision: To bring good spirits and excellent service to Virginia.

3. QUESTIONS

Note: Virginia ABC is not requesting general marketing materials, budgetary information, or proprietary information in response to this RFI.

1. Service Offerings:

o What types of freight services do you offer? (e.g., full truckload, less than truckload, air freight, ocean freight, etc.)

1. Size of transportation fleet vehicles

1. 48, 42, 40, PUP, Box Trucks, others?

2. Tractor & trailer rental options

3. Floor loading, pallet loading, cage loading

4. Unloading Type (Multiple configurations)

5. Order/store delivery segregation

6. Unloading Personnel or Assistance

7. Hours of delivery

8. Verification vs Trusted Receiving

9. Self-directed delivery (no store personnel)

10. Transportation of non 3PL personnel (VABC unloaders traveling with load)

11. Backhauling of return to DC products, cardboard, & other recyclables

12. KPI tracking & dashboards

13. Non-Product transportation

14. Customer service escalation (delivery issues)

15. On-Site partnerships?

16. Report to work procedures, load pickup procedures, trailer drop procedures

17. Driver credentials

18. Direct delivery to licensees

19. Any other service offerings o Do you handle special transport needs, such as temperature-controlled freight, hazardous materials, oversized cargo, etc.?

1. Cleaning chemical shipping

2. Any other handling offerings o What is your policy regarding tracking and traceability for shipments?

1. En route GPS tracking of trucks

2. Driver & Route tracking

3. Electronic BOLs vs Paper BOLs, other

4. Breakage tracking

5. Shorts tracking

6. Any other tracking offerings

2. Pricing Structure:

o What is your general pricing model (e.g., per shipment, per case, per weight, subscription, volume discounts)?

1. KPI penalty fees o Are there any additional fees that may apply (e.g., fuel surcharges, customs fees, handling fees, delivery area)?

o Can you provide a ballpark estimate or pricing examples for different service levels?

3. Technology and Tools:

o What technology solutions do you offer to facilitate logistics management (e.g., tracking systems, supply chain management software)?

1. Unloading methods? Tracks, lifts gates, material handling equipment, u-boats

2. Side doors on trailers

3. Routing software & methodology

4. Physical vs electric seals

5. Trailer insulation

6. Any other technology offerings o How do you ensure the security and confidentiality of shipping data?

1. Video surveillance of driver cab

2. Backup & Collision cameras

3. Any other security offerings

4. Insurance and Liability:

o What types of insurance coverage do you provide for cargo during transportation?

1. Type & amount of bond

2. Salvage operations

3. Real Estate or property damage?

o What liability do you take on for lost, damaged, or delayed shipments?

o Any other coverage types

5. Sustainability Practices:

o What measures do you have in place related to sustainability and reducing your carbon footprint in transportation?

o Do you offer any eco-friendly shipping options?

6. Additional Information:

o Is there anything else you believe is relevant for us to consider that has not been covered in the previous questions?

4. CONTACT INFORMATION

Please provide your company’s contact information.

Contact Information Enter your response in this column, pasting it into your submission document and enlarging the box as needed

Company Name

Company Mailing Address

Company Website Address

Name of Contact Person

Contact Person E-mail Address

Contact Person Telephone #

List of primary service offerings (that might serve Virginia ABC)

Years company has been in existence

Headquarters location

Virginia ABC thanks you for responding to this RFI.