03-0815. 2 Coalinga-Avenal Safety Rest Area North & Southbound

The State of California Department of Rehabilitation is seeking quotes for a comprehensive vending machine replacement project at the Coalinga-Avenal Safety Rest Area located on Interstate 5. The solicitation (RFQ #03-1029.2) requires the procurement, delivery, and installation of 16 total vending machines, specifically two hot drink coffee machines, four combo snack and beverage outsider high security machines, six cold drink machines, and four snack machines. Bidders must provide newly manufactured equipment and are responsible for removing 15 existing vending machines through trade-in or recycling. All machines must meet stringent technical specifications including ADA accessibility standards, UL and EPA requirements, and feature specific payment systems with Cantaloupe credit card readers and MEI bill validators. Quotes are due by December 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with submissions accepted via U.S. Mail, email, or facsimile to Jim Abad at Jim.Abad@dor.ca.gov. The award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with mandatory requirements including delivery and full operational status within 35 calendar days after order receipt.

The procurement has several set-aside and certification requirements targeting small and disadvantaged businesses. The solicitation is designated as a small business opportunity and includes provisions for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation, though the DVBE incentive has been waived for this procurement. Bidders must submit multiple compliance documents including a Payee Data Record (STD Form 204), California seller's permit, post-consumer recycled content certification, and declarations confirming they are not tax delinquent or debarred from federal contracting. Prospective vendors must be either manufacturers or Factory Authorized Suppliers with demonstrated technical expertise and repair capabilities. While no specific contract value is listed, the comprehensive technical requirements suggest a significant investment in modernizing the rest area's vending infrastructure. The contract includes a 90-day warranty period covering parts and labor, with the supplier responsible for all installation, programming, training, and potential warranty repairs.