Beverage Vending Services

Pinellas County Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Facilities Operations are soliciting bids for county-wide beverage vending machine services through Invitation to Bid #23-0214-ITB-Services. The procurement seeks a contractor to furnish, install, stock, maintain, service, repair, and replace automatic beverage vending machines at 81 existing locations across various county facilities and public access sites. Vendors must provide machines less than five years old, equipped with modern payment technologies that accept cash, coins, credit/debit cards, and electronic payments, and offer a variety of 20-ounce bottled beverages including soft drinks, juices, teas, water, and sports drinks. Key deliverables include continuous machine operation, with contractors required to respond to service calls within 48 hours and replace non-functional machines within two business days. Bids are due by December 6, 2022, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time through the OpenGov procurement platform, with the contract structured for an initial 36-month term and potential for two 12-month extensions. Evaluation criteria will include the proposed commission percentage to be paid to the county and an annual beverage product donation.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract allows for flexibility in location management, with the county reserving the right to add or remove vending machine locations throughout the contract period. While specific financial terms are not detailed, the bid requires vendors to propose a commission percentage for beverage sales, indicating potential revenue generation for the county. The successful contractor will be responsible for all operational costs, including machine installation, maintenance, restocking, and compliance with county requirements. The agreement emphasizes digital accessibility, E-Verify compliance, and adherence to local government regulations. Contractors must demonstrate the ability to maintain a diverse beverage inventory and provide modern, reliable vending equipment across multiple county facilities. Though exact award values are not specified, the comprehensive nature of the contract suggests a significant ongoing business opportunity for the selected vendor.