CONTRACT: Long Term Bottled Water

The State of New Hampshire's Department of Administrative Services issued a competitive bid (RFB #2689-23) for a long-term bottled water supply contract covering all ten counties in the state. The procurement solicits comprehensive water delivery services, including filtered and spring water in 16.9 to 20 fluid ounce PET bottles, packaged in 24-count cases, with a minimum 24-month shelf life. Vendors must supply bottled water and dispensing equipment to various state agencies, with specific delivery requirements between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Department of Transportation highway sheds and other state facilities. The contract term spans from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2026, with potential two one-year extensions. Key vendor qualifications include compliance with FDA regulations (Title 21 CFR Parts 101, 110, 129, and 165), registration with the New Hampshire Secretary of State, and maintenance of comprehensive general liability insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate). The bid closing date was October 14, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. EST, with pricing to remain firm for one year and subsequent adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index.

The contract allows participation by political subdivisions and nonprofit organizations under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Vendors must provide annual and quarterly usage reports, including recycling documentation for manufacturing and distribution processes. The successful bidder, WB Mason Co. Inc., was awarded a contract valued at $710,000, representing a 61% cost savings from the previous contract. The procurement is open to various businesses, with no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises explicitly mentioned. Vendors must warranty all equipment for the contract term, including full coverage of parts, labor, shipping, travel, and lodging, with an annual requirement to rotate dispensing equipment through replacement or thorough cleaning. Payment terms include ACH or procurement card methods, with invoices due within 30 days of receipt and acceptance. The contract covers standard water service requirements across all counties, with consistent monthly estimated quantities of 1,560 units of filtered water, 12,550 units of spring water, 125 cases of bottled water, 48 units of paper cups, and 50 units of dispensing equipment per county.