Ground coffee for the WI union (UW-MAD)[20-5396]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Purchasing Services is seeking qualified vendors to provide ground coffee and related services for multiple campus locations through a Request for Proposal (RFP 20-5396). The procurement targets approximately 21,000 pounds of coffee beans annually, to be delivered to 15 different campus facilities including Union South, Memorial Union, and various academic buildings. Contractors must supply pre-proportioned ground coffee, whole bean espresso in regular and decaf varieties, and provide comprehensive equipment, maintenance services, supplies, and operational support for Wisconsin Union Food Service units. The RFP evaluation will utilize a 1,000-point scoring system, with 800 technical points and 200 cost points, requiring a minimum technical score of 550 to advance. Evaluation criteria include company qualifications (100 points), training and operational support (100 points), marketing programs (50 points), products and menu (300 points), equipment (100 points), maintenance capabilities (100 points), and value-added innovations (50 points). Key dates include written questions due by October 30, 2019, proposal answers provided by November 1, 2019, and proposals due on November 13, 2019 at 2:00 PM CST, with oral presentations estimated for December 2, 2019 and award notification expected December 9, 2019.

The contract includes provisions for Certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVB), which receive a 5 percent preference when proposals are within 5 percent of the lowest proposal score. The current incumbent vendor is Steep & Brew, and the University owns approximately 86 existing airpots and thermal dispensers, which will be provided to the winning bidder at no charge. Contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and worker's compensation insurance, with annual insurance certificates required. The initial contract term runs from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022, with potential automatic renewal for two additional one-year terms unless 90 days' written notice is provided by either party. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the scope suggests a significant annual procurement volume given the 21,000 pounds of coffee and multiple campus locations. Bidders are required to submit four hard copies of their proposals to UW-Madison Purchasing Services and must submit separate proposals for each coffee brand offered, with proposal prices and terms remaining firm for 60 days from the proposal date.