Licensed Whiskey

The University of Wyoming Trademark Licensing Office (UWTLO) and the State of Wyoming (SOW) are seeking a Wyoming-based distiller to develop a co-branded whiskey featuring the iconic Bucking Horse and Rider (BH&R) trademark. The procurement is a Request for Proposal (RFP) targeting a distillery with robust communication, branding, marketing, production, and distribution capabilities. Key deliverables include designing, developing, producing, marketing, and distributing an award-winning whiskey that tells the story of Wyoming's heritage and the University of Wyoming. Mandatory submissions require TTB and state permits, detailed business proposals covering company overview, financial status, whiskey style, distribution plans, production capabilities, brand integration strategy, and community engagement. The evaluation will use a 380-point scoring system across nine criteria, with weights ranging from 6 to 10 points for areas such as distribution plan, production capabilities, and whiskey packaging. Critical dates include supplier questions due by August 5, 2024, and proposal responses required by August 21, 2024, at 2:00 PM MDT, with anticipated supplier presentations in September 2024 and a full product rollout planned for Fall/Winter 2024.

The RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract term is initially five years, subject to mutual agreement and satisfactory performance. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the selected distillery must enter a royalty-bearing licensed product agreement, with the specific royalty structure to be proposed by the distiller. The University reserves all intellectual property rights related to submitted materials and maintains comprehensive approval rights through the Trademark Licensing Office. Potential financial considerations include an initial royalty advance of $250.00 and quarterly royalty payments based on Net Sales Price. The distillery must maintain product liability insurance and adhere to strict quality control standards, with the University of Wyoming's Trademark Licensing Office providing oversight. Though a specific budget range is not disclosed, the comprehensive requirements suggest the opportunity is designed for an established, professional distillery with significant production and distribution capabilities.