Liquor Distribution for the Department of Revenue

The Montana Department of Revenue issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered REV-IFB2016-0003R for liquor distribution services across the state. The procurement seeks a contractor responsible for weekly freight services to 96 privately owned Agency Liquor Stores, with delivery volumes ranging from 4 to 1,700 cases per location. Key deliverables include a fixed per-case delivery cost for liquor products, supplies, and displays, along with return shipping costs for mis-shipments to the Helena warehouse. The bid requires detailed cost breakdowns including percentages for fuel, labor, and supplies, with specific pricing for regular delivery days (Monday-Friday) and separate rates for weekend and holiday deliveries. Bidders were required to submit comprehensive proposals that addressed the Department's complex distribution needs, with the solicitation opening on 4/18/2016 at 5:00 PM MST and closing on 5/10/2016 at 2:00 PM MST. Historical shipping data indicated that during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015, the Department shipped 776,745 cases, with an average case weight of 35 pounds and seasonal peaks in November, December, June, July, and August.

The solicitation did not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract was ultimately awarded to Watkins Shepard Trucking, Inc., with payment terms of 0% 0, Net 30, and transactions conducted in US Dollars. While no specific budget range was detailed in the available documentation, the substantial annual case volume of 776,745 suggests a significant contract value. The procurement required vendors to demonstrate comprehensive logistics capabilities, including the ability to manage diverse delivery volumes across 96 different locations and handle potential seasonal fluctuations in shipping demand. No incumbent vendor information was provided beyond the awarded contractor. The contract appeared to require robust transportation infrastructure and logistics management systems capable of efficiently distributing liquor products throughout Montana's diverse geographic landscape.