MCC - Snack and Beverage Vending

Middlesex Community College is soliciting competitive proposals for snack and beverage vending services at its Bedford and Lowell campuses under RFP MCC2022-02, with proposals due June 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST and a mandatory site visit on June 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Qualified vendors must demonstrate a minimum of three years' successful vending industry experience. The scope encompasses supplying, installing, maintaining, and servicing heavy-duty commercial vending equipment across 14 machines (5 snack and 5 beverage at Lowell; 2 snack and 2 beverage at Bedford), though the College may adjust this number by mutual agreement. Equipment must accept multiple payment methods including credit/debit cards, coins, and bills, and must meet ADA compliance and EnergyStar certification requirements.

The contractor establishes a commission structure based on gross sales, excluding applicable taxes and credit card processing fees — a key evaluation factor. Historical annual vending revenue provides guidance: $35,014.59 in FY25, $39,071.11 in FY24, and $31,339.37 in FY23. Product pricing must remain firm for the initial contract year and be competitive with regional institutional and retail benchmarks; subsequent adjustments require 30 days' advance written notice with documented justification. The contractor remits monthly commission payments within 30 days of each calendar month's close with detailed sales reports including product-level data, machine locations, gross sales, and service interruption documentation.

The initial contract term runs August 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, with two optional one-year renewal periods extending through June 30, 2031. Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point scale: Bidder Qualifications and Service Approach (40 points), Proposed Services (40 points), and Financial Proposal (20 points). Award will be made to the best overall combination of price, capability, and service, not the lowest bid. The contractor retains equipment ownership and assumes full responsibility for cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, repairs, and removal upon expiration. Questions are due June 12, 2026, with MCC responses due June 16, 2026. Contract award is anticipated July 1, 2026.