Micro Vending Market Systems

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Education and Workforce Development Cabinet issued a Request for Bid (RFB 758 2200000660) on May 4, 2022, for the procurement of four complete Micro Vending Market Systems to support the Kentucky Business Enterprise program, which provides employment opportunities for blind vendors. The solicitation encompasses turnkey systems for four locations: Gateway Center's first floor in Covington, the Mazzoli Building in Louisville, Gateway Center's fourth floor in Covington, and Louisville City Hall Annex. Each system includes self-service kiosks with point-of-sale software, security cameras with DVR, refrigeration units (freezers and coolers), commercial microwaves with Braille numbering, shelving with custom signage, and checkout displays, all specifically designed to accommodate blind vendors with features including biometric fingerprint readers, app-based customer access, multiple payment options, and live inventory and sales data access. Bidders must submit responses electronically through the Kentucky eProcurement system by May 18, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. ET, with written questions due by May 11, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. ET. All bids must include pricing for all four line items on an F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed basis and specify a delivery timeframe in working days. The contract will be awarded on a best value basis with evaluation criteria weighted at 90 points for price and 10 points for delivery time, with all proposed pricing remaining valid for a minimum of 60 calendar days after the bid due date.

Reciprocal preference applies to Kentucky resident bidders under KRS 45A.494(2), with qualified bidders including Kentucky Correctional Industries and Kentucky Industries for the Blind eligible for preference awards of 20 percent or 15 percent of maximum points, respectively. All bidders must comply with Kentucky's Annual Affidavit requirements, including attestation to campaign finance law compliance, sales and use tax registration, state tax obligations, and conflict-of-interest restrictions. Bidders claiming resident status must demonstrate authorization to transact business in Kentucky, Kentucky corporate income tax filings, unemployment insurance fund payments, and active workers' compensation policies maintained for one year prior to contract advertisement. Successful bidders must submit a Kentucky Tax Registration Application (Revenue Form 10A100) and, if applicable, a Certificate of Authority from the Secretary of State prior to award. A one percent per day deduction from invoices applies for each day delivery is not met within the contracted due date. The RFB does not specify total contract values or unit costs, requiring bidders to submit best pricing proposals; no incumbent vendor information or set-aside budget ranges are disclosed in the available solicitation documents.