Request for Bids Vending

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (ND DOCR) is soliciting bids for a full-service vending contract covering facilities in Bismarck, Jamestown, and Mandan. The procurement seeks a vendor to provide and manage vending machines across four correctional facilities: North Dakota State Penitentiary, Missouri River Correctional Center, James River Correctional Center, and Youth Correctional Center. The contract will encompass supplying beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and food items through 17 pop machines, 8 snack machines, 2 food machines, and 1 sandwich machine. Bidders must submit comprehensive proposals including detailed bidder information, contract requirements, cost proposals with potential commission structures, an itemized price list, and evidence of relevant vending experience. The evaluation criteria will focus on bid completeness, compliance with agreement requirements, and proposed commission structures. Key submission deadlines include a bid due date of October 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT, with vendor questions accepted until October 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM CT. The initial contract term is two years, from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2027, with options to renew for two additional two-year periods.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The current vending operations generate approximately $65,000 in gross sales annually, which provides potential bidders insight into the contract's financial scope. Successful bidders must meet specific operational requirements, including conducting background checks on personnel, using only plastic bottle containers, and maintaining product freshness. The vendor will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and stocking all vending machines across the specified correctional facilities. While no incumbent vendor is explicitly mentioned, the detailed specifications suggest an established vending infrastructure that requires careful management and integration. Bidders should be prepared to demonstrate comprehensive vending experience, operational capabilities, and a competitive commission structure to be considered for the contract award.