University Housing/Residence Life Facilities Laundry Equipment & Serv

The South Dakota Board of Regents, representing Dakota State University, Northern State University, and South Dakota State University, is seeking proposals for a multi-year agreement to procure, operate, and manage free-to-use laundry centers within university housing and residence life facilities. The contract requires a comprehensive laundry service solution that includes the installation of brand new, energy-efficient commercial-grade laundry equipment, a functioning mobile service request application, and promotional activities. Vendors must provide a complete laundry solution that meets the immediate needs of students and staff while offering long-term enhancements to the universities' laundry programs. The Request for Proposal (RFP) encompasses a total of 36 washers and 42 dryers across the three campuses, with requirements for the contractor to deliver and install equipment, provide service technicians, conduct preventative maintenance, and maintain clean facilities. Proposals are due by January 29, 2024, with an anticipated award decision and contract negotiation scheduled for February 9, 2024. Potential bidders may submit inquiries via email to Karen Bravek at Karen.Bravek@sdstate.edu, with all questions and responses to be posted on the state's e-procurement system. The initial contract term is set for five years, with potential expansion to include additional South Dakota universities within the first three years.

The RFP does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Currently, laundry equipment ownership varies across the universities, with some equipment already owned by external companies. The contract allows for potential equipment buyout options and provides flexibility for vendors to submit proposals for the combined volume of all three universities or for individual universities. While specific award values are not disclosed, the RFP indicates that the laundry services must be provided at no cost to students, suggesting that revenue will be generated through machine usage. The state reserves the right to accept or reject any proposals and to award the contract in the best interest of the South Dakota Board of Regents. The incumbent vendors for each university's laundry services are not definitively stated in the documentation, leaving opportunities open for new service providers. The RFP emphasizes the need for a comprehensive solution that includes modern equipment, digital service capabilities, and a commitment to meeting the universities' immediate and long-term laundry service needs.