Vending and Micro-Market Concessionaire Services

Sarasota County is seeking a qualified Concessionaire to provide comprehensive vending and micro-market services across multiple county facilities through a Request for Proposals (RFP). The procurement targets the installation and management of vending machines and micro-market services at locations including the County Administration Building and Sarasota County Operations Center, with potential expansion to 19 additional county facilities. Proposers must demonstrate extensive experience in vending operations, hold a Certified Professional Food Manager (CPFM) certification, and possess a Florida Public Food Service License. The county emphasizes a wellness-focused approach, requiring vendors to provide multiple brand options with an emphasis on healthy, low-sugar, low-sodium, and low-calorie food and beverage selections. Evaluation criteria will include written submissions, potential presentations, and a scoring system considering past performance, project approach, and menu selection. The initial contract term is anticipated to be three years, with the RFP released on July 8, 2019, and the original bid end date set for August 21, 2019. Proposers must submit detailed information including project references, menu offerings, pricing lists, and a comprehensive approach to customer service and inventory management.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The incumbent vendor is Compass Group USA, Inc. (operating under the Canteen brand), which previously held a concession agreement covering the Administration Building and Operations Center micro-markets. The existing infrastructure includes designated 16' x 10' spaces for micro-markets, with the county providing electric power, tables, chairs, and microwave ovens. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the current contract model involves the Concessionaire generating revenue through employee sales during the 5-day work week, with no direct compensation from the county. The vending service will support approximately 350 employees at the Administration Building and 300 employees at the Operations Center, with potential for additional locations. The micro-markets will operate during standard working hours of 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will utilize self-checkout kiosk technology for streamlined service.