Vending Machine Services

Deming Public Schools in Luna County, New Mexico, is seeking a comprehensive vending machine services contract through RFP #22-16 for its district-wide operations. The procurement targets a full-service vending contractor to provide beverage and snack vending machines across seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools serving approximately 5,200 students. Vendors must strictly adhere to USDA Smart Snacks nutritional guidelines and National Student Lunch Program standards, with specific restrictions on calories, fat, sodium, and sugar content for vending machine items. The contract will be for one calendar year with options to renew for three additional one-year periods. Proposal evaluation will be based on a 100-point scoring system, with points allocated across several categories: qualifications and capability (20 points), experience and background (20 points), product selection and equipment (20 points), response quality (5 points), and cost proposal (35 points). The cost evaluation will primarily focus on the percentage commission fee paid to the school/department hosting vending machines. Proposals were due on August 7, 2022, at 3:00 PM MST, with an anticipated contract award on August 24, 2022.

The procurement includes significant preference provisions for New Mexico-based businesses, offering an 8% preference for in-state or Native American resident businesses and a 10% preference for resident veterans or Native American resident veterans. To qualify for these preferences, bidders must possess a valid resident business certification from the New Mexico State Department of Taxation and Revenue, which can potentially reduce the evaluated bid amount by 5-10%. Vendors must provide detailed product listings, including package sizes, prices, and nutritional information, and specifically indicate which items qualify as Smart Snacks. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract requires vendors to supply and maintain vending equipment across multiple school sites. The procurement does not explicitly state a total contract value or budget range, instead focusing on the commission structure as the primary financial consideration. Interested vendors are advised to contact the New Mexico State Department of Taxation and Revenue at 505-827-0951 to verify or obtain their resident business certification, which could provide a competitive advantage in the bidding process.