Vending Machines for the Department of Public Services

The City of Cincinnati's Department of Public Services is seeking proposals for a comprehensive vending machine services contract to be implemented across seven municipal facilities, including Fleet Services, Director's Office, TROD facilities, NOD, Parking Facilities, and Traffic Aids. The solicitation requires a vendor to provide and operate 11 total vending machines of various types, including 20 oz. soda/juice, 12 oz. soda, combination soda/juice/sports drink, and snack/candy machines. The contract is structured as a zero-cost arrangement where the selected vendor will retain all sales proceeds while being responsible for machine purchase, installation, and maintenance. Key requirements include providing new machines with credit card payment capabilities, ADA accessibility, energy efficiency, and smart vending technologies like tap and phone payment options. Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: 40% experience and expertise, 30% quality assurance and control, and 30% quality/variety of proposed machines and products. The RFP was released on 08/26/2025, with proposals due on 09/09/2025, and the City intends to award a five-year initial contract with potential for up to five additional one-year renewal terms.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified vendors, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned in the documentation. The City requires vendors to complete an Offeror Corporate and Contact Information form (Attachment 1), which includes disclosures about business history, compliance, and potential legal issues. Vendors must provide documentation proving the signatory's authorization based on their legal entity type. The contract emphasizes product diversity, requiring vendors to offer healthy snack and beverage options that accommodate various dietary restrictions. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the zero-cost structure suggests the vendor's revenue will be generated solely through machine sales. The RFP mandates that proposed vending machines must integrate modern payment technologies without requiring access to the city's internet network, indicating a preference for technologically advanced and operationally independent solutions.