Informal Request for Proposals (IRFP) 726DVR7522 Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Business Enterprise Program (BEP) – Vending Machine Services, Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer & Wasilla.

Proposals are due no later than 2:00 p.m. April 14, 2026.

PURPOSE: Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Business Enterprise program (BEP) is soliciting proposals for contractors to provide full-service vending machine services in buildings owned, leased, or occupied by state or federal government, or other properties as determined by BEP. Contracts will be awarded in accordance with Randolph-Sheppard Act and Alaska’s Chance Act, ensuring the most beneficial financial return to BEP while providing quality products at fair prices.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE AND MINIMUM REQIUIREMENTS:

To be considered responsive and responsible, offerors must demonstrate that they meet the service requirements described in this solicitation. The proposal must clearly describe how each requirement is met and must include supporting documentation as specified in the Informal Request for Proposals (IRPF).

THE OFFEROR MUST HAVE:

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing vending machine services within the past five (5) years.
• Experience managing full-service vending operations, including stocking, maintenance, and cash handling.
• Ability to provide regular collection, reporting and commission payments based on gross sales.
• Capability to install, maintain, and repair vending machines in multiple locations.
• Ability to provide a stocking and service schedule to ensure machines remain operational and fully stocked.
• Experience providing customer services, including handling complaints and issuing refunds.
• Ability to submit monthly financial reports and maintain records for audit purposes.
• Experience coordinating transition plans for installation and removal of vending equipment.

THE AWARDED CONTRACTOR MUST:

• Provide vending machine services at locations identified in Appendix I (state and/or federal buildings and other approved locations)
• Ensure machines are clean, fully operational, and stocked with fresh, quality products.
• Maintain machines in sanitary condition and ensure proper functioning of all components.
• Accept multiple payment methods including cash and credit cards (with DEX compatibility)
• Provided clear labeling on machines with contractor contract information and BEP identification.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and product variety, including healthy options.
• Ensure timely response to maintenance issues (withing two hours during business hours)

RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

To be considered responsible, the bidder must provide:

• Documentation demonstrating required prior experience (minimum three years)
• A proposed schedule for stocking, collection, and maintenance of machines.
• A transition plan outlining installation and coordination with facility managers.
• Disclosure of any conflicts of interest.
• Identification of any subcontractors and their roles, (if applicable).
• Valid Vendor registration with Vendor Self Service portal (VSS)
• Provide a valid Alaska Business License.

Failure to meet these minimum requirements or to provide required supporting documentation will result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive or the bidder being deemed non-responsible, and the offer will be rejected.

ADA:  The State of Alaska complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, and/or special modifications to submit a proposal should contact the DFCS Procurement Section via; email to dol.procurement@alaska.gov telephone at 1 (907) 465-5990; or TTY/TDD at 711 (Alaska Relay) not later than 10 calendar days prior to the ITB closing date to make necessary arrangements.                                                       

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you receive this solicitation from the State's Online Public Notice website, you must register with the DOLWD Procurement Section to receive subsequent amendments. Registration must be in writing and may be made via email to dol.procurement@alaska.gov.