VENDING MACHINE CONCESSION SERVICES

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, Division of Procurement, is actively seeking proposals for Vending Machine Concession Services to be provided across multiple key municipal buildings. This competitive contracting opportunity encompasses the comprehensive installation, vigilant operation, and diligent maintenance of vending machines, along with thorough stocking and restocking of products, and efficient handling of refund requests. Specific locations requiring these services include East Orange City Hall (3 machines), the East Orange Police Department (2 machines), the East Orange Municipal Court (2 machines), the East Orange Senior Center (2 machines), and the Main Branch of the East Orange Library (2 machines). A notable requirement mandates that a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of all snack machine products must be healthy, with detailed definitions provided for acceptable healthy snacks and beverages, offering flexibility for the City to modify product requirements as needed. Prospective contractors must submit a robust qualification statement detailing the firm's core activities, personnel count, primary location, and demonstrating explicit suitability for this role. Submissions must include a list of at least three previous clients for similar services, complete with government agency or entity names, contact persons, their positions and phone numbers, service dates, costs, scope, and current status. Key personnel involved in fulfilling the contract obligations must also be identified, along with their credentials and areas of responsibility. Mandatory compliance is required with various New Jersey statutes, including N.J.S.A. 10:5-33 et seq. (Affirmative Action), N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq. (Contract Compliance and Equal Employment Opportunities), N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 (Disclosure of Ownership), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Furthermore, possession of a valid New Jersey Business Registration Certificate is essential for contract award. A highly recommended pre-proposal conference was held on Friday, March 19, 2020, at 1:00 PM in the Municipal Council Chamber to address potential vendor questions and provide clarifications. Sealed RFP responses were required to be submitted to the Purchasing Agent by Friday, April 3, 2020, at 12:00 PM, in the Municipal Council Chamber located at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey 07018. Each submission mandated one (1) original proposal and four (4) copies, with the submittal package clearly marked 'VENDING MACHINE CONCESSION SERVICES' and addressed to the Purchasing Agent. Proposals were to remain firm for a period of sixty (60) days following the submission deadline. While no bid security or bonds were required for submission, the successful contractor will be required to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers' Compensation and General Liability insurance with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per incident and $3,000,000 in the aggregate. Official RFP packets, if not downloaded from the City's website (www.eastorange-nj.gov), were available for a non-refundable cost of $25.00. All inquiries regarding this solicitation should be directed to Lisa L. Jackson, Q.P.A., Purchasing Agent, who can be reached at (973) 266-5162.