BC-21533-B Exclusive Beverage and Pouring Rights RFP

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland and an agency of the State of Maryland (herein referred to as the "University" or "UMBC"), is seeking proposals for Campus-Wide Sale of Cold Beverages; consisting of bottled beverages, vending machines, bag-in-a-box product for fountain beverages, and related promotional support services. The contract shall be for a period of ten (10) years with three (3) two-year renewal options exercised at the University’s sole discretion.

The Contractor shall provide all products, equipment, personnel, distribution, maintenance, and related services necessary to support UMBC's beverage and pouring rights program. At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide the following:

• Clean, attractive, new and/or well-maintained vending machines in all currently listed locations, as well as any determined future locations (see Exhibit O for a list).
• Machines to vend a variety of quality nationally recognized, brand name beverages and healthy alternatives.
• Provide an appropriate mix of beverages with the University’s dining services contractor as described below.

The awarded firm is fully responsibility for obtaining and displaying all required licenses and payment of all taxes associated with such operations in compliance with all Federal, State, and local codes, rules, and laws.

The University shall require their Dining Services contractor to purchase all post-mix beverages and approved cups from the awarded Contractor. [...] The University shall require their Dining Services contractor to purchase all bottle and can products from the awarded Contractor. [...]

There are currently 51 Machines in 28 locations. See Exhibit O for details.

The awarded firm is granted exclusive beverage availability and merchandising rights on the UMBC campus, except as noted in 4.3. below. All products sold, dispensed or served on campus will be provided by the awarded Contractor. [...]

The awarded Contractor shall maintain all equipment in first class repair. [...] The awarded Contractor shall provide repair service within twenty-four (24) hours of a reported problem, based on a standard Monday through Friday work week.

The awarded firm will be required to have their program in place and all vending machines operational no later than June 31, 2027.

**Submission:** Please upload technical proposals and any associated documents to the link provided in the *Key Information Sheet & Solicitation Schedule*. Technical and Financial Proposals are due **November 5, 2026, at 2:00PM (EST)** (Not a Public Bid Opening).

**Mandatory** Pre-Proposal Conference (Virtual). Site Visit: N/A.

Questions shall be provided on your company’s letterhead and uploaded using the link provided in the *Key Information Sheet & Solicitation Schedule*.

Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price and Firm-Fixed Revenue/Commission.

Term of Contract: The contract shall be for a period of ten (10) years with three (3) two-year renewal options exercised at the University’s sole discretion.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Subcontracting Goal: **5%**

Oral Presentations: Tentative Oral Discussion Dates scheduled between November 30th and December 4th. These dates are subject to change based on the evaluation process.

This solicitation shall be conducted in accordance with the University System of Maryland (USM) Board Regents Procurement Policies and Procedures. It is anticipated that the University will issue an award in December 2026.