Delaware State University is seeking proposals for beverage pouring rights and sponsorship. The contract will be for three years with two one-year renewal options. Vendors must provide a full line of beverages, including healthy options, and install state-of-the-art vending machines and fountain systems at no cost to the university. The vendor will also provide annual financial contributions for scholarships, athletics, student leadership, and university support, totaling $465,000 over five years. In-kind support for sampling, presidential office use, and athletic programs is also required. Marketing and branding opportunities will be provided to the vendor. The vendor must adhere to strict cyber security standards, including data breach notification and mitigation, and maintain cyber liability insurance. Proposals must be submitted electronically by 3:00 PM on July 15, 2026. The university reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
Bid packets must be received by 3:00 PM on July 15, 2026. The bidder bears the risk of late delivery, nondelivery, or spam box delivery.
The university will pay monthly, within thirty (30) days of receipt of the vendor's billing. Final settlement will be made within thirty (30) days from the date of final written university acceptance of the work and services.
The successful vendors shall be required to extend any policy guarantee usually offered to the general public, federal, state, county, or municipal governments, on material in this contract against defective material, workmanship, and performance.
The university shall award this contract to the most responsible and responsive vendor who best meets the terms and conditions of the proposal. Evaluation criteria include service plan, financial proposal (cost and support), and proposer information, personnel, and references.
Proposals must be submitted from qualified vendors demonstrating the capability to provide the quality of products and/or services required to meet the needs and objectives of the university.
The university may terminate the contract for cause if the vendor fails to fulfill its obligations or violates any covenants. The vendor may be responsible for excess costs incurred by the university in purchasing equivalent products on the open market.
There will be no mandatory prebid meeting.
Samples or brochures may be required by the university for evaluation purposes.
Protests based on any omission or error, or on the content of the solicitation, will be disallowed if these faults have not been brought to the attention of the designated contact, in writing, no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the time set for opening of the proposals.
The total estimated value to DSU for direct financial support over five years is $465,****.
