WMHI Soft Drinks, Water, Sports Drinks

This contract solicits bids for a five-year agreement to supply soft drinks, water, and sports drinks to the Western Mental Health Institute in Bolivar, Tennessee, under Solicitation Number 33912-13797. The contract has an estimated maximum liability of $299,480 over the term and will commence on February 2, 2026, with the possibility of a one-time 180-day extension at the State’s discretion. Deliveries are F.O.B. destination, with inspection and acceptance occurring at the delivery point, and acceptance is deemed automatic if no defects are reported within 30 days. The State will award the contract based solely on the lowest price from technically acceptable offers, with no trade-offs between cost and other factors. Line items specify quantities of various carbonated beverages in 12-ounce plastic bottles, but unit prices are to be provided by bidders during proposal submission. Bidders must comply with a range of state-mandated clauses, including certifications prohibiting participation in the boycott of Israel and investments in Iran under Tennessee law, and must attest annually to not knowingly employing illegal immigrants. Subcontracting requires prior written approval, and the Contractor remains fully liable for all work performed. The State may unilaterally assume any service under the contract with 30 days’ notice, even if subcontracted, and may add new items post-award via a signed Memorandum of Understanding. Contractors must maintain strict confidentiality of state information, which survives contract termination, and are barred from paying compensation to state employees or submitting proposals if they or any controlling entity were state employees within the past six months. Proposals must be submitted through the Tennessee Supplier Portal or by mail to the Central Procurement Office in Nashville, with electronic submissions required via Edison and TNTAP portals. No Unique Entity ID or CAGE code is required, and socioeconomic certifications are not enforced. All submissions must include completed vendor questionnaires, W-9 forms, insurance certificates, and signed attestations regarding legal compliance. Invoices must use contractor letterhead and include a remittance address, with ACH payment available upon form completion. No specific packaging, labeling, or MIL-STD standards are specified, and no formal COR, COTR, or PCO is identified beyond the primary point of contact, Nancy M. Ternes.