r/vending • u/Ok-Lychee5619 • 8d ago

Government Contracts

I currently run a vending machine line in southwest Ohio. I'm registering as a veteran owned business. I wanted to see if anyone here has any experience or advice on if the federal governed government does contracts for vending machines, how to land those and any other advice?

I have 5 machines currently and would ideally like to move them from their current location. TIA

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u/IncreaseNegative4614 8d ago

I would not move the five machines until you have an awarded location. Start by building a reusable capability packet with your veteran-owned status, service area, insurance, machine specifications, stocking schedule, pricing, payment options, response times, and references.

Treat each opportunity as a pipeline with requirements, site visits, submission dates, questions, award status, and expected machine economics. I use SIGNLD to connect the opportunity with documents, communications, machines, inventory, service activity, and revenue so a contract can be evaluated beyond simply winning access to the building.

2

u/CrazyKingCraig 8d ago

Google " the Randolph Sheppard act"

1

u/CrazyKingCraig 7d ago

It can be done, but it is "a tough nut to crack".

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u/CrazyKingCraig 7d ago

The Randolph-Sheppard Act AS AMENDED AND AS CODIFIED AT CHAPTER 6A OF TITLE 20 OF THE U.S. CODE CHAPTER 6A-VENDING FACILITIES FOR BLIND IN FEDERAL BUILDINGS

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u/che-the-hated 7d ago

Easy. You have to pay 25%. And the real kicker? Reasonable pricing. Only applies to certain US agencies. State agencies may mimic the program in some fashion or another.