State Liquor Warehousing and Distribution Request For Proposal (RFP) Process
In June, Governor Gregoire signed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5942, which directs the Office of Financial Management (OFM) to conduct a competitive process for the selection of a private sector entity to lease and modernize the state’s liquor warehousing and distribution facilities and operations. (The legislation does not include the state’s retail liquor stores and operations.)
Proposal Evaluation Completed and OFM Recommendation Submitted to Washington State Liquor Control Board
OFM has completed evaluation of the two competitive proposals submitted in response to OFM RFP 12-200 for the selection of a private sector entity to lease and modernize the state’s liquor warehousing and distribution facilities and related operations. Evaluation of the written proposals was conducted October 6-12, two oral presentations were held October 19, and a site tour occurred October 21. Final scoring and recommendation of the evaluation committee were then provided to OFM.
Based upon the extensive evaluation process, OFM determined that neither proposal results in net positive financial benefit to the state or local government, or meets the best interest of the state. OFM has consulted with the Liquor Distribution Advisory Committee, representatives of local government from the Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Counties, and with the Washington State Liquor Control Board regarding the recommendation and they have all concurred. OFM has provided formal notification to the Liquor Control Board. Therefore, a contract will not be awarded as a result of OFM RFP 12-200.
The competitive process under OFM RFP 12-200 is now concluded.
- OFM Director Marty Brown’s recommendation decision letter to the Washington State Liquor Control Board
- Evaluation process for OFM RFP 12-200
- OFM RFP 12-200 schedule
Washington Beverage Company proposal
- Section 4 - Qualifications of WBC
- Section 5 - Business Section and Business Questionnaire
- Section 6 – Financial Section
- Download here for combined document
Washington State Beverage Logistics proposal
- Qualifications Section
- Business Section
- Financial Section
- Letter of Submittal for RFP No. 12-200
- Certifications and Assurances
- Contract Exceptions
- Project Management Methodology
- Non-Retail Tied-House Participation Statement
- Verification of Financial Capacity
- Certificate of Corporate Resolutions of SWS America
- Download here for combined document
Proposals Received
The due date and time for proposals in response to OFM RFP 12-200 was noon on September 30, 2011. OFM received responsive proposals from two Offerors: Washington Beverage Company and Washington State Beverage Logistics, LLC. The proposals are being evaluated.
Issue a Request for Proposal
OFM issued Request for Proposals 12-200 on September 2nd for:
- The lease of or other contract for the entire state liquor warehousing and distribution business, including the facilities, operations and associated assets; and
- The exclusive right to warehouse and distribute spirits in the state.
Prior to issuance, OFM submitted the draft RFP to the Legislature’s fiscal committees for review and public comment. The public comment received to the draft RFP and responses provided to those comments are available below under “Public Comments / Responses” under “Comments received on the DRAFT RFP”.
Proposals must demonstrate relevant previous experience and financial capacity, and they must demonstrate a net positive financial benefit to the state and local government over the proposed term of the lease or contract awarded.
Request for Proposal
- 12-200 RFP Addendum 2
Note: *OFM acknowledges that three documents are non-accessible. If you need them in an accessible format, please contact Susan Johnsen at susan.johnsen@ofm.wa.gov, or call: 360-725-3864.
- 12-200 RFP Addendum 1
- 12-200 Addendum 1 Retail vs Exhibit G
- 12-200 Addendum 1 Sales for Exhibit G
- Request for Proposal "Warehousing and Distribution of Liquor" OFM RFP No. 12-200 (including Exhibits A-C)
- Exhibit A: Certifications and Assurances
- Exhibit D: Qualifications Questionnaire PDF | Word
- Exhibit E: Business Questionnaire PDF | Word
- Exhibit F: WSLCB Work Process Flowchart
- Exhibit G: Cost Spreadsheet (Revised)
- Exhibit H: Administrative Mandatories Checklist
Download here for the full RFP (including Exhibits A-H) document.
Comments received on the DRAFT RFP*
- 12-200 RFP Public Comments and Responses
- Comments received by OFM
- Comments received by the Senate
- Comments received by the House of Representatives will be posted soon
*Comments are posted as they were received. There may be portions that are not accessible to persons using assistive technology.
Preparation Schedule
June 15 |
Gov. Gregoire signed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5942 |
June 15 - Aug. 8 |
RFP drafting |
Aug. 8 - 25 |
Legislative and public review |
Sept. 2 |
Issue RFP |
Sept. 2 - 22 |
Question and answer period |
Sept. 30 |
RFP proposals due to OFM |
Oct. 3 - Oct. 28 |
Evaluation period |
Nov. 2 |
Announce recommended vendor |
Nov. 3 - 9 |
Protest period |
60 days |
Liquor Control Board has 60 days from the date of the recommendation to accept or reject |
Appoint a Liquor Distribution Advisory Committee
As required by the legislation, OFM Director Marty Brown appointed a Liquor Distribution Advisory Committee to advise in this process. The committee includes:
- State Treasurer Jim McIntire
- Sen. Scott White
- Sen. Joe Zarelli
- Rep. Ross Hunter
- Rep. Cary Condotta
After consulting with the advisory committee, OFM will recommend to the Washington State Liquor Control Board which proposal best meets the RFP criteria and is in the best interest of the state. If none meets the best interest of the state, OFM must notify the Board to not accept any of the proposals.
Find committee meeting information and comments from the advisory committee on the RFP Draft.
Related documents
- 12-200 Preproposal Agenda
- Find RFP related resources
- 08/08/2011 - Letter from Marty Brown to Senators Murray and Zarelli, and Representatives Hunter and Alexander
- 07/15/2011 - Letter from Marty Brown to Liquor Distribution Advisory Committee
- Proposed RFP process
- Proposed RFP preparation schedule
Contact
If you have questions regarding the RFP process, contact Susan Johnsen by email or call 360-725-3864.
