The Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education on July 14 approved multiple awards for RFP 2025-019-FIN to provide food and beverage vending-machine services at district locations, awarding City Vending 2 LLC, Free & Healthy Vending, and KRL Enterprises Incorporated.

Procurement background: Michael Madrid, the district's director of purchasing and chief procurement officer, told the board that many existing vending machines and contracts predated current procurement oversight and that the RFP was intended to ensure equitable access for vendors, consistent service, and regulatory compliance. "The RFP will address the requirements of the vendors to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and provide quality service," Madrid said.

Scope and requirements: The RFP requires vendors to install and maintain vending machines at designated district locations, stock products compliant with USDA Smart Snacks and applicable state public-health orders, accept digital and card payments (credit, debit and mobile), restock and address malfunctions within a 24-hour response period, and allow principals and directors to select vendors appropriate for their sites. The district received three proposals and the review committee recommended awarding all three to preserve options for individual school needs.

Board emphasis and conditions: Board members stressed adherence to nutrition standards. "I just want to emphasize you still have to adhere to the nutritional standards that are set down by the state," Dr. Cleveland said, urging vendors not to stock soda or other noncompliant items.

Action: The board voted to award the contracts to the three firms; staff will finalize contract details and ensure compliance with nutrition and payment requirements before deployment.

Ending: The awards aim to standardize vending services, ensure healthy options and generate modest revenue for the district while allowing site-level discretion on vendor placement.