Questions from vendors and answers

Commissary Questions & Requests

 

  1. Is there an opportunity for our representatives to complete a site walk-through? Yes
  2. Is the Tuscaloosa County Jail able to provide the current commissary menu with pricing? Yes
  3. Page 8, item CII-1, of the RFP states: “Commission percentage must be placed on the included bid sheet.” A bid sheet was not with the RFP. May we submit our commission offer in our format? Yes
  4. Will the  Tuscaloosa County Jail please provide the Average Daily Population (ADP) for each of the past twelve months (Nov. 1, 2024 through Oct. 31, 2025)? 622
  5. Please provide commissary sales for the past 12 months (Nov. 1, 2024 through Oct. 31, 2025). Answered in another question
  6. Will the Tuscaloosa County Jail provide the quantity of individual commissary orders delivered in the months of July, August, September, and October 2025? Not available
  7. What is the current commission rate? Does the Tuscaloosa County Jail receive the same commission rate on all item categories (e.g. commissary, package program, etc.), excluding postage? Answered in another question
  8. Does the current vendor offer snack packs for sale at Tuscaloosa County Jail? NO

     If Yes:

    1. What were the snack pack sales for the past 12 months (Nov. 1, 2024 through Oct. 31, 2025)?
    2. How many snack packs are allowed to be purchased weekly?
    3. What commission is paid on snack pack sales?
    4. Can you please provide selling price for the current snack packs?
    5. Can you please provide a list of contents for the current snack packs?
  2. What is the current method of ordering for commissary and/or snack packs (if sold) (e.g. forms, kiosks, tablets, phones, etc.)? Tablets, Phones
  3. Is order fulfillment currently managed at an off-site operation or is it managed internally at the Tuscaloosa County Jail? Not sure what you mean by “order fulfillment.” No stock is held at our jail. The inventory is shipped to us each week packaged per order.
  4. If offsite, how are orders shipped to the facility (freight or vendor-owned truck)? Vendor Truck
  5. How are orders delivered to the resident population (facility or vendor personnel)? Vendor and facility personnel
  6. If vendor personnel are used, will an escort officer be required/provided? Yes
  7. How many vendor staff members are working at Tuscaloosa County Jail? Please designate between full time and part time. No vendor personnel work here. They send two or three people each delivery day
  8. What, if any, is the commissary spending limit per inmate per order? $250
  9. Should the proposed menu pricing include taxes? See RFP
  10. Does the Tuscaloosa County Jail currently participate in a friends and family package program? Kimbles has a holiday package program during Christmas.  If yes,
  1. Who is the package program provider? Kimbles
  2. What is the current commission rate? Same as the regular commission rate
  3. What is the spending limit on the package program?
  4. What are the current gross sales of the package program for the past 12 months (Nov. 1, 2024 through Oct. 31, 2025)? Not available
  5. How many orders are placed on average, via the package program, by week/month or year? Not available
  1. Regarding the Tuscaloosa County Jail’s JMS system:
  1. What is the name of the JMS company or program? Jail Guardian, soon to be changing toProPhoenix Corrections Management System™ (CMS)
  2. What is the name of the JMS contact person for the Tuscaloosa County Jail? James Tullidge, IT Director for Tuscaloosa County
  3. What is the phone number of the JMS contact person? 205-349-3870
  4. What is the email address of the JMS contact person? jtullidge@tuscco.com
  1. Who is the current food service provider for the Tuscaloosa County Jail? Summit
  2. Can you explain the Tuscaloosa County Jail’s practice for handling confidential vendor documents? Whatever is subject to FOIA can be released.
  3. Will the criteria provided in the RFP be equally weighed in the judgment process or can the specific award criteria be provided? See the RFP for judgement criteria

 

Technology/Equipment Questions & Requests

 

  1. Will the awarded vendor be responsible for the wiring and installation of kiosks? Yes
  2. How many kiosks are there currently at Tuscaloosa County Jail? How many kiosks are desired/needed? There are two in the lobby and one in booking
  3. Does Tuscaloosa County Jail currently have a vending operation in place? If so, how many machines? NO

 

 

  1. Does the Tuscaloosa County Jail currently use any type of deposit services or Inmate Trust Fund system?
  1. If yes, what is the name of the Trust Fund company/provider? TurnKey
  2. If yes, can you break down the fee structure increments (e.g. $0.01-$19.99, …, $200.00+) for credit card web deposits, credit card phone deposits, credit card lobby kiosk deposits, and cash deposits?

Web Deposits of $29.00 or less is a flat fee of $3.25 / $30.00 or more; the transaction fee is 11% of the deposit. Lobby Cash Deposits has a flat fee of $3.00 . Credit Card Deposits have a flat fee of $3.25 for deposits amount of $32.00 or less; $33.00 or more is a 10% fee of the deposit amount

  1. Please provide the average receipt amount for deposits made on the Internet. Not available
  2. Please provide the average receipt amount for deposits made over the phone. Not available
  3. Please provide the average receipt amount for deposits made via the kiosk system. Not available
  1. Does the Tuscaloosa County Jail receive a commission on trust fund deposits? If so, what is the commission amount? Answered in another question
  2. Does the Tuscaloosa County Jail use any other programs that permit inmates to purchase food items outside of the commissary? Internal Canteen
  1. If so, what is sold and what are the current sales for July, August, September, and October 2025? This is an internal service provided by the jail for comfort foods three times a week.
  2. If so, what is the commission rate on these items? NA
  1. Does the Tuscaloosa County Jail have an inmate release program? It is unclear what an “inmate release program” is.
  1. If so, who administers (vendor or company) the inmate release program?
  2. If so, please provide the fee schedule for the inmate release program.
  3. On average, how many inmates are released by the Tuscaloosa County Jail each month? 900-1000
  4. Does the county intend to issue a debit card to all inmates being released or is there a dollar threshold that must be met for a debit card to be issued? We issue a debit card with the inmate’s money upon release with no threshold.

 

 

Operational Questions & Requests

 

  1. How many housing unit kiosks or tablets are needed? We have kiosks and tablets through our phone provider.
  2. How many floors, or tiers, or pods will receive commissary deliveries? Two Pods that includes 8 dorms each, 6 dorms in Annex, Medical holding cell, and 6 holding cells.
  3. What is the approximate distance between the storage/work area and the farthest point of delivery (distance can be explained in measure or time)? There is no storage here
  4. How many on-site personnel will be required to operate the commissary? At least two Kimbles personnel. Possibly three
  5. Please provide the responsibilities and schedules of the current staff. Nor sure whose staff you are referring to. Kimbles staff hands out packages when the truck arrives on Monday mornings
  6. How is the current staff compensated? Kimbles pays their people we pay ours.
  7. Will commissary staff be responsible for managing deposits? Kimbles manages Kiosks only
  8. What annual training, if any, is required for existing employees? How long is the training? We train for jail duties, we only assist with commissary duties
  9. Do orders need to pass through a metal detector or x-ray detector? Yes
  10. Is there an adequate desk or office space available for commissary staff use? If so, what is the size of the available space? No
  11. Is there space for employee parking? If so, is there a fee associated with parking? Yes on parking, no on parking fee
  12. How often will commissary be delivered to the Tuscaloosa County Jail? Once a week
  13. Are there any constraints (e.g. days of the week or hours of the day) for commissary delivery? We do Mondays, first thing in the morning. Fresh Market is usually filled on Wednesday.
  14. Are carts used to move or deliver commissary orders? Will any equipment be necessary for the vendor to provide? We have carts.
  15. Is there a loading dock for commissary delivery? Normally the commissary comes through the front door, not the loading dock at the kitchen.
  16. If there is a loading dock, can it accommodate at 53’ trailer? Not for commissary
  17. May the Keefe delivery truck remain parked at the loading dock during delivery? No, at truck that large would block our single access parking lot.
  18. Will any special equipment (e.g. lift gate, diver assistance) be required at the time of delivery? Loading ramp on truck
  19. Are there any non-standard or narrow doorways, elevators, or passages? If so, please explain. No
  20. Is the facility considering a vending operation? If so, how many machines are needed and in which location(s)? What is the fill-frequency of the machines? NO
  21. Is there space for the storage of vending machine products? If so, what is the square footage of the storage space? NO

1. Could you please provide any evaluation criteria or scoring matrices that will be

used in the selection process?

Basis of Award

The County will review all responses to ensure compliance with the specifications.  Vendor may be excluded from further consideration for failure to comply with the specifications of the RFP.

The Sheriff expressly reserves the right, in its sole judgment, to accept or reject any or all proposals, with or without cause, modify, alter, waive any technicalities or provisions, or to accept the proposal which, in its sole judgment, is determined to be the best evaluated offer, taking into consideration the relative importance of commissions offered and other evaluation factors set forth in the RFP.  Therefore, in selecting a vendor, the Sheriff will not rely exclusively on commission offering in awarding a contract.

The contents of this solicitation and the Vendor’s response, when submitted to and accepted by the County, shall become an integral part of any contract agreed upon between the Vendor and the County.

To ensure specified performance of the proposed system, the County reserves the right to require a Vendor(s) to demonstrate the system and any features specified in this RFP.

The Proposal will be evaluated with regards to the following criteria factors:

•              Demonstrated ability to meet the technical requirements, based upon the RFP responses and information provided by similar facilities in which the vendor has their system installed.

•              Vendor experience, technology offering, account support team, maintenance, and current customer references.

•              Financial proposal and Commission Rate Offered

•              Proposed project plan, scheduling, and implementation with minimal interruption of service.

•              Overall benefit to the County and the Tuscaloosa County Jail Facility.

If two or more bids received are for the same commission structures and amounts, quality, experience, product offering, and service being equal, the preference shall be given to a local bidder.

 

2. What fees, if any, currently exist for kiosk and/or web deposits? If these fees exist,

what portion, if any, is shared with the County?

Web Deposits of $29.00 or less is a flat fee of $3.25 / $30.00 or more; the transaction fee is 11% of the deposit. Lobby Cash Deposits has a flat fee of $3.00 . Credit Card Deposits have a flat fee of $3.25 for deposits amount of $32.00 or less; $33.00 or more is a 10% fee of the deposit amount.   What portion, if any, is shared with the County? This fee goes to the vendor used to process the payment.

3. Would the County like to see any shared fees included in the proposed prices or

included as a separate line item? Separate

4. Could you please provide a current menu with prices and description of items

currently available. See below

5. Could you please provide total sales, by month, for the previous year?

 

April 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024

Commissary Orders $43,694.97

Sales $88,837.49

Non-Commission Items ($322.74)

Commission ($45,142.52) @ 51%

Sales Tax $8,495.13

Transaction Fees $7,852.00

May 1, 2024 - June 1, 2024

Commissary Orders $36,153.81

Sales $73,606.33

Non-Commission Items ($170.00)

Commission ($37,452.52) @ 51%

Sales Tax $7,128.38

Transaction Fees $7,631.00

Total $7,631.00

Voided Onsite Sales Fee Refund -$46.00

June 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024

Commissary Orders $40,790.30

Sales $83,048.12

Non-Commission Items ($189.64)

Commission ($42,257.82) @ 51%

Sales Tax $7,974.32

Transaction Fees $6,996.50

Total $6,996.50

Voided Onsite Sales Fee Refund -$46.00

July 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024

Commissary Orders $40,496.93

Sales $82,477.27

Non-Commission Items ($162.87)

Commission ($41,980.34) @ 51%

Sales Tax $7,962.12

Transaction Fees $7,160.00

August 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024

Commissary Orders $41,785.47

Sales $85,077.12

Non-Commission Items ($191.53)

Commission ($43,291.65) @ 51%

Sales Tax $8,182.06

Transaction Fees $7,440.00

September 1, 2024 - October 1, 2024

Commissary Orders $38,487.16

Sales $78,355.48

Non-Commission Items ($182.29)

Commission ($39,868.32) @ 51%

Sales Tax $7,514.62

Transaction Fees $6,729.50

November 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024

Commissary Orders $33,545.49

Sales $68,385.40

Non-Commission Items ($71.84)

Commission ($34,839.91) @ 51%

Sales Tax $6,639.02

Transaction Fees $9,829.50

December 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025

Sales Tax $6,565.99

Transaction Fees $8,453.50

Total $8,453.50

Commissary Orders $34,171.27

Sales $69,646.90

Non-Commission Items ($86.84)

Commission ($35,475.63) @ 51%

6. Could you please identify the top 1O items sold based on annual consumption?                                                                          

  • Hot & Spicy Beef Cup Noodle
  • Hot & Spice Shrimp Cup Noodle
  • Ind. SD Strawberry Lemonade
  • LSS Jalapeno Poppers curls
  • Surprise of the Week
  • Cup Noodle Chicken
  • Cup Noodles Beef
  • 4oz Honey Bun
  • 20 oz Mtn Dew
  • Jalapeno Cheeto LSS

7. Publicly-available information indicates that the current commission rate is 52.5%.

Is this commission rate correct? If not, what is the current commission rate?

Commissions Paid to Customer.

Kimbles shall pay a commission of: (i) 52.5% to Customer on the gross sales of all products purchased by inmates of the Facility and all products purchased through the Care Pack Services Program less applicable taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no commission shall be paid on the sale of U.S. Postal items or kits purchased by the Customer for indigent inmates

8. How is the current commission rate calculated? Gross Sales or Net after cost of

goods?

See above answer

 

 

Menu                                                      

83235 Pillow $17.00 92510 Sugar Free Hard Candy $3.33 55046 Ladies Briefs Size 15 $4.70

62694 4 oz. Hand & Body Lotion

(HL3343)

$1.36 93181 Classic Birthday Cake Mini's $3.48 63915 Ladies Briefs Size 16 $4.70

54386 4 oz. Tearless Shampoo $2.69 93184 Party Mix Chips $1.88 70707 Ladies Briefs Size 5 $3.94

75570 6 oz. Lubriderm Lotion $11.02 94797 Christmas Standard Pack $30.00 55049 Ladies Briefs Size 6 $3.94

62563 Ambi Cocoa Butter Soap $5.96 54335 20 oz. Coke $2.52 71350 Ladies Briefs Size 7 $3.94

74156 Ambi Complexion Bar $5.96 54338 20 oz. Diet Coke $2.52 72083 Ladies Briefs Size 8 $3.94

54456 Bar Soap 3oz. $1.36 54340 20 oz. Diet Mtn. Dew $2.52 55054 Ladies Sports Bra Size 34 $10.14

60540 Blistex Lip Therapy $4.84 54357 20 oz. Mtn. Dew $2.52 70415 Ladies Sports Bra Size 36 $10.14

74088 Chap Ice Stick $2.68 54359 20 oz. Pepsi $2.52 66559 Ladies Sports Bra Size 40 $12.26

64840 Closeup Toothpaste $6.08 54369 20 oz. Sprite $2.52 70413 Ladies Sports Bra Size 42 $12.26

75383 Dandruff Rinse Shampoo $4.46 54371 20 oz. Strawberry Soda $2.17 73513 Men's Brief Large $5.43

54701 Dial Roll On Deodorant $3.07 87407 20 oz. Orange Soda $2.17 74097 Men's Brief Medium $5.43

54720 Dove Soap $4.22 89002 20 oz. Dr. Pepper $2.52 55137 Men's Brief Small $5.43

54841 4 oz. Conditioner $2.17 54361 20 oz. Powerade Fruit Punch $2.59 55138 Men's Brief XL $5.43

55166 Mouthwash 2oz - MR02 $1.41 54320 16 oz. Water $1.64 55139 Men's Brief XXL $5.43

65216 Palm Brush Plastic $1.97 54319 16 oz. V8 Splash $4.11 75090 No Show socks $2.89

64553 Palmolive Deod. Soap $2.59 54564 Butterfinger $2.25 55601 Thermal Pant 4XL $17.57

55297 Plastic Soap Dish $1.71 54607 Chick O Stick $1.00 55602 Thermal Pant 5XL $17.57

55299 Pocket Comb - 5" $0.95 66905 Double Dipped Peanuts $5.29 66299 Thermal Pant 6XL $17.57

55375 RTP15 1.5 oz. Toothpaste $2.14 54798 Goetze Caramel Cremes $2.17 55607 Thermal Pant XLarge $9.44

55399 Shampoo and Body Bath 4oz $2.17 55111 M&M Peanut Non UPC $2.25 73506 Thermal Shirt 2XL $13.23

55402 4 oz. Shampoo, Shave Gel, Body

Wash

$2.17 55114 M&M Plain Non UPC $2.25 73507 Thermal Shirt 3XL $13.23

75451 Body Wash Ocean Breeze $7.66 66907 Peanut Clusters $5.07 73508 Thermal Shirt 4XL $17.57

64575 Sulfur 8 Medicated Conditioner $8.66 73548 Butterscotch Buttons $2.42 75628 Thermal Shirt 6XL $17.57

73516 Sure Deod. $6.17 66262 Fast Break $2.25 55614 Thermal Shirt Med. $9.44

55588 Tampax - Super (20 ct. pack) $8.08 65221 Jolly Ranchers $2.86 55616 Thermal Shirt XLarge $9.44

55618 Thumb Safety Toothbrush $0.80 66273 Kit Kat Big Kat $2.25 75554 White T-Shirt Med. $5.30

55638 Toothpaste .85 oz. (RTP085) $1.06 75049 Skittles Non UPC $2.25 74129 White T-Shirt XXL $6.57

55663 Ultra Brite w/Advanced Whitening $5.41 70088 Snickers Non UPC $2.25 73377 White T-Shirt XXXL $6.57

66891 VO5 Conditioner $4.36 75226 Sour Fruit Balls $2.42 75339 Boxer Underwear MED $5.30

75196 V05 Shampoo $4.36 75048 Atomic Fire Balls $2.71 73376 Ladies Briefs Size 9 $3.94

75098 3 oz. Head & Shoulders Dandruff

Shampoo

$3.76 73550 Lemon Heads $2.71 66557 Ladies Sports Bra Size 38 $10.14

75448 Brush No Handle $4.22 81142 Pay Day Candy Bar $2.25 73504 Thermal Pant Large $9.44

65348 Irish Spring $2.70 83193 Albanese Gummi Bears $3.40 66549 Thermal Pant Small $9.44

65350 Ivory Soap $2.22 87934 Starlight Peppermints $2.86 73510 Thermal Shirt Small $9.44

63685 Lady Speed Stick $5.47 73490 Ole School Corn Flake Chewy $2.18 66227 White T-Shirt Large $5.30

54758 Staydent Adhesive Cream $5.61 87982 Hershey Bars $2.25 73502 Thermal Pant 2XL $9.86

71633 4oz Cocoa Butter Lotion $2.11 89032 Reeses Peanut Butter Cup $2.25 75338 Boxer Briefs MED $5.54

75495 4oz Baby Powder $1.93 89044 Whatchamacallit $2.21 73371 Boxer Underwear 2XL $6.57

55373 Roll-On Antipersp. Clear 1.5 $3.07 89064 Nerd Clusters $3.60 75340 Boxer Underwear LG $5.30

81063 Colgate Toothpaste $5.81 90347 Albanese Sour Gummy Bears $3.40 71851 Boxer Underwear XL $5.30

54299 .6 oz. Toothpaste (RTP 06) $0.99 90345 Hershey Cookies & Cream

Candy Bar

$2.01 73366 Crew Socks $2.90

70044 Ear Plugs $1.46 54586 Candy Pack $47.15 73503 Thermal Pant 3XL $13.23

70747 No Shank Toothbrush Gen. Pop. $1.95 54623 Chocolate Pack $44.85 73505 Thermal Pant Med. $9.44

92574 Dial Soap $3.00 81201 Fiesta Pack $37.22 75490 Thermal Shirt 5XL $17.57

54612 Chili w/Beans Pouch $4.77 72614 Healthy Pack $33.35 73509 Thermal Shirt Large $9.44

65228 Loaded Baked Mashed Potatoes $4.28 63818 Hygiene Pack $53.04 72012 White T-Shirt Small $5.30

55707 Hot Chili Pouch $4.77 72633 Large Snack Pack $55.20 71892 White T-Shirt XL $5.30

70527 Beef Stew Pouch $5.35 55758 Writing Supplies Pack $51.21 61841 Boxer Underwear 10XL $13.45

70696 Flour Tortilla Shells $2.89 94798 Holiday Pack $57.00 54542 Boxer Underwear 7XL $13.45

65222 Refried Beans $2.64 60704 Frosted Flakes $1.78 54543 Boxer Underwear 8XL $13.45

76054 Instant Spanish Rice $2.32 81062 Coco Moos Cereal $1.78 65459 Boxer Underwear 9XL $13.45

66418 Instant Chili $3.18 81061 Raisin Bran Cereal $1.78 55053 Ladies Sports Bra Size 32 $10.32

88998 Velveeta Cheese Pouch (Single) $3.00 86658 Cinnamon Toast Crunch $1.78 55059 Ladies Sports Bra Size 44 $14.20

81811 Cup Noodle Chicken $1.57 86659 Tootie Fruities $1.78 55060 Ladies Sports Bra Size 46 $14.20

54684 Cup Noodles Beef $1.57 73512 Caramel Crunch 'n Munch $4.59 55134 Men's Brief 3XL $6.27

90350 Hot & Spicy Beef Cup Noodle $1.57 74217 Chex Mix Bold & Zesty $1.83 74173 White T-Shirt 4XL $7.96

90351 Hot & Spicy Shrimp Cup Noodle $1.57 54624 Chocolate Pudding Cup (ind.) $1.58 55726 White T-Shirt 5XL $10.80

92354 Velveeta Jalapeno Cheese Single

Pouch

$3.00 64635 Frito Lays Baked BBQ Chips $1.49 72149 White T-Shirt 6XL $12.15

92509 Fast Mac n Cheese $1.60 54809 Granola Bar $2.34 86866 (5 ct. ) Decaf. Tasters Choice

Packets

$4.86

54462 Beef & Cheddar Cheese Stick $1.94 54857 Honey Mustard w/Onion Pieces $2.13 61100 (5 ct. ) Tasters Choice Hazelnut $4.86

75102 3oz Beef Summer Sausage $3.71 74161 Ind. Oatmeal Packet $0.75 54297 (5 ct.) Tasters Choice House $4.86

63974 Tuna Pouch $5.38 71965 Jalapeno Cheeto - LSS $1.91 54475 Big Bag Classic Instant Coffee $6.26

63827 Chicken of Sea Mackerel $3.80 55023 Kars Original Trail Mix $1.72 54761 Folger's Coffee $15.42

54774 Fresh Catch Sardine in Hot Sauce $3.36 61040 Kars Sweet & Spicy 1.75 oz. $1.89 55170 Premium Roast Coffee $4.60

55002 Jack Link Teryaki Jerky $4.70 72025 LSS Frito Chili Cheese $1.91 55593 Taster's Choice House Single $1.00

61173 Sweet Sue Chicken Pouch $7.26 55073 Lays Plain - LSS $1.91 74112 Tasters Choice Decaf Ind. $1.00

66815 Hot & Spicy Sausage 5 oz. $4.94 70606 Nacho Bugles $1.83 61035 Tasters Choice Hazelnut $1.00

66809 Double Salami Sticks $1.94 70644 Nature Valley Sweet & Salty

Peanut Bar

$1.96 54907 Ind. Cream Packets (20ct.) $2.21

63204 Pepperoni Sticks $6.83 60701 Nutri Grain Bar $1.75 54911 Ind. Jelly Pack $1.41

81064 Vienna Bites $4.80 71337 Peanut Bar $1.64 54915 Ind. Peanut Butter Pack $1.41

89041 5oz Beef Summer Sausage $4.60 55367 Rice Krispie Treat $2.34 75065 Jalapeno Cheese Squeeze

Bottle

$6.55

54878 Hydrocortisone Cream $0.74 63078 Snack Crackers (large bx) $6.08 73393 Jalapeno Cheese Squeeze

Pouches

$1.27

55649 Triple Anti-Biotic Ointment $1.92 55455 Snyder's 1.5 oz. Mini Pretzels $1.32 55008 Jalapeno Slices $1.66

54390 4oz Honey Bun $1.77 55456 Snyders Hot Buffalo Pieces LSS $2.13 55280 Pepper Packets (20 ct.) $0.65

61314 Banana Moon Pie $1.77 55457 Snyders Jalapeno Pieces - LSS $2.13 55383 Salt Packets (20 ct.) $0.65

54619 Chocolate Cup Cake $2.36 74192 Strawberry Poptart $2.15 55030 ketchup (10ct.) $2.18

54627 Cinnamon Bun $2.27 74300 Toastchee Cracker $1.23 55131 mayo (10 ct) $2.83

75079 Ind. Oatmeal Creme Pie dbl

Decker

$1.84 55695 Voodoo Chips LSS $1.88 61845 Mustard (10ct) $2.18

55307 Powdered Gem Donuts $2.34 73446 Baby Back Ribs Potato Chips -

LSS

$1.88 72023 Cheddar Cheese Dip 8 oz $4.42

71968 Fudge Brownie $1.40 71161 Cream Cheese & Chives $1.23 71723 The Pink One (10ct.) $0.95

74337 Nutty Buddy Bar $1.87 65225 Grocery Size Hot Corn Chips $4.72 75446 Hot sauce (10 ct.) $2.48

86439 Blueberry Moon Pies $1.77 73541 Kosher Zesty Garlic Pickle $2.32 81143 Ind. Sugar Packs (10ct.) $1.02

87409 4oz Iced Honey Bun $1.93 73455 Sweet Heat 1.5oz LSS $1.88 89052 Garlic Seasoning Packet $0.30

89497 Lemon Donut $2.20 74018 Fudge Toaster Pastry $2.15 73387 Ranch Dressing Individual $1.10

89470 Otis Spunkmeyer Brownie $3.00 73440 Cheddar/Jalapeno Mossy Oak

1.5oz LSS

$1.88 62819 Tostitos Salsa - 3.8 oz. cup $2.42

89498 Strawberry Donut $2.20 71357 Kar Sriracha Peanuts - 3.5 oz. $2.39 90344 Honey Packet $0.53

89496 Chocolate Glazed Donut $2.20 74226 XVL Late Night Taco Dorito $3.17 74067 Chocolate Chip Cookies 5oz $1.99

92487 Donut Stick $1.25 74221 XVL Ruffles Cheddar Sour

Cream

$3.17 66606 Chocolate Cream Cookies 13

oz.

$3.86

92488 Salted Caramel Moon Pie $1.77 73538 Hot Dill Pickle $2.07 72013 Classic Cookie Peanut Butter $2.87

55304 Postage Stamp Individual $0.78 74204 All Dressed Mossy Oak 1.5oz

LSS

$1.88 54726 Duplex Cream Cookie 5 oz. $1.99

55496 Stamped Envelope $1.01 72563 Combos Pretzel $2.17 54727 Duplex Sandwich Cremes (13

oz.)

$3.86

55498 Stamped Postcard $0.68 75386 Grocery Size Corn Chip BBQ $4.72 60328 Grandma Big Chocolate

Brownie Cookie

$1.98

55343 Reading Glasses - 3.25 Strength $8.86 75406 Salted Peanuts $1.34 54807 Grandma Peanut Butter Cookie $1.98

55344 Reading Glasses 1.50 Strength $8.86 75638 Sour Cream & Onion Chips

1.5oz LSS

$1.88 55075 Lemon Cream Cookies ( 5 oz. ) $1.99

55345 Reading Glasses 2.00 Strength $8.86 75635 Sugar Free Vanilla Wafers $2.00 72552 Nekot - Lemon $1.23

75076 Reading Glasses 2.50 Strength $8.86 76080 LSS Jalapeno Poppers Curls $1.88 55270 Peanut Butter Cookies - 13 oz. $3.86

55342 Reading Glasses 3.00 Strength $8.86 81211 4 oz. Bag BBQ Pork Skins $5.23 73285 Peanut Butter Cr. Cookie 5 oz. $1.99

54408 9 x 12 Envelope $0.59 81212 4 oz. Bag Hot Pork Skins $5.23 65332 SweetSerenity ChocChip

Cookies 3oz

$2.23

54417 All Occasion Card $2.60 54713 Dorito Nacho - LSS $1.91 75571 Classic Cookie Brownie

w/M&M's

$2.87

54427 Anniversary Card $2.60 74294 Grocery Size Mesquite BBQ

Chips

$5.13 73288 Iced Oatmeal Cookie 5oz $1.99tem Price

54481 Birthday Card Child Female $2.60 75185 Grocery Size Cheese Puffs $6.00 71778 Marias Cookies $1.81

54482 Birthday Card Child Male $2.60 81134 Brownie Brittle $2.10 75147 Nekot Cookies $1.23

54483 Birthday Card Female $2.60 81732 Salt n Vinegar Chips LSS $1.88 87440 Strawberry Cream Cookies (5

oz.)

$1.99

54484 Birthday Card Male $2.60 82417 Carolina Kettle Queso $2.27 89472 Classic Cookies Peanut Butter

Minis

$3.48

54626 Christmas Card $2.60 82418 Carolina Kettle Sriracha $2.27 74291 Chocolate Cream Cookie 5 oz. $1.99

54734 Easter Card $2.60 83194 Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart $2.15 55087 Lorna Doone's $1.36

73364 Father's Day Card $2.60 86539 Saltines Individual Packs $0.25 75301 Vanilla Sandwich Cremes (13

oz.)

$3.86

54776 Friendship Cards $2.32 86355 Takis 2oz $1.82 92453 Key Lime Cookies 5oz $1.99

54796 Get Well Card $2.60 87889 Kar's M&M's 2oz $2.27 92452 Confetti Bday Cake Cookies

13oz

$3.86

54802 Golf Pencil $0.34 87913 Tostitos - 3 oz. bag $2.31 92599 Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies $2.72

54893 I Love You Cards $2.60 86936 Cheetos 2oz LSS $1.91 70522 Ind. S.F. Black Cherry Drink Mix

(10ct)

$4.97

75140 Koran $6.47 87979 Hot Thin Chips 1.5oz LSS $1.88 54900 Ind. S.F. Fr. Punch (10 ct.) $4.97

55163 Mother's Day Card $2.60 86416 Baked Plain Chips $1.53 75393 Ind. S.F. Lem. Drink Mix (10 ct.) $4.97

55293 Plain White Envelope $0.28 60319 Belvitta Blueberry $3.12 54902 Ind. S.F. Orange (10 ct.) $4.97

55586 Sympathy Card $2.60 62036 Grilled Cheese on Capt Wafer $1.27 54909 Ind. Fr. Punch Mix $0.71

55597 Thank You Card $2.60 66465 Kars Sweet N Salty Mix 3.5 oz. $2.77 54914 Ind. Orange Drink Mix $0.71

55672 Valentines Day Card $2.60 55063 Lance Toasty Cracker $1.27 66359 Swiss Miss $0.71

55755 Writing Pad $2.35 75578 Oatmeal Variety Pack $5.11 70734 Ind. S.F. Grape Drink Mix(10 ct.) $4.97

55767 Yellow Writing Pad $2.32 66812 Saltines 16 oz. box $4.85 72557 Wyler's Light Island Fruity Red

Punch

$3.77

54749 Father's Day Card Stamped $3.35 92490 1oz. BBQ Pork Skins $1.30 65239 Ind. Ice Tea Mix $0.71

54751 Federal Rules Of Civil Procedu $79.20 92489 Kar's Dunkin Frosted Donut Mix $2.50 54389 Powder Dry Milk $5.00

54777 Friendship Cards Stamped $3.35 92499 Honey Cheese Curls LSS $1.88 75396 Ind. S.F. Iced Tea Drink Mix (10

ct.)

$4.97

54797 Get Well Card Stamped $3.35 72035 Boxer Briefs 2XL $6.57 54917 Ind. SF Strawberry Lemonade $0.46

55164 Mothers Day Card Stamped $3.35 64342 Boxer Briefs 3XL $6.57 55317 Protein Chocolate SS $2.00

55406 Sheet of Paper $0.05 73514 Boxer Briefs LRG $5.54 71514 Protein Vanilla SS $2.00

55487 Stamped 9 1/2 x 12 Envelope $3.14 74082 Boxer Briefs SM $5.54 62780 Earbuds w/Mic Securus $20.93

55488 Stamped All Occasion Card $3.35 73369 Boxer Briefs XL $5.54 54473 BICYCLE Playing Cards $6.74

55489 Stamped Anniversary Card $3.35 63704 Boxer Underwear 3XL $6.57 54471 Bible $4.94

55490 Stamped B-day Crd Child Female $3.35 63706 Boxer Underwear 4XL $10.71 54721 Drawing Pad $2.46

55491 Stamped B-day Crd Child Male $3.35 54540 Boxer Underwear 5XL $10.71 54788 Generic Playing Cards $3.90

55492 Stamped Birthday Card Female $3.35 54541 Boxer Underwear 6XL $10.71 55292 Pinochle Cards $3.86

55493 Stamped Birthday Card Male $3.35 73375 Boxer Underwear SM $5.30 75051 Skip Bo $15.19

55494 Stamped Christmas Card $3.35 74094 Ladies Briefs Size 10 $4.23 55750 Word Find Book $2.46

55495 Stamped Easter Card $3.35 55042 Ladies Briefs Size 11 $4.23 65918 Rook Card Game $13.81

55497 Stamped I Love You Card $3.35 55043 Ladies Briefs Size 12 $4.23 74115 UNO Cards $12.02

55499 Stamped Sympathy Card $3.35 55044 Ladies Briefs Size 13 $4.47 54472 Bible - Large Print $10.93

55500 Stamped Thank You Card $3.35 55045 Ladies Briefs Size 14 $4.47 70157 Crossword Puzzle $2.70

 

 

 

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Specifications for Inmate Commissary Services

INTRODUCTION

            Through this Request for Proposal (RFP), the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests proposals from responsible and qualified firms for a fully operational, flexible, secure, and reliable inmate commissary system. The provision of inmate commissary services and the quality/reliability of service are a high priority. Firms who submit a response to this Request for Proposal (RFP) shall be responsible for submitting technical solutions based on their programs that meet or exceed the goals and objectives set forth herein.

The initial agreement, issued as a result of this RFP, will be for a period of thirty-six (36) months, beginning approximately March 1, 2026.

The RFP documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office website at https://www.tcsoal.org/resources/bids. RFP documents may only be accessed from the above-mentioned website. While the RFP documents are available electronically, Tuscaloosa County cannot accept electronic proposal responses.

 

SECTION A

 

  1. General Requirements

 

It is the intent of these specifications to obtain proposals from qualified vendors to provide commissary services to the inmates at the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

 

      Tuscaloosa County Jail

      1600 26th Avenue

      Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

 

Any item not specifically mentioned but necessary for the delivery and operation of the proposed services shall be included in this proposal.  These specifications and requirements should be in sufficient detail to secure proposals on comparable services.

 

The requirements listed herein should be met by all offeror’s proposals.  In instances where the proposal differs from these requirements, offeror shall note the difference and describe in detail how their proposal will meet the County’s needs without including this specific requirement.  Failure to meet these requirements may be cause for rejection of the vendor’s proposal at the County’s discretion.

 

  1. Definitions

 

For the purpose of this RFP;

 

  1. “Vendor” and “Offeror” refer to the provider of equipment and services. 
  2. The word “County” will refer to Tuscaloosa County. 
  3. The “Services” will be referred to as the Inmate Commissary Services.

 

  1. RFP Submission

 

Each Vendor must prepare a written response.  Proposal shall be formatted consistent with the specific sections and numbered paragraphs and must respond to each on an individual basis.  Failure to address any item shall be interpreted as non-compliance.  Vendors must respond to all paragraphs and submit the following:

 

Letter of transmittal

Vendor Qualifications and Experience

Summary of Compliance with Technical Requirements

 

One (1) original, (1) copy, and (1) digital copy of the RFP response must be sent to the above address.

 

A letter of transmittal must be attached to the proposal.  The letter of transmittal must be signed by the person who is authorized to contractually commit the Vendor’s organization.

 

Proposals not received by Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. will be automatically disqualified from consideration.  Each proposal should have the proposal marked “Inmate Commissary Services,” on the outside of the package and should be sealed.  Original proposal must be clearly marked “Original” and contain all original signatures.

 

  1. Vendor Inquiries

 

If additions, deletions, modifications, or clarifications to the RFP become necessary, the changes will be noted by written addendum to the Vendors.  Nothing presented orally during Vendor inquiries will modify or alter the specifications.  These changes will be noted in writing on the website and transmitted via electronic mail to any vendors or individuals that have requested being contacted.  The contact will only go to the below noted contact individual representing each vendor and vendors are specifically advised to notify Chief Loyd Baker at Lbaker@tcsoal.org if they are interested in bidding or the process in order to be notified of any changes directly. 

 

The Vendor shall identify a contact person who will be responsible for coordinating the efforts and personnel of all parties involved in the response, to include, but not be limited to, oral presentations, demonstrations, site visits and responses to requests for clarification, if any, and must provide the following:

 

      Name:

      Organization:

      Address:

      E-Mail Address:

      (Area Code) Telephone Number; Office and Cell

 

  1. Basis of Award

 

The County will review all responses to ensure compliance with the specifications.  Vendor may be excluded from further consideration for failure to comply with the specifications of the RFP.

 

The Sheriff expressly reserves the right, in its sole judgment, to accept or reject any or all proposals, with or without cause, modify, alter, waive any technicalities or provisions, or to accept the proposal which, in its sole judgment, is determined to be the best evaluated offer, taking into consideration the relative importance of commissions offered and other evaluation factors set forth in the RFP.  Therefore, in selecting a vendor, the Sheriff will not rely exclusively on commission offering in awarding a contract.

 

The contents of this solicitation and the Vendor’s response, when submitted to and accepted by the County, shall become an integral part of any contract agreed upon between the Vendor and the County.

 

To ensure specified performance of the proposed system, the County reserves the right to require a Vendor(s) to demonstrate the system and any features specified in this RFP.

 

The Proposal will be evaluated with regards to the following criteria factors:

 

  • Demonstrated ability to meet the technical requirements, based upon the RFP responses and information provided by similar facilities in which the vendor has their system installed.
  • Vendor experience, technology offering, account support team, maintenance, and current customer references.
  • Financial proposal and Commission Rate Offered
  • Proposed project plan, scheduling, and implementation with minimal interruption of service.
  • Overall benefit to the County and the Tuscaloosa County Jail Facility.

 

  1. Contract Term

 

The contract will be for a period of three (3) years. 

 

  1. Termination

 

Unless otherwise noted herein, the obligation to provide further service under the terms of the resulting agreement may be terminated by the County upon sixty (60) days written notice in the event of a non-curable material breach or thirty (30) days after a notification of a curable breach and failure to cure said breach, by the successful offeror to perform in accordance with the terms hereof, or any contract resulting from this RFP.  In the event that Tuscaloosa County chooses to discontinue this contract either by termination or not extending the contract the offeror warrants that it will remove all its equipment from the facilities without charge.  Service and equipment will not be removed until another Vendor has been acquired.  The removal of equipment and disconnecting of service process will occur during the implementation of the new system with minimal interruption of service to this facility.  It will be necessary that the incumbent vendor cooperate with the new vendor during the implementation of the new system.

 

If either party defaults in the performance of any obligation under this Agreement, then the non-defaulting party shall give the defaulting party written notice of its default setting forth with specificity the nature of the default.  If the defaulting party fails to cure its default within 30 days after receipt of the notice of default, then the non-defaulting party shall have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement and pursue all other remedies available to the non-defaulting party, either at law or in equity.

 

  1. Damage and Repair Liability

 

The County will have no liability to the Vendor for fraud, theft, vandalism / damage or loss of the Vendor’s equipment inflicted by the inmates or the public.  All costs associated with the repair will be the responsibility of the vendor.

 

Vendor warrants that all repairs will be made at its expense.  Offerors shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that all equipment associated with commissary services are operational and repaired as quickly as possible.

 

  1. Installation & Removal

 

The Vendor will be responsible for all costs of installation or removal throughout the term of the contract.

 

The Vendor will be required to furnish and install equipment and any other item necessary to make this service functional.  The incumbent vendor will remove all equipment from the County facilities without charge.

 

  1. Present Tuscaloosa County Inmate Commissary Services

 

Kimble Commissary Service is the current commissary provider for the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

           

  1. Miscellaneous Requirements

 

The County will not be liable for any of the cost incurred in preparation and presentation of the response.

 

Any materials submitted by the Vendor that is considered confidential in nature must be clearly marked as such.  Due to applicable laws and regulations concerning public documents, the County makes no representation that such material will be kept confidential.

 

Vendors must provide an E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) proof of Enrollment.

 

  1. Insurance

 

Bidder shall provide Tuscaloosa County with Certificate of Insurance, both Workman’s Compensation Insurance and General Liability Insurance coverage for work at the various county facilities with limits of not less than $100,000 / $300,000 / $100,000 with excess umbrella liability of $1,000,000.  Successful vendor must submit copies of insurance certificates to the County before any work can be started.

 

  1. Financial Stability

 

Bidder shall provide Tuscaloosa County with financial statements, including statements of operations, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows for the last two fiscal years.

 

 

SECTION B VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE, TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

 

  1. Experience

 

Vendor shall be experienced in providing commissary services.  Vendor should provide an overview of their firm, including years and nature of experience in providing commissary services.

 

  1. References

 

Provide three customer references of accounts similar in size and scope to Tuscaloosa County.

 

  1. Patent & Copyrights

 

The Vendor will hold harmless the County, its officer, and employees against all claims that machines or software supplied infringe a U.S. patent or copyright.  The Vendor further asserts that the equipment and software proposed does not infringe on any U.S. patent or copyright.

 

  1. Please describe all Vendor Patents your company holds or has developed

 

Please supply patent information for proposed equipment or software, where applicable to the inmate Commissary Services.

 

  1. General Requirements

 

  1. Vendor software must be compatible with the facility JMS (Jail Management System) Jail Guardian, and the jail’s upcoming ProPhoenix Corrections Management System™ (CMS) , and the facility tablets (Tech Friends) and phone service (ICSolutions), to provide quicker entry of data.
  2. The software used must be able to deduct the purchase from the inmate’s trust fund account electronically.   
  3. Vendor shall provide a full inmate fund accounting system, the ability for funds to be placed on an inmate’s account via a secure website, phone, and detention facility kiosks, lobby kiosks, and booking kiosks (in main detention facility and any substation facilities).
  4. All vendors must provide technology, free of charge, to the Jail, which allows family members and friends to deposit funds into an inmate’s account by these three methods at a minimum. (Any other methods available should be described as well.)
    1. Secure Website (credit/debit card, electronic check)
    2. Toll-free number/call center available 24 hours per day (credit/debit card, electronic check)
    3. Lobby kiosk (cash or credit/debit card) in main facility
  5. All deposit methods must be linked with the vendor’s software so that the deposits are transferred on a real-time basis electronically to the inmate’s account.
  6. Commissary orders must be deducted from the inmate accounts and commissary credits must be posted to the inmate accounts in real-time.
  7. The accounting system must have the ability to merge inmate accounts, to include the transaction and debt history, in the event that an inmate has two accounts.
  8. Vendors must describe how inmate information can be manually added/updated in the event of an inmate release if the Jail Management system connectivity is interrupted.
  9. An inmate commissary account must be established or reactivated upon booking into the facility and populated with the refreshed information available through the Jail Management system
  10. Direct debit vending (cashless/cardless) for inmates must be provided at no cost to the County.
  11. Offered software must be cloud based, server must be offsite, and all deposit service software must be supported by the vendor.
  12. Technical support must be provided, at no additional charge, by the Vendor’s dedicated technical staff, 24 hours per day, and 365 days per year via a toll-free phone line.
  13. The system must limit inmate commissary purchases based upon the balance available in the inmate’s account, dietary restrictions, classification, current jail policies (if applicable), and/or housing assignment.
  14. The system must be able to provide inmate history upon termination of the contract.
  15. Vendor will supply a listing of all items available for sale to inmates.  This list must be amendable by facility administrators and staff.  Tuscaloosa County Jail Staff shall have full decision-making authority as to the exclusion of certain items.  Such exclusion will only be made with a reasonable basis informing the decision and vendor shall be notified of said reasoning should there be no security issue with providing that information.
  16. The Contractor agrees, in the event of a request for adjustment in any contract unit price, the

Contractor shall notify the Jail in writing of the upward adjustment in any of the contract unit

prices and the effective date with documentation justifying said increase within thirty (30) days.

  1. Must provide fully integrated trust fund management system which allows facility to balance accounts daily to the penny
  2. Vendor must be capable of passing out all inmate orders.
  3. Commissary orders are to be delivered in tamper proof sealed clear plastic bags with

two (2) copies of the order receipt sealed within the bag. The receipt should contain the

following information:

• Inmate Name

• Inmate Location

• Inmate ID#

• Date of Order

• Item, Item Code and quantity ordered

• Price of item and extended price

• Total of Order and sales tax if applicable

• Balance of account after the order

• Signature line for Inmate

• Delivered by line and date line for commissary personnel

  1. It shall be the responsibility of the vendor that employees and or agents of the vendor having access to the Tuscaloosa County Jail must successfully pass a regular background check.  A record of these checks must be kept on file by the vendor for inspection by the facility administrator or sheriff on request.  Tuscaloosa County Jail Staff shall have final decision-making authority as to who enters or remains within the facility.  Such permission of entry shall not be withheld unreasonably. 
  2. Vendor must provide the County the option to install, monitor, and maintain a self-service mini-market in the Jail employee breakroom, at no cost to the Jail, for employees to purchase prepared food, beverages, and snacks. The mini-market shall be stocked weekly with customizable selections to include fresh and healthy options as well as traditional favorites.
  3. The vendor is to submit the proposed price list, items, package size and brand name of each product proposed for sale.

 

  1. Personal Identification Number

 

  1. The proposed system shall utilize Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) for the inmates supplied by the facility JMS.  Describe your system’s use of PIN’s.
  2. What is the minimum and maximum number of digits used in a PIN?

 

  1. System Security

 

  1. The proposed system must be programmed for auto shut off at times designated by the county.
  2. The county personnel must be able to manually shut down the system in case of an emergency.
  3. The proposed system shall be password protected to permit only appropriate facility personnel access to the system.

 

  1. Reports

 

  1. The Vendor shall supply the capability for the facility to view and track call activity, commission information, and facility service requests.
  2. Vendor shall supply monthly revenue reports.
  3. Vendor shall attach samples of standard reports.
  4. Vendor will supply a list of all items available for sale.

 

  1. Service & Maintenance

 

  1. Vendor shall provide 24-hour, toll-free service number.
  2. Vendor shall address all major service outages within three (3) hours.
  3. Vendor shall provide service policies and procedures as an attachment to this proposal.
  4. Describe the maintenance and quality assurance programs for equipment to be installed.
  5. Detail equipment installation charges, if any.
  6. Describe the maintenance and quality assurance programs for equipment to be installed.
  7. Detail the method of determining service interruptions and service call priorities.  List response time for each priority and the level of expertise devoted to each priority.
  8. Vendor must maintain a backup Service Center that can support inmate orders in the case of natural emergency (i.e. Weather) so there is no interruption in services.
  9. Provide a contact person who will be responsible for ongoing account management and support.
  10. List the service office responsible for the facility.

 

  1. Installation

 

  1. This installation is to be completed within sixty (60) days after award of the contract.
  2. A bidder shall submit a complete and detailed schedule of the time frame required for installation, utility coordination, training, cutover and testing.  The system must be installed in a manner and under a time frame designed to minimize disruption of the normal functioning of the facility.
  3. If the schedule cannot be met within the 60 days stated above, contractor must propose an installation schedule of events.  Failure to state installation time in the bid will obligate the contractor to complete installation as required in the bid.  Extended installation time may be considered when in the best interest of the County.
  4. Any delay in the implementation of the contractors’ schedule that is caused by the County will increase the contractor’s time allowance to complete installation, but the contractor must submit a complete and detailed schedule of additional time required.
  5. The risk of loss and or damage will be assumed by the contractor during shipment, unloading and installation.

 

  1. Training

 

  1. Vendor shall provide onsite training to the Tuscaloosa County staff in system administration, operation, and reporting.
  2. Describe training program; include description of course and any applicable documents.

 

  1. Equipment

 

  1. The proposed system must be able to utilize the current PCs that are available at the County without the need for additional PCs.
  2. The proposed system software shall be based on security level and password protected.
  3. All vendor equipment shall comply with FCC regulations
  4. The proposed equipment and system shall be scalable to meet the County’s growing needs.
  5. Vendor equipment shall include a backup power supply
  6. Disclose, with percentages clearly shown, what work is or will be subcontracted, and what work is or will be performed by the Vendor’s employees.
  7. Indicate your system’s ability to be monitored from any PCs with proper access permissions.

 

 

SECTION C: FEES, RATES & FACILITY COMMISSIONS

 

  1. Fees, Rates & Commission

 

  1. The vendor shall be responsible for any and all billing disputes, claims, or liabilities that may arise in regard to the provisions of this contract.
  2. Under no circumstances will the commission rate be adjusted lower than the rate agreed to at contract award, nor will the county be obligated to renegotiate any portion of this contract because of an increase to the commission rate.

 

  1. Commission Structure

 

Please provide information on the commission structure.  Include the following within your response:

 

  1. What is the percentage of commission you will pay Tuscaloosa County? Failure to state proposed commission percentage will result in rejection of proposal.  Commission percentage must be placed on included bid sheet.
  2. Explain in detail the method used to calculate revenue to the County (e.g., gross revenue, adjusted gross revenue, net revenue.)
  3. Method of reporting the calculation of the County’s commission payment.
    1. Provide samples of proposed reports.
    2. Is there a charge for customized reports?
    3. If yes, provide amounts.
  4. Describe collection procedures.
    1. The County will reserve the right to: audit collection procedures and commission computations and to terminate the contract if repeated inaccuracies in either procedures or computations are revealed.
    2. What types of reports are available to Tuscaloosa County to audit commission payments? Provide samples of reports.
  5. Describe the procedure for handling uncollectible revenue.  State whether this expense reduces County commission and, if so, specify in what manner.
  6. Describe the procedure for billing.
    1. Describe your billing process and who handles billing.
    2. Will there be any handling fees charged to the County?
    3. Are there any deductions from revenues?

 

CIII.    Award of Contract

 

  1. If two or more bids received are for the same commission structures and amounts, quality, experience, product offering, and service being equal, the preference shall be given to a local bidder.

 

CIV.    Questions

 

            All questions related to this RFP must be directed to the attention of Chief Deputy Loyd Baker, Jail Administrator, 1600 26th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401. 205-469-0800, Lbaker@tcsoal.org. All questions must be in writing and responses will be shared with all potential respondents, as appropriate.

 

 

 

TIMELINE (Dates subject to change as necessary)

 

Invitation to Bid Announcement

November 25, 2025

Written Questions Deadline

December 10, 2025

Written Answers Provided

December 19, 2025

BIDS DUE

January 13, 2026

Bid Opening

January 13, 2026

Bid Award (Subject to County Commission Approval)

TBD