Sponsor: Sheriff's Office
Title
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Agreement with T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections for Commissary Services
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the selection of and the agreement with T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections, 3329 Casey Street, River Falls, Wisconsin 54022 for inmate commissary services for the period of June 24, 2025 through June 23, 2027 with the option to be renewed for three additional one-year periods for a total of five years, in accordance with the rates established in the agreement.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the agreement.
3. Authorize the County Manager to execute amendments to the agreement in accordance with the County’s procurement policies and procedures, provided the amounts are within the limits of available funding.
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Background and Rationale
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The Sheriff’s Office operates the Adult Detention Center (ADC), commonly referred to as the Ramsey County jail, which is a pre-trial facility providing safe and secure detention services to individuals following arrest until a court disposition is reached. The ADC also houses individuals being held for probation and parole violations. While individuals are housed in the county’s care and custody, a variety of services are provided, including educational programming, recreation time, mental health services, and medical and dental care. Additionally, individuals in-custody have access to commissary services, food service, telephone, and video visitation services.
On February 18, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for commissary services for individuals in-custody at the ADC. Commissary services allow for the purchase of non-essential items, such as candy, pop, treats or other items, from specialized vending machines. Family or friends can deposit funds to an individual’s account for the purchases of non-essential vending items. It is important to note that individuals in-custody do not pay for day-to-day needs such as food, clothing, toiletries, programming, or medical and dental care. Commissary services also supply indigent items at to no-cost to individuals in-custody.
The costs associated with providing commissary services are covered by the prices charged. Historically, the county has also collected revenue associated with commissary services, which has offset the need for additional tax levy funding. Under this new agreement, the estimated revenue remains at $150,000 annually. To achieve the county’s goal in reducing and eliminating criminal fines and fees, prices for commissary items will be set a rate that is generally considered “convenience store” prices.
Below is a competitive solicitation summary:
Request for Proposals (RFP Title): Inmate Commissary Services
RFP Release Date: February 19, 2025
RFP Response Date: March 27, 2025
Number of Contractors Notified: 847
Respondents: Keefe Group
T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections
Proposal Evaluation Committee: Correctional Officer, Sheriff’s Office
Correctional Officer, Sheriff’s Office
Correctional Officer, Sheriff’s Office
Correctional Officer, Sheriff’s Office
Lieutenant, Sheriff’s Office
Planning Manager, Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant, Sheriff’s Office
RFP Evaluation Criteria: Project Understanding and Approach
Commission, Rates, and Fees
Contractor and Key Personnel Qualifications
Technical Support and Customer Service
Contractor Recommended: T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections
The evaluation team evaluated the proposals based on the criteria identified in the solicitation and is recommending T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections as the contractor to provide commissary services.
The full term of the agreement is June 24, 2025 through June 23, 2027 with the option to be renewed for three additional one-year periods for a total of five (5) years.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is a disproportionate amount of people of color and individuals with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system. This action will help strengthen quality service delivery to individuals in-custody and their friends and family members, and the community by offering a transparent approach to low rates and no fees for all to access and utilize.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement for this board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The costs associated with providing commissary services are covered by the prices charged.
The estimated revenue is approximately $150,000 annually and offsets the need for additional tax levy funding.
Last Previous Action
On February 18, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the issuance of Request for Proposals for Commissary Services for Individuals In-Custody (Resolution B2025-039).
Attachments
1. Agreement with T.W. Vending Inc., dba Turnkey Corrections