RFP #1170247 - Replacement of Alcohol Beverage Services Warehouse Conveyor System and Maintenance and Repair Services

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The Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine, and spirits for Montgomery County Government and is a major alcoholic beverage
wholesaler in the State of Maryland. ABS serves over 1,100 businesses in Montgomery County, Maryland. The current material handling system was installed in 2012, and the County is in search of a firm to design, install and maintain the beer side of the conveyor belt system, which is more modernized, automated and efficient to reduce product breakage, minimize maintenance, and improve employee ergonomics. The present conveyor system is not ergonomically friendly to employees. Employees must travel a 2-level pick line and load cases on two tracks. The top track is approximately 44 inches tall, while the bottom is about 12 inches from the floor. This requires employees to constantly crouch, bend, and twist to load products that weigh an average of 25 pounds. Employees can load between 800 to 1,100 cases a night. This increases the risk of strains, slips, trips, and falls when loading on the lower track. Implementing a new system that allows for more automation will enable ABS to utilize resources and manpower more efficiently and will allow flexibility in terms of manpower needed to operate the system.

A new ergonomically friendly conveyor system that provides a more stable track is crucial. The current system is prone to breakage during the selection process, and cases often suffer damage as they travel to the loading dock. ABS faces repair issues with the current outdated system, as some components are no longer in production or readily available. This results in downtime and delays that affect our employees, our licensees, and county residents. ABS is seeking a qualified material handling contractor to perform the work mentioned below.

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