State seeks blind vendor for Anchorage courthouse café under federal program

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is accepting proposals through June 16 to operate a full-service café and espresso bar inside the Nesbett State Courthouse in downtown Anchorage. The opportunity is open exclusively to blind or visually impaired vendors through the Business Enterprise Program.

Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on June 16, 2026. The selected vendor will operate a grill and espresso concession serving courthouse employees and visitors from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays.

The Business Enterprise Program operates under the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act, which gives priority to blind vendors for food service operations on government property.

The state will waive space rent, utilities, and equipment use fees for the courthouse location at 825 West 4th Avenue. The vendor must pay 15 percent of gross revenues to the program and maintain commercial liability insurance with $300,000 minimum coverage. All food service staff must hold ServSafe certification or comply with Alaska food safety regulations.

The contract runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Applicants must have three to five years of experience operating a food service business. Subcontractors and joint ventures will not be allowed under the contract. The vendor must obtain a Municipality of Anchorage health permit before starting operations and submit background checks for all staff to obtain building key card access.

Monthly operating statements and the 15 percent commission payment must be postmarked by the 15th of each month. The successful vendor must post an individual surety to ensure performance, though this requirement may be waived for contracts not exceeding $500 in commissions per quarter.

Questions must be submitted in writing to procurement officer Kathy O'Rourke at [email protected] or 907-269-4867 by May 27. Proposal forms and full requirements are available on the state online public notices system.