6A-18.0424. Announcement of Vending Facility Vacancies

(1) Upon the establishment of a new Vending facility or when a vacancy occurs in an existing Vending facility, the Division shall announce the vacancy in an accessible format as a competitive opportunity. (2) An individual is deemed eligible to compete for a Vending facility vacancy only if the individual: (a) Is a Blind licensee; (b) Has completed the Business Opportunity Application form, Form DBS-BEP 007, as incorporated by reference in subsection 6A-18.046(2), F.A.C.; (c) Does not have an outstanding debt to the Division; (d) Is current with Continuing Education requirements (see paragraph 6A-18.0421(2)(h), F.A.C.); and, (e) In the case of a Vending facility vacancy filled with a Vendor under a Permanent L.O.F.A., has established or, if selected, will establish within thirty (30) days of executing the Permanent L.O.F.A. and maintain for the term of such L.O.F.A. a legal physical residence within seventy-five (75) miles of the Vending facility. A single thirty (30) day extension of this requirement shall be granted upon written request by the Vendor. (3) Each vacancy shall be announced for a minimum of two (2) weeks and shall contain, at a minimum, the following information: (a) The location of the Vending facility; (b) The type of Vending facility; (c) The hours of operation; (d) A general description of services and items currently sold; (e) Accessibility of the Vending facility; (f) Staffing pattern; (g) Estimated annual sales; (h) Application instructions; (i) Deadline date for applying; and, (j) Any special information or requirements. (4) After notification to the chairperson of the State Committee of Vendors, the Division may elect not to announce a vacancy and instead directly place a Blind licensee under the following circumstances: (a) To operate a new or existing Vending facility to determine accurate gross sales information; or (b) To remedy a situation that has improperly or adversely affected a Blind Licensee.