NIGP 96554: Negative and Plate Preparation for Offset Printing

NIGP 96554 Negative and Plate Preparation for Offset Printing, an Item code, describes the prepress and composition work embedded in state and local printing and mailing operations, though recent solicitations frame the work as part of broader integrated print-and-mail service bundles rather than as discrete prepress commodities. State and local governments purchase these services primarily through county and municipal printing operations, water utilities, tax and finance departments, and administrative offices that generate high-volume recurring materials — tax bills, utility bills, delinquency notices, and operational documents. The work includes document composition, dynamic laser printing, color and monochrome production, insertion and finishing, and envelope management, often procured as part of comprehensive vendor contracts that combine design, composition, printing, and mailing logistics. Issuing bodies span counties, cities, and municipal utilities, with no single repeat buyer dominating the recent opportunity set.

Recent activity appears concentrated in Texas and Wisconsin. Harris County Precinct 3, Texas issued an ITB for print and mail materials with a response deadline of July 20, 2026 and contract commencement October 1, 2026. The City of Madison, Wisconsin issued an RFP for city-wide printing and mailing services (solicitation 1500802026, posted March 3, 2026, due April 3, 2026) with the Madison Water Utility requiring approximately 580,000 pieces printed weekly and the Finance Department requiring approximately 127,000 pieces printed monthly for tax bills and notices. The Madison contract structure calls for all-inclusive, not-to-exceed fixed fees with an initial two-year term and three optional one-year renewals; evaluation allocates 65 technical points and 35 financial points, with local vendor preference available. Bidders must carry $1,000,000 general liability and $1,000,000 automobile liability coverage, and those with 15 or more employees and $50,000 or more in annual aggregate business must submit an Affirmative Action Plan within 30 days of award.