STATE OF ALASKA

INVITATION TO BID (ITB)

ITB TITLE: 2026 OFFICIAL ELECTION PAMPHLET AND BALLOT MEASURE PAMPHLET

ITB #2026-0001-0221

ISSUE DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2026

TYPESETTING, LAYOUT, PRINTING, BINDING, MAILING, DELIVERY AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE 2026 BALLOT MEASURE PAMPHLET

(BMP) AND THE 2026 OFFICIAL ELECTION PAMPHLET (OEP).

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you received this solicitation from the State of Alaska’s “Online Public Notice” web site, you must register with the procurement officer listed below in order to receive notification of subsequent amendments to the solicitation. Failure to register with the procurement officer may result in the rejection of your offer.

BIDDER'S NOTICE: By signature on this form, the bidder certifies that they comply with the following:

(1) the bidder has a valid Alaska business license or will obtain one prior to award of any contract resulting from this ITB. If the bidder possesses a valid

Alaska business license, the license number must be written below or one the following forms of evidence submitted with the bid:

• a canceled check for the business license fee;

• a copy of the business license application with a receipt date stamp from the State's business license office;

• a receipt from the State’s business license office for the license fee;

• a copy of the bidder’s valid business license;

• a sworn notarized affidavit that the bidder has applied and paid for a business license;

(2) the price(s) submitted was arrived at independently and without collusion, under penalty of perjury, and that the bidder is complying with:

• the laws of the State of Alaska;

• the applicable portion of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964;

• the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and the regulations issued thereunder by the state and federal Government;

• the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the regulations issued thereunder by the state and federal government;

• the bid will remain open and valid for at least 90 days;

• all terms and conditions set out in this Invitation to Bid (ITB).

If a bidder does not hold an Alaska Business License (1) at the time designated in the ITB for opening the state will disallow the Alaska Bidder Preference.

Bids must also be submitted under the name as appearing on the bidder’s current Alaska business license in order to receive the Alaska Bidder Preference.

If a bidder fails to comply with (2) of this paragraph, the state may reject the bid, terminate the contract, or consider the contractor in default.

Janice Neal Procurement Officer

COMPANY SUBMITTING BID

*DOES YOUR BUSINESS QUALIFY FOR THE

ALASKA BIDDER’S PREFERENCE?

[ ] YES [ ] NO

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

*DOES YOUR BUSINESS QUALIFY FOR THE

ALASKA VETERAN PREFERENCE?

[ ] YES [ ] NO

Phone: (907) 465-1182

PRINTED NAME

*SEE ITB FOR EXPLANATION OF CRITERIA

TO QUALIFY

Email: Janice.neal@alaska.gov

DATE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

ALASKA BUSINESS LICENSE NUMBER

FEDERAL TAX ID NUMBER

E-MAIL ADDRESS

mailto:Janice.neal@alaska.gov

STATE OF ALASKA – INVITATION TO BID ITB 2026-0001-0221

OFFICIAL ELECTION PAMPHLET & BALLOT MEASURE PAMPHLET

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION & INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.01 PURPOSE OF THE ITB

SEC. 1.02 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS

SEC. 1.03 PRIOR EXPERIENCE

SEC. 1.04 INVITATION TO BID (ITB) REVIEW

SEC. 1.05 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS

SEC. 1.06 SITE INSPECTION

SEC. 1.07 SUBMITTING BIDS

SEC. 1.08 BID FORMS

SEC. 1.09 PRICES

SEC. 1.10 PRE-BID CONFERENCE

SEC. 1.11 ASSISTANCE TO BIDDERS WITH A DISABILITY

SEC. 1.12 AMENDMENTS TO BIDS

SEC. 1.13 AMENDMENTS TO THE ITB

SEC. 1.14 ITB SCHEDULE

SEC. 1.15 ALTERNATE BIDS

SEC. 1.16 SUPPORTING INFORMATION

SEC. 1.17 FIRM, UNQUALIFIED, AND UNCONDITIONAL OFFER

SECTION 2. CONTRACT INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 CONTRACT TERM

SEC. 2.02 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

SEC. 2.03 CONTRACT FUNDING

SEC. 2.04 CONTRACT EXTENSION

SEC. 2.05 CONTRACT CHANGES – UNANTICIPATED AMENDMENTS

SEC. 2.06 SUBCONTRACTORS

SEC. 2.07 JOINT VENTURES

SEC. 2.08 CONTRACT PERFORMANCE LOCATION

SEC. 2.09 RIGHT TO INSPECT PLACE OF BUSINESS

SEC. 2.10 SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS

SEC. 2.11 ADDRESSING AND MAILING PAMPHLETS

SEC. 2.12 INSPECTION & MODIFICATION - REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNACCEPTABLE DELIVERABLES

SEC. 2.13 CONTINUING OBLIGATION OF CONTRACTOR

SEC. 2.14 ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

SEC. 2.15 INFORMAL DEBRIEFING

SEC. 2.16 INDEMNIFICATION

SEC. 2.17 INSURANCE

SECTION 3. CONTRACT INVOICING AND PAYMENTS

SEC. 3.01 BILLING INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 3.02 PAYMENT FOR STATE PURCHASES

SEC. 3.03 PROMPT PAYMENT FOR STATE PURCHASES

SEC. 3.04 THIRD-PARTY FINANCING AGREEMENTS NOT ALLOWED

SECTION 4. EVALUATION AND CONTRACTOR SELECTION

SEC. 4.01 EVALUATION OF BIDS

SEC. 4.02 APPLICATION OF PREFERENCES

SEC. 4.03 ALASKA BIDDER PREFERENCE

SEC. 4.04 ALASKA VETERAN PREFERENCE

SEC. 4.05 USE OF LOCAL FOREST PRODUCTS

SEC. 4.06 LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PRODUCT PREFERENCE

SEC. 4.07 ALASKA PRODUCT PREFERENCE

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SEC. 4.08 EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM PREFERENCE

SEC. 4.09 ALASKANS WITH DISABILITIES PREFERENCE

SEC. 4.10 PREFERENCE QUALIFICATION LETTER

SEC. 4.11 EXTENSION OF PRICES

SEC. 4.12 METHOD OF AWARD

SEC. 4.13 CONTRACTOR SELECTION PROCESS

SEC. 4.14 NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD

SECTION 5. GENERAL PROCESS AND LEGAL INFORMATION

SEC. 5.01 ALASKA BUSINESS LICENSE AND OTHER REQUIRED LICENSES

SEC. 5.02 AUTHORITY

SEC. 5.03 COMPLIANCE

SEC. 5.04 SUITABLE MATERIALS, ETC

SEC. 5.05 SPECIFICATIONS

SEC. 5.06 CONTRACTOR SITE INSPECTION

SEC. 5.07 ORDER DOCUMENTS

SEC. 5.08 HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SEC. 5.09 RIGHT OF REJECTION

SEC. 5.10 STATE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARATION COSTS

SEC. 5.11 DISCLOSURE OF BID CONTENTS

SEC. 5.12 ASSIGNMENTS

SEC. 5.13 FORCE MAJEURE (IMPOSSIBILITY TO PERFORM)

SEC. 5.14 DEFAULT

SEC. 5.15 DISPUTES

SEC. 5.16 SEVERABILITY

SEC. 5.17 CONTRACT CANCELLATION

SEC. 5.18 GOVERNING LAW; FORUM SELECTION

SEC. 5.19 SOLICITATION ADVERTISING

SEC. 5.20 QUALIFIED BIDDERS

SEC. 5.21 FEDERALLY IMPOSED TARRIFFS

SEC. 5.22 PROTEST

SECTION 6. ATTACHMENTS

SEC. 6.01 ATTACHMENTS

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SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION & INSTRUCTIONS

SEC. 1.01 PURPOSE OF THE ITB

The Office of the Governor, Division of Elections, is soliciting bids for typesetting, layout, printing, binding, mailing, delivery and distribution of the 2026 Ballot Measure Pamphlet (BMP) and the 2026 Official Election Pamphlet

(OEP).

SEC. 1.02 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS

Bids must be received no later than 2:00 P.M. Alaska Time on February 25, 2026, at which time they will be publicly opened. Late bids or amendments will be disqualified and not opened or accepted for evaluation.

SEC. 1.03 PRIOR EXPERIENCE

No specific minimums have been set for this ITB.

SEC. 1.04 INVITATION TO BID (ITB) REVIEW

Bidders shall carefully review this ITB for defects and questionable or objectionable material. Comments concerning defects and questionable or objectionable material in the ITB should be made in writing and received by the procurement officer at least ten days before the bid opening date. This will allow time for an amendment to be issued if one is required. It will also help prevent the opening of a defective bid, upon which award cannot be made, and the resultant exposure of bidders' prices.

SEC. 1.05 QUESTIONS PRIOR TO DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS

All questions must be in writing and directed to the procurement officer. The interested party must confirm telephone conversations in writing. Two types of questions generally arise. One may be answered by directing the questioner to a specific section of the ITB. These questions may be answered over the telephone. Other questions may be more complex and may require a written amendment to the ITB. The procurement officer will make that decision.

SEC. 1.06 SITE INSPECTION

No pre-site inspection will be performed. All printing, addressing and mail preparation of the pamphlets must be performed onsite at vendor’s location. It is the bidder’s responsibility to perform the work in strict compliance with the true intent and meaning of the terms, conditions and specification of this ITB.

SEC. 1.07 SUBMITTING BIDS

Bids must be submitted via email. The bid must be saved as a PDF document and emailed to Janice.Neal@alaska.gov. The email must contain the ITB number in the subject line.

The maximum size of a single email (including all text and attachments) that can be received by the State is 20mb (megabytes). If the email containing the proposal exceeds this size, the proposal must be sent in multiple emails that are each less than 20 megabytes and each email must comply with the requirements described above.

mailto:Janice.Neal@alaska.gov

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Please note that email transmission is not instantaneous. Similar to sending a hard copy proposal, if you are emailing your proposal, the State recommends sending it enough ahead of time to ensure the email is delivered by the deadline for receipt of proposals.

It is the offeror’s responsibility to contact the issuing agency at 907-465-1182 to confirm that the proposal has been received. The State is not responsible for unreadable, corrupt, or missing attachments.

An offeror’s failure to submit its proposal prior to the deadline will cause the proposal to be disqualified. Late proposals or amendments will not be opened or accepted for evaluation.

Office of the Governor

Division of Elections Attention: Janice Neal

Invitation to Bid (ITB) Number: 2026-0001-0221 ITB Title: 2026 Official Election Pamphlet and Ballot Measure Pamphlet

It is the bidder’s responsibility to contact the issuing agency at (907) 465-1182 to confirm that the bid has been received. The state is not responsible for unreadable, corrupt, or missing attachments.

SEC. 1.08 BID FORMS

Bidders shall use the front page of this ITB and any other forms identified in this ITB for submitting bids. All bids must be signed by an individual authorized to bind the bidder to the provisions of the ITB.

BIDDER'S CERTIFICATION

By signature on the bid, the bidder certifies that they comply with the following:

A. the laws of the State of Alaska;

B. the applicable portion of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964;

C. the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and the regulations issued thereunder by the state and federal government;

D. the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the regulations issued thereunder by the state and federal government;

E. all terms and conditions set out in this ITB;

F. the price(s) submitted was arrived at independently arrived and without collusion, under penalty of perjury; and

G. that the bid will remain open and valid for at least 90 days.

If any bidder fails to comply with [a] through [g] of this paragraph, the state reserves the right to disregard the bid, terminate the contract, or consider the contractor in default.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Each bid shall include a statement indicating whether or not the company or any individuals working on the contract has a possible conflict of interest (e.g., currently employed by the State of Alaska or formerly employed by the State of Alaska within the past two years) and, if so, the nature of that conflict. The procurement officer

6 | P a g e reserves the right to consider a bid non-responsive and reject it or cancel the award if any interest disclosed from any source could either give the appearance of a conflict or cause speculation as to the objectivity of the contract to be performed by the bidder.

SEC. 1.09 PRICES

The bidder shall state prices in the units of issue on this ITB. Prices quoted in bids must be exclusive of federal, state, and local taxes. If the bidder believes that certain taxes are payable by the state, the bidder may list such taxes separately, directly below the bid price for the affected item.

SEC. 1.10 PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A pre-bid conference will not be held for this ITB.

SEC. 1.11 ASSISTANCE TO BIDDERS WITH A DISABILITY

Bidders with a disability may receive accommodation regarding the means of communicating this ITB or participating in the procurement process. For more information, contact the procurement officer no later than ten days prior to the deadline for receipt of bids.

SEC. 1.12 AMENDMENTS TO BIDS

Amendments to or withdrawals of bids will only be allowed if acceptable requests are received prior to the deadline that is set for receipt of bids. No amendments or withdrawals will be accepted after the deadline unless they are in response to the state's request in accordance with 2 AAC 12.290.

SEC. 1.13 AMENDMENTS TO THE ITB

If an amendment is issued, it will be provided to all who were notified of the ITB and to those who have registered with the procurement officer after receiving the ITB from the State of Alaska Online Public Notice website.

SEC. 1.14 ITB SCHEDULE

The ITB schedule set out herein represents the State of Alaska’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed. If a component of this schedule, such as the deadline for receipt of bids, is delayed, the rest of the schedule may be shifted accordingly. All times are Alaska Time.

ACTIVITY TIME DATE

Issue Date / ITB Released N/A 2/04/2026 Deadline for Receipt of Bids / Bid Due Date 2:00 P.M. 2/25/2026 Bid Evaluations Complete N/A 3/03/2026 Notice of Intent to Award N/A 3/04/2026 Contract Issued N/A 3/16/2026

This ITB does not, by itself, obligate the state. The state's obligation will commence when the contract is approved by the Office of the Governor, Division of Elections. Upon written notice to the contractor, the state may set a different starting date for the contract. The state will not be responsible for any work done by the contractor, even work done in good faith, if it occurs prior to the contract start date set by the state.

SEC. 1.15 ALTERNATE BIDS

Bidders may only submit one bid for evaluation. In accordance with 2 AAC 12.830 alternate bids (bids that offer something different than what is asked for) will be rejected.

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SEC. 1.16 SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Bidders shall submit all required technical, specification, and other supporting information with their bid, so that a detailed analysis and determination can be made by the procurement officer that the product offered meets the ITB specifications and that other requirements of the ITB have been met. However, provided a bid meets the requirements for a definite, firm, unqualified, and unconditional offer, the state reserves the right to request supplemental information from the bidder, after the bids have been opened, to ensure that the products or services offered completely meet the ITB requirements. The requirement for such supplemental information will be at the reasonable discretion of the state and may include the requirement that a bidder will provide a sample product(s) so that the state can make a first-hand examination and determination.

A bidder's failure to provide this supplemental information or the product sample(s), within the time set by the state, will cause the state to consider the offer non-responsive and reject the bid.

SEC. 1.17 FIRM, UNQUALIFIED, AND UNCONDITIONAL OFFER

Bidders must provide enough information with their bid to constitute a definite, firm, unqualified and unconditional offer. To be responsive a bid must constitute a definite, firm, unqualified and unconditional offer to meet all the material terms of the ITB. Material terms are those that could affect the price, quantity, quality, or delivery. Also included as material terms are those which are clearly identified in the ITB and which, for reasons of policy, must be complied with at risk of bid rejection for non-responsiveness.

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SECTION 2. CONTRACT INFORMATION

SEC. 2.01 CONTRACT TERM

The length of the contract will be from the date of award, March 16, 2026, for approximately 8 months or until completion on October 31, 2026, with the mailing of the Official Election Pamphlet.

SEC. 2.02 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The administration of this contract is the responsibility of the procurement officer or person appointed by the Office of the Governor, Division of Elections.

SEC. 2.03 CONTRACT FUNDING

Office of the Governor, Division of Elections, estimates a budget of between $900,000 and $995,000.00 for this contract.

Payment for the contract is subject to funds already appropriated and identified.

SEC. 2.04 CONTRACT EXTENSION

Unless otherwise provided in this ITB, the state and the successful bidder/contractor agree: (1) that any extension of the contract excluding any exercised renewal options, will be considered as a month-to-month extension, and all other terms and conditions shall remain in full force and effect and (2) the procurement officer will provide written notice to the contractor of the intent to cancel the month-to-month extension at least thirty (30) days before the date of cancellation. A month-to-month extension may only be executed by the procurement officer via a written contract amendment.

SEC. 2.05 CONTRACT CHANGES – UNANTICIPATED AMENDMENTS

During the course of this contract, the contractor may be required to perform additional work. That work will be within the general scope of the initial contract. When additional work is required, the state will provide the contractor a written description of the additional work and request the contractor to submit a firm time schedule for accomplishing the additional work and a firm price for the additional work. Cost and pricing data must be provided to justify the cost of such amendments per AS 36.30.400.

The contractor will not commence additional work until the procurement officer has secured required state approvals necessary for the amendment and issued a written contract amendment.

SEC. 2.06 SUBCONTRACTORS

Subcontractors may be used to perform work under this contract. If a bidder intends to use subcontractors, the bidder must identify in the bids the names of the subcontractors and the portions of the work the subcontractors will perform.

If a bid with subcontractors is selected, the bidder must provide the following information concerning each prospective subcontractor within five working days from the date of the state's request:

• complete name of the subcontractor;

• complete address of the subcontractor;

• type of work the subcontractor will be performing;

• percentage of work the subcontractor will be providing;

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• evidence that the subcontractor holds a valid Alaska business license; and

• a written statement signed by each proposed subcontractor that clearly verifies that the subcontractor is committed to render the services required by the contract.

A bidder's failure to provide this information, within the time set, may cause the state to consider their bid non-responsive and reject it.

Note that if the subcontractor will not be performing work within Alaska, they will not be required to hold an Alaska business license.

SEC. 2.07 JOINT VENTURES

Joint ventures will not be allowed.

SEC. 2.08 CONTRACT PERFORMANCE LOCATION

The location(s) the work is to be performed, completed and managed will be at the contractor’s facility. The state WILL NOT provide workspace for the contractor. The contractor must provide its own workspace.

By signature on their bid, the bidder certifies that all services provided under this contract by the contractor and all subcontractors shall be performed in the United States.

If the bidder cannot certify that all work will be performed in the United States, the bidder must contact the procurement officer in writing to request a waiver at least 10 days prior to the deadline for receipt of bids.

The request must include a detailed description of the portion of work that will be performed outside the United States, where, by whom, and the reason the waiver is necessary.

Failure to comply with these requirements may cause the state to reject the bid as non-responsive, or cancel the contract.

SEC. 2.09 RIGHT TO INSPECT PLACE OF BUSINESS

At reasonable times, the state may inspect those areas of the contractor's place of business that are related to the performance of a contract. If the state makes such an inspection, the contractor must provide reasonable assistance.

SEC. 2.10 SCOPE OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS

The contractor shall be responsible for the general design, organization, original artwork/graphics, typesetting, camera work, screens, layout, and paste-up, printing, binding, shipping and distribution of the voter pamphlets for the Primary and General elections. All printing, addressing and mail preparation of pamphlets must be performed onsite at vendor’s location, for all books under 224 pages.

The Primary Ballot Measure Pamphlet (BMP) will be produced in 2026. It will not be determined until April 19, 2026, how many pages will be contained in the BMP. The BMP will consist of information on definitely one, possibly two ballot measures appearing on the Primary election ballot. The date the legislature adjourns will determine if there are one or two ballot measures on the Primary Election Ballot. There is production of one (1) English pamphlet and five (5) translated pamphlets. Each registered household in the State is sent the English pamphlet. Limited sections in the state will also receive a translated version with the language specific to the

10 | P a g e area. The precincts and required translated languages will be listed in the addressing section 6.03. The State will provide the vendor with the pages for the pamphlet, formatted as in a template (8.5” x 11”) in Microsoft Word or as Adobe PDF.

The General Election Official Election Pamphlet (OEP), consists of information and photos of candidates appearing on the ballot, including judicial retention candidates, and various other election related information.

There are five (5) unique English pamphlets with each one being specific to the five election regions in the State of Alaska and six (6) translated pamphlets. Each registered household in the State is sent the English pamphlet that corresponds to the region they are in. Limited sections in the state will also receive a translated version with the language specific to the area. The precincts and required translated languages will be listed in the addressing section 6.03. The State will provide the vendor with the pages for the pamphlet, formatted in a template (8.5” x 11”) in Microsoft Word or as Adobe PDF. Candidate photos will be available, in JPEG or PDF format, as outlined in tentative time schedule included in this Invitation to Bid (ITB), with final photos available on or before Friday, September 4, 2026. All photographs, regardless of size, must be reduced or trimmed (to show only the head and shoulders) to fill in the box space provided on the 8-1/2” x 11” originals. The box space parameters are 2-1/4” x 3” high. Photographs must be reduced or trimmed to allow a 1/10” space between the edge of the photograph and the box lines. No changes in text will be allowed. No changes in format will be allowed without prior approval of the contracting officer.

The State will provide the translated text of for both the BMP and OEP. The six translated languages/books will be in Bristol Bay Yup’ik (BBY), General Central Yup’ik (GCY), Hooper Bay Yup’ik (HBY)/Chevak Cup’ik (CC), Nunivak Cup’ig (NC), Norton Sound Kotlik Yup’ik (NSKY)/Yukon Yup’ik (YY), and Tagalog (TAG).

In addition to sending the pamphlets to the registered households, both the Primary Ballot Measure Pamphlet and the Official Election Pamphlet are sent to the Regional Election Offices and Legislative Information Offices as described in this ITB. The State will have final approval of the format, design, content, continuity, and general appearance of the final product.

SEC. 2.11 ADDRESSING AND MAILING PAMPHLETS

Based on the quantities as described for each pamphlet in the attached specifications, the pamphlets must be addressed to each registered voter household in the State of Alaska. The same Primary pamphlet is sent to each registered voter household. The Official Election Pamphlet is sent to each registered voter household based on the region of the voter household and the appropriate regional pamphlet must be addressed to each registered voter household in the State of Alaska. The registered voter household name and address must be on the back of the pamphlet, including a nine-digit zip code. The vendor must supply the nine-digit zip code (CASS certified, U.S. Post Office approved) if any registered voter household name does not include the necessary zip code. The address must include the election district and precinct for that household. The Division shall provide the vendor with an electronic file (FTP or CD ROM) to extract the information regarding registered voter households and district/precinct coding that will be printed directly onto the pamphlet.

The vendor must hold a U.S. Postal Service bulk mail permit approved by the U.S. Postal Service for in-plant mail verification and drop shipments. The vendor must mail all pamphlets by bulk mail with the nine-digit zip code and in accordance with U.S. Postal Service specifications to guarantee the lowest automated rates possible. The vendor is responsible for ensuring that a bulk mail non-profit-permit imprint appears in the upper right-hand corner on the back cover of the pamphlet. Upon mutual agreement, the state bulk mailing permit may be used if needed. If using the state’s bulk mailing permit, pamphlets mailed to voter households must be mailed from the Anchorage International Post Office, except the pamphlets addressed with a 998 or higher zip code must be mailed from the Juneau Post Office.

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The vendor must mail one English pamphlet to each registered voter household in the State of Alaska. Limited sections in the state will also receive a translated version (in addition to the English version) with the language specific to the area. The specified areas* are:

Aleutians West Census Area (Tagalog - Unalaska), Bethel Census Area (General Central Yup’ik, Nunivak Cup’ig), Dillingham Census Area (Bristol Bay Yup'ik), Kodiak Island Borough (Tagalog), and Kusilvak Census Area (Chevak Cup’ik, General Central Yup’ik, Hooper Bay Yup’ik, Norton Sound Kotlik Yup’ik, Yukon Yup’ik).

* A more detailed chart of the specific communities and their required language will be provided to the contractor during production.

DELIVERY: By law, all election pamphlets addressed for mailing to registered voters must be mailed 22 days before each election; however, to ensure voters receive the pamphlet on time, the vendor must mail the pamphlets at least 29 days prior to the election. The Alaska Primary Election is Tuesday, August 18, 2026; the General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Ballot Measure Pamphlet: The successful bidder will be required to mail all (English and translated) preaddressed election pamphlets to voter households on or before Monday, July 20, 2026. (The 22nd day falls on Monday, July 27, 2026)

Official Election Pamphlet: The successful bidder will be required to mail all (English and translated) preaddressed election pamphlets to voter households on or before Monday, October 5, 2026. (The 22nd day falls on Monday, October 12, 2026)

UNADDRESSED PAMPHLETS: All unaddressed pamphlets shall be delivered to each Division of Elections Office and the Legislative Information Offices in the quantities described in the attached general specifications. The unaddressed pamphlets shall be mailed in such a manner that each regional or legislative office receives the pamphlets by:

Ballot Measure Pamphlet: Monday, July 27, 2026 Official Election Pamphlet: Monday, October 12, 2026

The vendor must include the cost of delivering the pamphlets to each office in the quoted amount.

Pamphlets shall be boxed in a manner that will protect the contents from damage. Each package must be clearly labeled with form and purchase order numbers, location of drop shipment, title of pamphlets, and quantity contained. A packing slip must be attached showing actual quantities delivered.

POSTAGE: The Division of Elections will provide either its mailing permit or provide payment to vendor if using vendor provided mailing permit to pay for the postage to mail the pamphlets as specified only if the contractor is choosing the most cost-effective and fastest shipping method. The vendor is required to treat international bound OEPs separately by placing them in envelopes, paying the mailing costs, and then billing the Division to cover the cost. Again, the printer is responsible for finding the most inexpensive and fast manner of shipping in order to be reimbursed.

TENTATIVE TIME SCHEDULE: Vendor must meet the following deadlines for both pamphlets:

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BALLOT MEASURE PAMPHLET

DATE PAGES MATERIALS DESCRIPTION/TASK

Monday, May 11, 2026 (to DOE for approval)

1 Proof of the cover for the pamphlet: (1) cover for the BMP.

Monday, May 18, 2026 through Wednesday, June 10, 2026

(per language)

(Per language; x1 English; x5 translated) Voter information (district listing, polling place info, and a statewide map).

(DOE to printer) 15-20 Miscellaneous information pages (voting info, voter rights, absentee voting, absentee application, RCV information, TOC, and language assistance information).

41-66 Specific ballot measure information pages.

1 Sample ballot.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Friday, June 26, 2026 (Printer to DOE)

Vendor’s duration to give DOE proofs of all individual pages.

Monday, June 29, 2026 (DOE to printer)

Target deadline for final materials and/or changes locked down to vendor.

Address file available to vendor.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Final digital mockups of the BMP have been provided to the DOE and signed off. Or if working from hardcopy proofs a final blue-lined format, folded, stitched and trimmed to represent finished book has been provided to the

DOE.

Thursday, July 2, 2026 (printer)

Vendor’s deadline to provide the DOE high quality and web ready digital files of the BMPs both English and translated.

Monday, July 6, 2026 (printer)

Target deadline for starting BMP printing. If needed; DOE Staff on site for press-checks. Vendor must provide adequate space for DOE staff to work on site. This date can be adjusted if needed for production.

Monday, July 20, 2026

Target date for vendor to mail BMP to voter households.

Monday, July 27, 2026

Deadline for unaddressed BMP copies to arrive in DOE offices and Legislative Information Offices.

Monday, July 27, 2026 Statutory deadline for BMP to be mailed to all voter households.

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OFFICIAL ELECTION PAMPHLET

DATE PAGES MATERIALS DESCRIPTION/TASK

Friday, July 17, 2026 (DOE to printer)

(per language)

(1) Statewide and (40) district maps.

Per language (x1 English; x6 translated):

Miscellaneous common information pages (voting info, voter rights, absentee voting, absentee application, RCV information, TOC (finalized after Primary certification), and language assistance information).

Monday, July 20, 2026

5 (English) 6 (translated)

Proofs of covers for each pamphlet: (5) different English covers; 6 translated regions of the state.

Monday, August 31, 2026 (to printer)

266 (English)

16 x 6

(translated)

Per language (x1 English; x6 translated):

Candidate statements (narrative plus photo) will be provided to printer as the DOE receives them or earlier if available. (Final determination of candidates won’t be locked down until after the Primary Election is certified on om 08/31/2026.)

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

(per language)

Per language (x1 English; x6 translated):

Alaska Public Offices Commission page.

through 4 Political party pages.

Friday, August 14, 2026 1 Absentee location pages.

(to printer) 35-50 Ballot measure pages (if applicable).

19 Judicial retention candidate statements (narrative and photo).

Judicial council retention candidate recommendations (narrative and graph).

5 (English) 6 (translated)

Judicial candidate lists (1) per region and translated area.

2 - 4 Judicial council evaluation summary.

Friday, August 14, 2026 through Friday, September 11, 2026

Proofs of candidate pages/photos, misc. information pages, political party pages, absentee voting location pages.

Proofs of judicial retention statements, judicial recommendations, and judicial council evaluations; ballot measure pages.

The PDF proofs can be sent to the DOE as created during the prepress.

Monday, August 31, 2026 Target date for DOE to certify Primary Election, final candidates determined (except for recount).

Monday, August 31, 2026 4

Alaska Permanent Fund pages ready.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

45 (English) 17 (translated)

Sample ballots ready and will be provided to the printer.

Friday, September 4, 2026

Confirm final certified candidates for books;

Per language (x1 English; x6 translated):

Polling place change pages.

(DOE to printer) 10 Section divider pages (4) and filler pages (if needed).

List of statewide and district candidates.

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Exact number of pages for each pamphlet is determined and page count spreadsheets finalized.

Friday, September 11, 2026 (Printer to DOE)

Vendor's deadline to have all individual pages provided to OEP staff (i.e. those that have been provided by this date).

Final review/proofing of the assembled books begins. Proofs provided in print-ready and blue-lined proof format, folded, stitched and trimmed to represent finished pamphlets. Alternatively, digital proofs can be provided if review is conducted remotely.

The Table of Contents and page numbering may be finalized after the Primary is certified. The pages of candidates unsuccessful in the Primary will not be printed.

Electronic address file is extracted from the voter system.

Monday, September 14, 2026 (Printer to DOE)

Vendor receives and analyzes address file for mailing and notifies DOE of approximate postage costs.

Monday, September 21, 2026 Target printing deadline; final materials lock down with printer. All other materials will be provided as outlined and as available. DOE staff will be on-site for press checks and initial binding of each pamphlet. Vendor must provide adequate space for DOE staff to work on site. This deadline is in the event of recounts or lawsuits that may cause minor adjustments.

Monday, October 5, 2026

Target date to mail OEPs to voter households.

Monday, October 12, 2026

Deadline for unaddressed OEPs to arrive in DOE offices and Legislative Information Offices.

Monday, October 12, 2026

Statutory deadline for OEP to be mailed to all voter households.

SEC. 2.12 INSPECTION & MODIFICATION - REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNACCEPTABLE

DELIVERABLES

The contractor is responsible for proving all products or the completion of all work set out in the contract. All products or work is subject to inspection, evaluation, and approval by the state. The state may employ all reasonable means to ensure that the work is progressing and being performed in compliance with the contract.

The state may instruct the contractor to make corrections or modifications if needed in order to accomplish the contract’s intent. The contractor will not unreasonably withhold such changes.

Substantial failure of the contractor to perform the contract may cause the state to terminate the contract. In this event, the state may require the contractor to reimburse monies paid (based on the identified portion of unacceptable products or work received) and may seek associated damages.

SEC. 2.13 CONTINUING OBLIGATION OF CONTRACTOR

Notwithstanding the expiration date of a contract resulting from this ITB, the contractor is obligated to fulfill its responsibilities until warranty, guarantee, maintenance, and parts availability requirements have completely expired.

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SEC. 2.14 ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

The quantities referenced in this ITB are the state's estimated requirements and may vary more or less from the quantities actually purchased. The state does not guarantee any minimum or maximum purchase. Orders will be issued throughout the contract period on an as-needed basis.

SEC. 2.15 INFORMAL DEBRIEFING

When the contract is completed, an informal debriefing may be performed at the discretion of the procurement officer. If performed, the scope of the debriefing will be limited to the products provided or work performed by the contractor.

SEC. 2.16 INDEMNIFICATION

The contractor shall indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the contracting agency from and against any claim of, or liability for error, omission or negligent act of the contractor under this agreement. The contractor shall not be required to indemnify the contracting agency for a claim of, or liability for, the independent negligence of the contracting agency. If there is a claim of, or liability for, the joint negligent error or omission of the contractor and the independent negligence of the contracting agency, the indemnification and hold harmless obligation shall be apportioned on a comparative fault basis.

“Contractor” and “contracting agency”, as used within this and the following article, include the employees, agents and other contractors who are directly responsible, respectively, to each. The term “independent negligence” is negligence other than in the contracting agency’s selection, administration, monitoring, or controlling of the contractor and in approving or accepting the contractor’s work.

SEC. 2.17 INSURANCE

Without limiting the contractor's indemnification, it is agreed that the contractor shall purchase at its own expense and maintain in force at all times during the performance of services under this agreement the following policies of insurance. Where specific limits are shown, it is understood that they shall be the minimum acceptable limits.

If the contractor's policy contains higher limits, the state shall be entitled to coverage to the extent of such higher limits.

Certificates of Insurance must be furnished to the procurement officer prior to contract approval and must provide for a notice of cancellation, non-renewal, or material change of conditions in accordance with policy provisions.

Failure to furnish satisfactory evidence of insurance or lapse of the policy is a material breach of this contract and shall be grounds for termination of the contractor's services. All insurance policies shall comply with and be issued by insurers licensed to transact the business of insurance under AS 21.

Proof of insurance is required for the following:

• Workers' Compensation Insurance: The contractor shall provide and maintain, for all employees engaged in work under this contract, coverage as required by AS 23.30.045, and; where applicable, any other statutory obligations including but not limited to Federal U.S.L. & H. and Jones Act requirements. The policy must waive subrogation against the state.

• Commercial General Liability Insurance: covering all business premises and operations used by the contractor in the performance of services under this agreement with minimum coverage limits of $300,000 combined single limit per occurrence.

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• Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance: covering all vehicles used by the contractor in the performance of services under this agreement with minimum coverage limits of $300,000 combined single limit per occurrence.

SECTION 3. CONTRACT INVOICING AND PAYMENTS

SEC. 3.01 BILLING INSTRUCTIONS

All invoices produced by the contractor must contain the following information at a minimum:

1. Invoice number, invoice date, due date and purchase order number.

2. Number of copies printed, page counts, quantity produces and delivered by region.

3. Additions or deductions of page quantity costs.

4. Foreign Country Mailing Postage Expense.

5. Postage Reconciliation

Invoices must be billed to the ordering agency's address shown on the individual Purchase Order, Contract Award or Delivery Order. The state will make payment after it receives the goods or services and the invoice. Questions concerning payment must be addressed to the ordering agency.

SEC. 3.02 PAYMENT FOR STATE PURCHASES

Payment for agreements under $500,000 for the undisputed purchase of goods or services provided to a state agency, will be made within 30 days of the receipt of a proper billing or the delivery of the goods or services to the location(s) specified in the agreement, whichever is later. A late payment is subject to 1.5% interest per month on the unpaid balance. Interest will not be paid if there is a dispute or if there is an agreement that establishes a lower interest rate or precludes the charging of interest.

Any single contract payments of $1 million or higher must be accepted by the contractor via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

SEC. 3.03 PROMPT PAYMENT FOR STATE PURCHASES

The state is eligible to receive a 5% discount for all invoices paid within 15 business days from the date of receipt of the commodities or services and/or a correct invoice, whichever is later. The discount shall be taken on the full invoice amount. The state shall consider payment being made as either the date a printed warrant is issued or the date an electronic funds transfer (EFT) is initiated.

SEC. 3.04 THIRD-PARTY FINANCING AGREEMENTS NOT ALLOWED

Because of the additional administrative and accounting time required of the state when third party financing agreements are permitted, they will not be allowed under this contract.

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SECTION 4. EVALUATION AND CONTRACTOR SELECTION

SEC. 4.01 EVALUATION OF BIDS

After bid opening, the procurement officer will evaluate the bids for responsiveness. Bids deemed non-responsive will be eliminated from further consideration. An evaluation may not be based on discrimination due the race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability, or political affiliation of the bidder.

SEC. 4.02 APPLICATION OF PREFERENCES

Certain preferences apply to all state contracts, regardless of their dollar value. The Alaska Bidder and Alaska Veteran preferences are the most common preferences involved in the ITB process. Additional preferences that may apply to this procurement are listed below. Guides that contain excerpts from the relevant statutes and codes, explain when the preferences apply and provide examples of how to calculate the preferences are available at the following website:

http://doa.alaska.gov/dgs/pdf/pref1.pdf

• Alaska Products Preference - AS 36.30.332

• Recycled Products Preference - AS 36.30.337

• Local Agriculture and Fisheries Products Preference - AS 36.15.050

• Employment Program Preference - AS 36.30.321(b)

• Alaskans with Disabilities Preference - AS 36.30.321(d)

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development keeps a list of qualified employment programs and individuals who qualify as persons with a disability. As evidence of a business’ or an individual's right to the Employment Program or Alaskans with Disabilities preferences, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will issue a certification letter. To take advantage of these preferences, a business or individual must be on the appropriate Division of Vocational Rehabilitation list prior to the time designated for receipt of proposals. Offerors must attach a copy of their certification letter to the proposal. An offeror's failure to provide this certification letter with their proposal will cause the state to disallow the preference.

SEC. 4.03 ALASKA BIDDER PREFERENCE

An Alaska Bidder Preference of 5% will be applied to the total bid price. The preference will be given to a bidder who:

1) holds a current Alaska business license prior to the deadline for receipt of bids;

2) submits a bid for goods or services under the name appearing on the bidder’s current Alaska business license;

3) has maintained a place of business within the state staffed by the bidder, or an employee of the bidder, for a period of six months immediately preceding the date of the bid;

4) is incorporated or qualified to do business under the laws of the state, is a sole proprietorship and the proprietor is a resident of the state, is a limited liability company (LLC) organized under AS 10.50 and all http://doa.alaska.gov/dgs/pdf/pref1.pdf

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5) if a joint venture, is composed entirely of ventures that qualify under (1)-(4) of this subsection.

Alaska Bidder Preference Statement In order to receive the Alaska Bidder Preference, the bid must include a statement certifying that the bidder is eligible to receive the Alaska Bidder Preference.

If the bidder is a LLC or partnership as identified in (4) of this subsection, the statement must also identify each member or partner and include a statement certifying that all members or partners are residents of the state.

If the bidder is a joint venture which includes a LLC or partnership as identified in (4) of this subsection, the statement must also identify each member or partner of each LLC or partnership that is included in the joint venture and include a statement certifying that all of those members or partners are residents of the state.

SEC. 4.04 ALASKA VETERAN PREFERENCE

An Alaska Veteran Preference of 5%, not to exceed $5,000, will be applied to the total bid price. The preference will be given to a bidder who qualifies under AS 36.30.990(2) as an Alaska Bidder and is a:

a) sole proprietorship owned by an Alaska veteran;

b) partnership under AS 32.06 or AS 32.11 if a majority of the partners are Alaska veterans;

c) limited liability company organized under AS 10.50 if a majority of the members are Alaska veterans; or

d) corporation that is wholly owned by individuals, and a majority of the individuals are Alaska veterans.

In accordance with AS 36.30.321(i), the bidder must also add value by actually performing, controlling, managing, and supervising the services provided, or for supplies, the bidder must have sold supplies of the general nature solicited to other state agencies, other government, or the general public.

Alaska Veteran Preference Statement In order to receive the Alaska Veteran Preference, the bid must include a statement certifying that the bidder is eligible to receive the Alaska Veteran Preference.

SEC. 4.05 USE OF LOCAL FOREST PRODUCTS

In a project financed by state money in which the use of timber, lumber and manufactured lumber is required, only timber, lumber and manufactured lumber products originating in this state from Alaska forests shall be used unless the use of those products has been determined to be impractical, in accordance with AS 36.15.010 and AS 36.30.322.

SEC. 4.06 LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES PRODUCT PREFERENCE

When agricultural, dairy, timber, lumber, or fisheries products are purchased using state money, a seven percent (7%) preference shall be applied to the price of the products harvested in Alaska, or in the case of fisheries products, the products harvested or processed within the jurisdiction of Alaska, in accordance with AS 36.15.050.

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SEC. 4.07 ALASKA PRODUCT PREFERENCE

A bidder that designates the use of an Alaska Product which meets the requirements of the ITB specifications and is designated as a Class I, Class II or Class III Alaska Product by the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCCED) may receive a preference in the bid evaluation in accordance with AS 36.30.332 and 3 AAC 92.010.

To qualify for the preference, the product must have received certification from DCCED, be listed in the current published edition of the Alaska Products Preference List, and the bidder must provide the qualified product on a 100% basis. There are no provisions under Alaska Statutes or Regulations that allow for a product exchanges/substitutions or permit the product to be co-mingled with other products. Rather, AS 36.30.330 provides for a penalty for failing to use the designated Alaska products.

Products are classified in one of three categories:

• Class I products receive a 3% preference.

• Class II products receive a 5% preference.

• Class III products receive a 7% preference.

When the bids are evaluated, the preference percentage will be deducted from the product price. If a bidder fails to specify the brand being offered, no preference will be given. For more information on the Alaska Product Preference and to see the list of products currently on the Alaska Product Preference List, use the following web link:

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/dcra/AlaskaProductPreferenceProgram.aspx

Brand Offered If offering a product that qualifies for the Alaska Product Preference, the bidder must indicate the brand of product they intent to provide. If a bidder is not offering a product that qualifies for the Alaska Product Preference, the bidder does not need to indicate a product brand.

Brand of Product Changes During the course of the contract including all renewal options, a contractor that offered a product that qualified for the Alaska Product Preference wishes to change the product brand, the contractor must first provide a written request, along with evidence that the replacement brand also qualifies for the Alaska Product Preference, for approval by the procurement officer. A contract amendment must be issued by the procurement officer to authorize the change.

If a bidder offers a product brand in the original bid that does not qualify for the Alaska Product Preference, a change in the product brand may be made at any time during the course of the contract, including all renewals, as long as the product band continues to meet the required specifications. A contract amendment is not required if the product brand originally offered did not qualify for the Alaska Product Preference.

SEC. 4.08 EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM PREFERENCE

If a bidder qualifies for the Alaska Bidder Preference and is offering goods or services through an employment program as defined under AS 36.30.990(12), an Employment Program Preference of 15% will be applied to the total bid price.

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/dcra/AlaskaProductPreferenceProgram.aspx

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In accordance with AS 36.30.321(i), the bidder must also add value by actually performing, controlling, managing, and supervising the services provided, or for supplies, the bidder must have sold supplies of the general nature solicited to other state agencies, other government, or the general public.

SEC. 4.09 ALASKANS WITH DISABILITIES PREFERENCE

If a bidder qualifies for the Alaska Bidder Preference and is a qualifying entity as defined in AS 36.30.321(d), an…