25-16 VENDOR.pdf

This is an Invitation for Bids (IFB) issued by Mississippi State University's Office of Procurement & Contracts for children's educational items. The bid (25-16/RFX#316000716) opens on February 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., seeking vendors to provide children's manipulative items, books, puzzles, toys, storage bins, and furniture from approved catalogs including Kaplan Early Learning Company, Lakeshore Early Learning Company, Community Playthings, Hatch, Discount School Supply, Really Good Stuff, and Monsters in My Head. The contract will be effective for 12 months starting May 11, 2025, or upon completion of documentation and approval. Vendors must submit sealed bids either electronically or physically to 245 Barr Avenue, 610 McArthur Hall, Mississippi State, MS 39762.

The estimated contract value is $1,900,000, with pricing structured around four categories: items requiring no assembly (60% weight), unassembled items (30% weight), vendor-assembled and delivered items (5% weight), and vendor on-site assembly (5% weight). All items will be awarded to one vendor based on the greatest overall weighted discount. The contract excludes computers, software, most furniture (except children's table and chair sets), and items exceeding $5,000. Orders under $100 require prepaid freight, while orders over $100 are FOB destination with no freight charges to MSU. The university may extend this contract as a non-mandatory state contract for use by other state agencies and governing authorities in Mississippi.