26-350SOS-SOS35-B-52561 Vendor Q and A 5.docx

This is a Vendor Question and Answer document for Illinois Secretary of State Request for Quote 26-350SOS-SOS35-B-52561 regarding branded promotional items and giveaways. The procurement solicits bids for eight categories of items in specified quantities: 5,000 ink pens, 500 canvas tote bags, 10 navy blue tablecloths, 2,500 state-shaped key tags, 10,000 silicon wristbands, 5,000 polyester lanyards, 2,500 heart-shaped chip clips with magnets, and 2,500 frisbee fans. All items must be branded with the "Life Goes On" logo featuring white font, a red donor symbol, and a yellow sun. Proposals are due by May 22, 2026, with all deliverables required by August 15, 2026, FOB Destination to Springfield. The contract term extends from execution through June 30, 2026, with a maximum total term not exceeding ten years including renewal options. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest price for all items in the category.

The Q&A document clarifies critical compliance requirements regarding the union printing mandate. The union printing requirement applies to all promotional products without exception, including imported factory-direct items and products imprinted directly by manufacturers. Non-union facilities cannot fulfill this requirement, regardless of whether the manufacturer performs the imprinting. Vendors must maintain general commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, along with auto liability and workers' compensation insurance as required by law. Firm pricing is required for each line item, and vendors should consult previous historical pricing from prior bid cycle 26-350SOS-ORGAN-B-48433 to inform their pricing strategies. The procurement does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged or minority-owned enterprises. A significant change from the predecessor solicitation is the removal of the "Made in USA" requirement.