DPC-2373536849-MT - Addendum 02.pdf

This is an addendum document issued by the North Carolina Department of Administration, Division of Purchase & Contract, for Solicitation Number DPC-2373536849-MT regarding Promotional Items for Higher Education Institutions under Statewide Term Contract 8014B. The addendum, issued on October 9, 2026 as Addendum 02, modifies the original bid opening date due to the volume and complexity of questions received by the state. The revised bid opening date is October 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET, allowing vendors additional time to submit responses. The solicitation covers six product categories: apparel (t-shirts, polos, jackets, hats); bags and totes (backpacks, duffels, drawstring bags); drinkware (water bottles, tumblers, mugs); writing instruments (pens, pencils, highlighters); award and recognition gifts (plaques, trophies, certificates); and other promotional merchandise (keychains, lanyards, calendars). The contract term extends from the effective date through June 30, 2029, with options for two additional one-year renewals upon 30 days' written notice. Procurement is managed by Melinda Tomlinson.

Vendors must hold current collegiate licenses or licensing agreements with one or more North Carolina universities or community colleges and comply with CPSC, ASTM, and FDA safety standards. Delivery is required within ten business days of final proof approval with a minimum 95 percent on-time delivery rate. The estimated contract spend is $6.085 million over the contract term, with pricing required to include standard shipping to North Carolina locations and demonstrate reasonableness against GSA, NASPO ValuePoint, or other state contract pricing. Vendors may propose volume discounts, tiered pricing, or rebates on quarterly sales. All proposals must comply with North Carolina Secretary of State registration and certifications regarding financial stability, non-debarment, E-Verify compliance, fair employment practices, and GenAI disclosure. Vendors currently holding awards under the existing 8014B contract or possessing qualifying collegiate licenses are not required to resubmit proposals to maintain existing awards.