Bus Schedule Books and Maps (Print Services) – City of Santa Monica

This is an Invitation to Bid issued by the City of Santa Monica, Department of Transportation (SaMoDOT), for print services to produce Big Blue Bus schedule books and system maps under a firm-fixed contract with a five-year term. The procurement seeks a qualified print vendor to design and manufacture printed rider materials for the Big Blue Bus system, which operates 195 vehicles across a 58-square mile service area in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County. Deliverables include schedule books containing route information, timetables, and general guidance, as well as system maps displaying all bus routes and connections. The vendor must produce up to 6,000 units annually and accommodate three annual service changes. High-resolution digital proofs must be provided within five business days, with completed products delivered within 14 business days of proof approval. The bid release date is May 4, 2026; the deadline for vendor questions is May 8, 2026; and bid submissions are due electronically through the City's e-Procurement Portal (OpenGov) by 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time on May 18, 2026, with bids to be opened at 3:00 p.m. on the submission deadline date.

All printed materials must contain a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content and be produced on specified paper stocks (60# and 80# silk/velvet for schedule books; 50# and 70# velvet book for maps). Bidders must submit unit pricing for schedule books ranging from 0-30 pages through 121-130 pages in two cover stock options and system maps in quantities from 0-250 through 1,001-2,000 units. Required qualifications include a valid California contractor's license, Commercial General Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, Automobile Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per accident, and statutory Workers' Compensation insurance. The City will evaluate bids based on price, quality, experience, capacity, financial resources, and character of the bidder, with the right to award to multiple vendors. No set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions on respondent types are identified. Bidders must complete required certifications including the Oaks Initiative Disclosure Form (if the annual award exceeds $25,000), Levine Act Disclosure Form, and non-collusion declaration. The City will pay all applicable taxes within 30 days of delivery and invoice receipt. No specific award value or budget range information is disclosed in the published materials.