Specifications - Nursing Covers.pdf

Maryland WIC Program Specifications Nursing Covers

Procurement ID #: BPM058176

EXHIBIT A

Commodity Details

Item: Nursing Covers

Color: Patterned Fabric

Reference/Product Guidance:

Illustration is provided for reference purposes only.

Product appearance may vary but shall meet all specifications outlined herein.

Fabric: 100% Breathable Cotton

Minimum Dimensions: 36 inches (W) x 24 – 30 inches (L)

Quantity: 3,850 Each

Description: The nursing cover is a reusable breastfeeding cover designed to provide privacy, comfort, and discretion while breastfeeding in public or semi-public settings. The Maryland Program provides nursing covers as a breastfeeding support incentive to encourage and promote breastfeeding by increasing participants’ comfort and confidence while breastfeeding outside the home.

Requirements:

• Nursing Cover shall be constructed of 100% breathable cotton fabric.

• Nursing Cover shall promote and support breastfeeding and shall not contain images, symbols, or messaging related to infant formula, bottles, pacifiers, or other breast milk substitutes.

• Nursing Cover shall feature a firm, open neckline that holds the fabric away from the body, allowing the wearer to maintain visibility and eye contact with the infant during breastfeeding or pumping. The neckline shall not form a complete circle around the neck.

• Nursing Covers shall include an adjustable buckle fastener that is durable, functional and easy to adjust.

• Nursing Cover shall include an adjustable cotton neck strap that is securely attached to prevent detachment during use.

• Nursing Covers shall have professionally finished, securely stitched hems with consistent stitching and a clean, commercial-quality appearance. Hems shall be free of loose threads, uneven stitching, and unfinished edges.

• Nursing Covers shall be machine washable and maintain its shape, color, and functionality after repeated laundering. Care instructions shall be provided.

• Nursing Cover shall be free of Bisphenol A (BPA), latex, lead, phthalate, and other toxic substances.

• Nursing Cover may include a storage bag or carrying pouch.

Packaging Requirements:

• Each nursing cover shall be individually packaged in a sealed package to protect the product during storage, handling, and distribution.

• Each individual package shall include care and laundering instructions in both English and Spanish. Care instructions shall include applicable laundering symbols or equivalent written instructions.

• Each individual package shall be clearly labeled with the manufacturer’s name and product identification for reference.

• All products shall be packaged to prevent damage, contamination, or excessive soiling during shipment and storage.

• Packaging shall not contain promotional materials or advertisements unrelated to this product.

Cost: All Inclusive Total Bid Cost Not to Exceed $40,000

• The unit cost should include the item and shipping to ZIP Code 21742

• No sales tax shall be applied. See the State of Maryland Comptroller Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate #30002563

• The State will only pay for the quantity indicated on the order and will not cover any overages.

• If the quantity delivered is less than specified on the order, payment will be made for the actual quantity received.

Payment: Purchase Order

Expected Delivery: September 30, 2026

• The WIC Program limits each order to a maximum of two (2) deliveries.

Vendors shall ensure that no order is shipped in more than (2) two shipments.

• Products received with damaged, opened, or compromised packaging may be rejected and returned to the vendor for replacement at no additional cost to the WIC Program.

Sample Requirements

• An initial sample of the exact product proposed shall be submitted with the bid to verify compliance with all specifications, including materials, construction, workmanship, and overall quality. Failure to submit the required sample shall result in bid being deemed non-responsive.

• The approved sample shall serve as the quality and workmanship standard for all products delivered under the resulting contract.

• If the final product does not conform to the approved sample or specifications of this solicitation, the WIC Program may reject the shipment. The vendor will be provided with an opportunity to correct the deficiency or provide replacement within the timeframe established by the Contract monitor. Failure to cure the deficiency within

• the specified timeframe may result in contract termination or other remedies available under the resulting contract.

• The bid form and product sample shall be submitted together. Samples received separately from the bid submission will not be considered.

• Bid Form and product sample shall be submitted in one package to:

Danielle Fields Maryland Department of Health Maryland WIC Program 201 W. Preston Street, Room 104E Baltimore, MD 21201

Invoicing

• All invoices shall be submitted by email to mdwic.billing@maryland.gov with a copy to mdh.wicprocurement@maryland.gov. The WIC Program will only accept one invoice. All invoices for commodities shall be verified by the Contractor as delivered/received at the time of submission.

• Invoices will be submitted to accounting for payment upon completed receipt of shipment.

An invoice not satisfying the requirements of a Proper Invoice (as defined at COMAR

21.06.09.01 and .02) cannot be processed for payment. To be considered a Proper Invoice, invoices must include the following information, without error:

• Contractor name and address;

• Remittance address;

• Federal taxpayer identification number (or if sole proprietorship, the individual’s social security number);

• Invoice period;

• Invoice date;

• Invoice number

• State assigned Contract number (If Applicable);

• State assigned (Blanket) Purchase Order number(s) – (If

Applicable);

• Goods or services provided; and

• Amount due.

Freight Terms

The Maryland State WIC Program’s freight terms for U.S. domestic shipments are FOB destination, with freight pre-paid by the vendor for all shipments.

mailto:mdwic.billing@maryland.gov mailto:mdh.wicprocurement@maryland.gov.

Shipping Method

• Shipments of 10 cartons or fewer and 200 lbs. or less that meet FedEx or UPS Ground guidelines should be shipped by FedEx or UPS Ground.

• Orders exceeding 10 boxes and 200 lbs. must be palletized.

• Container shipments will not be accepted.

• All orders must be shipped in no more than two (2) separate deliveries.

Packaging Instructions

Vendors must use shipping containers (e.g., boxes, cartons, etc.) that:

• Are designed for handling and provide adequate protection for the contents.

• Are uniform in size whenever possible.

• Have minimal tare weight and appropriate size for protection.

• Meet the minimum packaging requirements of common carrier for safe transport.

Shipment Preparation

Carton Preparation

• Maximum carton weight: 40 lbs.

• Each carton must be clearly labeled with the following information in bold print with letters and numbers at least ½ inch in height.

o WIC Purchase Order Number o Item number o Product description (from the purchase order) in English or Spanish

• Total number of cartons (e.g.: “1 of 6”, “2 of 6”, etc.)

• Packing lists must be attached to the outside of the cartons.

Palletized Loads

• Orders exceeding 10 cartons and 200 lbs. must be palletized according to the following specifications:

o Each pallet must contain cartons of a single item number.

o Pallets used shall be, at the minimum, a Grade A GMA four-way pallet in good condition, measuring 48” (L) x 40” (W).

o Each pallet must have:

Three single stringers (runners) - one on each side and one in the center.

Five boards securely fastened on the bottom. The pallet shall not have any missing, broken, or split boards.

Seven boards securely fastened on the top.

o Pallets must be clean, free from dirt, grease, or other foreign material.

o The product shall be stacked in a manner that maximizes the trailer cube without damaging the product.

o The maximum pallet weight is 2,000 lbs. (908 kg).

o Cartons must be shrink-wrapped securely with labels facing outward.

o Each pallet must be labeled with:

Purchase Order number

Pallet number (e.g., “1of 6,” “2 of 6,” etc.)

o The last pallet loaded must have a freight bill and/or packing list facing the o trailer door, with a copy of the packing list attached to the paperwork.

Maryland WIC Program Specifications:

Procurement ID#

Delivery Document Preparation

Packing List

Each WIC purchase order number must have a separate packing list. The vendor shall ensure that all materials shipped be accompanied by a standard commercial packing list. The following information must be included:

• Ship To Address (as stated on the purchase order)

• Ship From Address

• Purchase Order Number

• Item Number, Item Name, and Description (in English or Spanish)

• Quantity of each item

• Total number of cartons, pallets and total weight

Packing lists must be attached to the outside of the cartons.

Delivery Appointment Scheduling / Advance Shipping Notice

Advanced notice of delivery must be made by email to Michael.Schoppert@maryland.gov with a copy to Jackee.Hirsch@maryland.gov with “Delivery Schedule Request” in the subject line. Follow-up via phone calls at 301.714.2081 (Office). Unscheduled deliveries may be rejected or returned.

Include the following information in the delivery request:

• Delivery Date

• Number of cartons/pallets

• Purchase Order Number and Item Description

Delivery Address:

Maryland WIC Distribution Center 947 N. Burhans Blvd.

Hagerstown, MD 21742

Failure to comply with these instructions may result in the product being returned at the vendor’s expense.

mailto:Michael.Schoppert@maryland.gov mailto:Jackee.Hirsch@maryland.gov