UNCP_Tshirt (RFI)_712026_02.doc

RFI – #71-2025-01-A

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this RFI to:

Kimberly.locklear@uncp.edu

Commodity No. and Description:

Bulk T shirt supply for university for various departments and events (athletics not included) Issue Date: 05/31/2026

RFI SUBMITTAL: Vendor’s response to this RFI must be submitted through the Sourcing Tool. For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to Vendors should go to the following site: https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training.

Questions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888-211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.

NOTICE TO VENDOR

Your Request for Information (RFI) must be uploaded to the eVP system by the date provided Tuesday 16 2026.

QUESTIONS

Submit questions until Friday, June 6 questions may be submitted by e-mail to kimberly.locklear@uncp.edu Please insert “RFI No. RFI 71-2026-02 Questions” in the subject matter of your e-mail. A summary of all questions and answers will be posted to the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), https://evp.nc.gov), as an addendum to this RFI.

EXECUTION

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

DATE:

1.0 OBJECTIVE & pURPOSE

The intent of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information for possible future solicitation, which may result in a contract for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in ordering and purchase large bulk t-shirts of varies colors, sizes, and fabric.

THE DEPARTMENT MAKES NO COMMITMENT TO ACQUIRE ANY SERVICES UNDER THIS RFI. DEPARTMENT WILL NOT PAY FOR INFORMATION RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE RFI. THE VENDOR SOLEY BEARS ANY COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF A RESPONSE.

This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses to the RFI will not be returned nor will the Department confirm receipt of the RFI response. Whatever information is provided in response to this RFI will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for determining how to proceed in the acquisition process. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Department to form a binding contract.

All interested vendors are requested to provide a written response to the questions below. A response to this RFI is necessary to assist the Department in determining the potential levels of interest, adequate competition, market maturity, and service capabilities within the business community.

The Department requests detailed vendor specific and industry standard information on how your firm would address the items in the following sections of this RFI.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is seeking to establish a partnership with a highly qualified vendor to supply high-quality T‑shirts in bulk on an as-needed basis. These T‑shirts will support a wide range of campus needs, including but not limited to academic offices, Admissions, Enrollment, New Student Orientation, university departments, student organizations, and institutional events such as Homecoming. They will also be used for marketing and promotional campaigns, as well as staff uniforms across campus.

3.0 BACKGROUND & CURRENT STATUS

Scope of Information Requested

A. Company Information

1. Company name, address, and contact details

2. Years in business

3. Relevant experience supplying T-shirts/apparel

4. 3 Customer references

B. Product Information

1. Types of T-shirts offered (cotton, polyester, blends, etc.)

2. Available brands/products

3. Fabric specifications

4. Available sizes and colors (size: small to the largest size offer)

5. Quality standards

C. Pricing Structure 1.

Pricing tiers Bulk discounts Shipping costs, waiver 3.

Rush ordering fees waived D.Delivery

1. Production timelines

2. Delivery options

3. Large-volume capability

4. Inventory capabilities

E.

Sustainability & Compliance

1. Eco-friendly options

2. Certifications

3. Labor standards compliance

Value-Added Services

1. Inventory management

2. Drop shipping

3. Online ordering portals

4. Packaging options

5. Submission Requirements

Please include completed RFI response, product catalogs, pricing sheets, and samples if available.

7. Additional Notes

4.0 This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to purchase. Responses will be used to evaluate potential vendors for future solicitations

5.0 RFI Procedures

The Department recognizes that considerable effort may be required in preparing a response to this RFI. However, respondents are advised that this is a request for information only, and not a request for services. Respondents shall bear all costs for preparing their RFI response. Respondents to this RFI are asked to be thorough and concise.

All responses, inquiries, or correspondence relating to or in reference to this RFI, and all documentation submitted by the various respondents shall become the property of the Department when received. The responses to this RFI, any follow-up questions and presentations to the Department may be used to develop any future solicitation.

6.0 Schedule

Respondents will have 2 weeks to prepare their submissions to this RFI. Responses must be received by the date and time specified in this RFI. Respondents may also be invited to present and discuss their solutions. This could be virtually or in person.

Clarification Questions

Clarification questions regarding this RFI will be accepted until specified time on the cover sheet of this RFI. All questions must be submitted in writing to the email address specified on the cover sheet of this RFI. An addendum containing clarification questions, and their answers will be issued as an addendum to this RFI, though eVP.

7.0 Response

The Vendor shall provide the following in their response:

1. Transmittal Letter

The transmittal letter should be in the form of a standard business letter and should be signed by a respondent-authorized individual. It should note the following:

a) A statement that deviations are included, if applicable.

b) A statement that proprietary information is included, if applicable.

2. General Information

Respondent information:

a) Name of Company

b) Contact Person

c) Address, Telephone Number, Email Address

d) Brief history of company

3. Content

Interested firms shall submit a response to this RFI together with:

· Marketing materials including information on your firm

· Detailed description of the product(s), services and capabilities available to the Department

· Representative cost estimates

8.0 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

In accordance with 09 NCAC 06B.0103 the State may maintain confidentiality of certain types of information described in N.C. Gen. Stat. 132-1 et. seq. Such information may include trades secrets defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. 132-1.2. Respondents may designate appropriate portions of its response confidential, consistent with and to the extent permitted under the Rules and Statutes set forth above, by marking the pages containing confidential information with boldface type at the top and bottom of each such page stating “CONFIDENTIAL.” By so marking any page, the Respondent warrants that is has formed a good faith opinion, having received such necessary or proper review by counsel and other knowledgeable advisers that the portions marked confidential meet the requirements of the Rules and Statutes set forth above. The State may serve as custodian of Respondent’s confidential information and not as an arbiter of claims against Respondent’s assertion of confidentiality. If an action is brought pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. 132-9 to compel the State to disclose information marked confidential, the Respondent agrees that it will intervene in the action through its counsel and participate in defending the State, including any public official(s) or public employee(s). The Respondent agrees that it shall hold the State and any official(s) and individual(s) harmless from any and all damages, costs, and attorney’s fees awarded against the State or official or individual in the action. The State agrees to promptly notify the Respondent in writing of any action seeking to compel disclosure of Respondent’s confidential information. The State shall have the right, at its option and expense, to participate in the defense of the action through its counsel. The State shall have no liability to Respondent with respect to the disclosure of Respondent’s confidential information ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. 132-9 or other applicable law.

All information received in response to the RFI that is marked Confidential will be handled accordingly. The Department shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information submitted and not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable state regulations.

Version 11.2024