2011 Unclaimed Property Ad List Insert

The State of Maine is soliciting bids for newspaper distribution of its 2011 Unclaimed Property Ad List Insert, with bids due February 24, 2011. The procurement carries a tie-bid preference for in-state vendors or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine.

The scope is placement and distribution of a 20-page broadsheet insert across eight newspapers in central and southern Maine during April 2011, with delivery one week prior to publication. Total circulation across all placements is 248,500 copies. Key publications include Bangor Daily News (67,300 circulation) and multiple Maine Sunday Telegram editions (100,700 copies combined), along with five additional regional newspapers. Delivery addresses include printing and distribution centers in South Portland and individual newspaper offices in Brunswick, Hampden, Biddeford, and Lewiston.

The total program cost is $14,497.70, with individual newspaper placement costs ranging from $267.46 to $4,291.80 based on circulation size and flat rates per broadsheet ranging from $45.00 to $62.20. The contract may be extended beyond the initial term at the discretion of the State Purchasing Director with contractor consent, with a maximum total period not to exceed three years. An allowable overrun does not exceed 3%.

The State of Maine's Division of Purchases will award to the lowest responsible bidder offering best value, considering quality, conformity to specifications, delivery dates, and overall State interests. Bids must be submitted electronically by 2:00 p.m. local time on February 24, 2011. The State is exempt from Federal and Maine State Sales and Use Taxes; quotes must exclude these taxes. A recycled content preference program applies to paper products: bids offering a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled material content that fall within 10% of the lowest responsive bid may receive up to a 10% price preference, provided vendors explicitly indicate this election and disclose recycled content percentage in their response.