2025 - 2026 Blue Book with embossing.

The Illinois Secretary of State is soliciting bids for the printing and production of 3,000 copies of the 2025-2026 Illinois Blue Book, with a request for quote (RFQ) posted on December 29, 2025, and a bid deadline of January 9, 2026. The procurement requires vendors to deliver a complete 544-page book featuring 512 one-color pages with halftone photographs and a 32-page four-color section, with specifications including specific cover materials, gold-leaf debossing of the State Seal on the front cover, professional binding, and FOB delivery by June 17, 2026. Approximately 1,500 of the 3,000 books will include personalized names debossed on the cover from a vendor-provided list. The contract encompasses all printing, binding, and delivery services with pricing structured as a single firm, all-inclusive quote with no additional charges permitted, and an optional line item for personalized debossing at a per-book rate that will not be evaluated for award purposes. Qualified vendors must demonstrate a minimum of two years of printing experience and must perform printing work at a union shop, though binding may be completed at a non-union facility if necessary. The contract will commence upon execution and terminate on June 30, 2026, with no renewal options available. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest price, and the Secretary of State reserves the right to accept, reject, or negotiate bids. Vendors must submit all required forms and signature areas completed in full, with inquiries directed to Dave Littrell at dlittrell@ilsos.gov.

This procurement includes mandatory compliance with prevailing wage requirements for printing services and standard certifications including non-discrimination attestations, drug-free workplace certifications, and various statutory compliance requirements. No specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises or minority-owned businesses are identified in the solicitation documents. Vendors are responsible for sourcing all necessary debossing dyes independently, as the Illinois Secretary of State will not provide these materials. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors are referenced in the available documentation. Invoicing shall occur upon contract completion with invoices submitted to 501 South 2nd Street, Room 116, Springfield, Illinois 62756. While a specific contract value or budget range is not disclosed in the RFQ, the all-inclusive pricing structure requires vendors to provide a comprehensive quote covering all production, finishing, and delivery costs for the 3,000-unit order.