6" x 9" Business Reply Mail Envelopes (Skowhegan)

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting sealed bids for 6" x 9" Business Reply Mail envelopes for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence in Skowhegan, with bids due January 26, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. local time.

Bidders must comply with Maine's certified wood and paper products policy: envelopes must disclose the percentage of post-consumer recycled fiber content and certified virgin fiber content, with proof of chain-of-custody or certification status required. Vendors submitting bids on envelopes containing a minimum of 30% postconsumer recycled material that fall within 10% of the lowest compliant bid receive a price preference of up to 10%; those offering 100% post-consumer recycled or certified virgin fiber content may command a price premium of up to 4% above the low bid.

The envelopes carry detailed USPS Business Reply Mail specifications including precise barcode placement and sizing for Facing Identification Mark (FIM) and POSTNET barcodes printed at actual size; the pre-printed address is 98 North Avenue, Suite 10, Skowhegan, ME 04976-9959 with Augusta permit number 8. Unit prices must be quoted separately for quantities as specified and delivered to destination, with all transportation charges prepaid by the contractor. The State is exempt from federal and Maine sales and use taxes.

Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder offering the best overall value, with consideration given to quality, conformity to specifications, delivery date, and ultimate cost. In case of tie bids, preference goes to in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine. The Division reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities by up to 10% and to reject any or all bids. The contract term may be extended at the discretion of the State Purchasing Director with contractor consent, not to exceed three years total, with pricing subject to a 3% overrun limitation.