60-WS2282878323-SBE-Judicial Voter Guide 08. 2026

The North Carolina State Board of Elections is requesting bids for printing, mail processing, postage, and delivery of Judicial Voter Guide postcards to approximately 5 million North Carolina households, with bids due July 20, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST and anticipated award by July 27, 2026. This procurement is statutorily required under N.C.G.S. 163-278.69 to support the November 3, 2026 general election; if not pursued, the agency cannot timely distribute the guide until special-fund money is depleted.

The vendor must obtain the latest USPS residential address list, print 4-by-6-inch double-sided full-color postcards on 14-point white gloss stock, process the mailing using the vendor's own bulk-mail nonprofit permit, and dropship materials to appropriate USPS regional distribution facilities for household delivery between September 17 and October 8, 2026. The vendor must also deliver ten sample copies to NCSBE no later than October 1, 2026. Bid prices must be all-inclusive of printing, mail processing, postage, handling, transportation, and administrative fees; the state will provide pre-payment of USPS postage costs upon invoice receipt. The vendor must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State prior to contract execution and comply with E-Verify requirements for employees. Key personnel may not be substituted without prior written approval, and no portion of work may be subcontracted without state consent.

Award will be made to the lowest responsive bid meeting specifications, with promptness of delivery as an evaluation factor. The state reserves the right to award to a single vendor or make separate awards, reject any or all bids, and waive minor informalities. Written questions are due July 14, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST, with state responses by July 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Bids must be submitted through the Ariba Sourcing Tool and must include a completed pricing form, at least three customer references, and location-of-workers information.