Annual Contract for Letterhead Stationery

The State of Maine is soliciting bids for an annual contract for letterhead stationery, with bids due October 26, 2010. A recycled-content price preference applies: bids offering paper or paper products containing a minimum of 30 percent postconsumer recycled material and priced within 10 percent of the lowest compliant bid may receive up to a 10 percent price preference. Vendors must explicitly declare recycled-content status and disclose the recycled content percentage in their response to qualify.

The scope covers #1 Bond (Watermark), Laid Finish, and 25% Cotton Content letterhead in 8.5×11 white stock with black or reflex blue ink options, offered in quantity tiers from 500 to 10,000 sheets per lot. All products are specified as recycled materials. Typesetting services per sheet are available as an additional charge. Pricing is based on camera-ready copy provided by the customer. Bidders must complete a standardized spreadsheet with separate unit prices for each item; transportation charges are prepaid unless otherwise specified.

The contract term does not exceed three years, with the State Purchasing Director retaining the right to extend beyond the indicated expiration date subject to contractor consent. A maximum allowable cost overrun of 3 percent applies. The state reserves the right to award on an item-by-item or group basis, reject any or all bids, and waive formalities. Tie bids are resolved in favor of in-state bidders or those offering Maine-manufactured products and services.

Bids must be submitted to the Division of Purchases, 111 Sewall Street, Augusta, Maine. The state is exempt from federal and Maine sales and use taxes; bidders should quote accordingly. Certified wood products bid language applies. Past performance is a potential evaluation factor. All manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and distributors of hazardous chemicals must provide current material safety data sheets as required by Maine's Chemical Substance Identification Law.