Annual Contract for Sand Bags

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is soliciting bids for an annual contract for white woven polypropylene sand bags (14" × 26" with ties, UV rating 1600 or better), with bids due August 23, 2011. A local-vendor preference applies: in case of tie bids, preference is given to in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine.

The contract is available to all Maine state agencies, municipalities, and political subdivisions. The estimated contract value is $15,000, though actual value depends on quantities ordered during the contract term. The contractor must establish a tiered price schedule for five quantity brackets (1,000–4,999 bags through 29,000 or more bags) with pricing remaining firm throughout the one-year contract period, which the Director of Purchases may extend for one additional year at terms deemed in the State's best interest with contractor consent.

Delivery is F.O.B. Destination; pricing must include all transportation and delivery charges. The State is exempt from federal excise taxes and Maine state sales taxes. The contractor must accept the State of Maine Procurement Card without surcharges. Orders up to $5,000 are emailed directly to the vendor; larger orders are processed through the Division of Purchases. The contractor may be required to provide annual summaries of total purchases. The Division reserves the right to cancel with thirty days' written notice or immediately for non-compliance.

Bidders must submit a Code of Conduct Affidavit certifying compliance with applicable wage, health, labor, environmental, safety, and non-discrimination laws, and confirming adherence to human and labor rights treaty obligations covering forced labor, child labor, and indentured labor at all assembly locations. The affidavit must be faxed to Beth Obie at 207-287-6578 by bid opening. The incumbent supplier is Paris Farmers Union. Awards are made to the lowest responsible bidder offering best value, considering product quality, conformity to specifications, delivery dates, overall economy, and willingness to extend pricing to political subdivisions and school districts.