Astrobrights, parchtone paper & envelope

The South Carolina Department of Corrections Purchasing Branch issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) seeking a vendor to supply Astrobrights paper, Parchtone paper, and envelopes through a one-year contract with two potential one-year renewal options. The procurement covers nine specific line items, including Parchtone paper in 60# and 65# weights across 8.5x11 and 23x35 formats, Astrobrights paper in matching weights and sizes, and Astrobrights #10 regular envelopes in assorted colors. Total quantities range from 2,500 to 50,000 units per line item, with a maximum of 400,000 envelopes. The bid requires sealed submissions to the SCDC Purchasing Branch by October 15, 2019, at 10:00 AM, with vendor questions due by September 27, 2019, at 11:00 AM. Award was originally scheduled for October 18, 2019, but was extended to October 24, 2019. Mandatory requirements include providing free product samples prior to the bid opening, delivering items within 30 days of purchase order receipt to the SCDC Print Shop, and submitting fixed unit pricing for each line item. Late delivery penalties range from 5% to 20% depending on the duration of delay.

The solicitation applies South Carolina preference laws for resident vendors, resident contractors, and U.S. end products on a line-item basis. Vendors must obtain a South Carolina vendor number and complete various certifications, including independent price determination, debarment, drug-free workplace, and ethics compliance. Nonresident vendors may need to complete additional income tax withholding documentation. No minimum order requirements exist, and orders will be placed on an as-needed basis with potentially varying quantities throughout the contract term. Pricing must remain fixed for the initial contract term, with potential Producer Price Index-based adjustments considered for renewal periods, subject to Procurement Officer approval. The contractor can terminate the contract at the end of any term by providing 90 days' advance notice. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the procurement and the significant quantity of paper and envelope products suggest a potentially substantial contract value for the selected vendor.