Backpacks (RE-bid)

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) Purchasing Branch is conducting a re-bid solicitation for 19-inch Lash Tab Backpacks with Side Mesh Pockets, targeting approximately 250 cases (24 units per case) for older students and adult use. The procurement seeks backpacks with specific design requirements, including contrast lash tabs, padded adjustable straps, double zippers, front zipper pockets, and construction from 600D polyester in various colors (black, blue, green, gray for boys; plum, pink, teal, black for girls). The preferred brand is Bags in Bulk model 7287, though equal products will be considered with comprehensive descriptive literature and a sample backpack for testing. Bidders must submit unit and extended pricing per case, with bids due by January 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., and questions accepted until December 20, 2023. The contract term is one year with an option for an additional one-year renewal, for a maximum two-year period, with delivery required within 30 days of purchase order receipt to the SCDC facility in Columbia, South Carolina.

The solicitation allows for South Carolina or U.S. end-product preferences and will award to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the documentation. The estimated annual contract value is $20,400, based on historical purchasing patterns of approximately 40 cases every two months. Bidders must submit new items and can place orders on an as-needed basis with no minimum order requirements. While no incumbent vendor is identified, the re-bid nature of the procurement suggests previous complications with prior awards. Vendors must comply with standard state contract terms, including payment conditions, delivery specifications, quality standards, and adherence to South Carolina procurement regulations and ethics requirements. Notably, the procurement process includes multiple administrative documents indicating previous award suspensions, extensions, and terminations, which suggest a complex procurement history for this backpack solicitation.