BioWork Manuals Printing

Gaston College, a North Carolina Community College System institution, is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive printing, assembly, fulfillment, and distribution services for BioWork Training Manuals through an Invitation for Bid (IFB). The procurement involves producing approximately 1,400 Student Manuals (priced per box of 4 units) and 20 Instructor Manuals annually, with each manual containing approximately 522 pages. Key vendor requirements include providing online ordering capabilities, web-based inventory management, same-day order receipt confirmation, and shipment within three business days for orders under 14 boxes. Vendors must submit bids electronically through the eVP system by December 10, 2025, at 3:59 PM, with written questions due by December 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM. The bid opening is scheduled for December 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with an anticipated contract award date of January 7, 2026. Evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest responsive bid that meets all specifications, with consideration given to past performance, references, and financial stability.

The procurement includes a HUB (Historically Underutilized Businesses) supplemental requirement, with a 10% utilization goal for diverse firms. Vendors must be registered in good standing with North Carolina's eVP system and provide three customer references for similar services, along with certification of their financial condition. The proposed contract will be an Agency Specific Contract with a three-year term from the date of final execution, with potential extension options subject to vendor agreement. Vendors must correct any printing or production errors at no cost to Gaston College and provide high-quality digital proofs within five business days of receiving print-ready files. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the annual volume suggests a moderate-value contract focused on supporting BioWork Certificate Programs across North Carolina's 58 community colleges, with the BioNetwork Learning Solutions Center serving as the host facility. The State reserves the right to award the contract to a single vendor or make separate awards, depending on bid responsiveness and meeting all specified requirements.