Book Jobber Services

Clayton County Public Schools in Georgia solicited proposals for Book Jobber Services under RFP 010-23, with proposals due February 15, 2023. The procurement has closed — five vendors were awarded on July 13, 2023 — but the opportunity context and evaluation structure remain instructive for future iterations or similar Georgia school procurements.

The district serves 67 school media centers and one professional library supporting over 52,000 students. Scope includes selection and processing of print and electronic books, full MARC records for all titles, library-bound and paperback editions, barcode and spine labels, mylar jackets, and reading program or level labeling (Lexile and Accelerated Reader). Vendors must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience providing similar services and capacity to serve all 68 locations simultaneously.

The contract was structured as a multiple-award vehicle with a not-to-exceed value of $1.6 million. The initial term runs one year from execution with four automatic one-year renewals, terminating June 30 annually. Five awardees were selected: Mackin Book Company dba Mackin Educational Resources, Coughlan Companies LLC dba Capstone, Hertzberg-New Method Inc. dba Permabound, Follett Content Solutions LLC, and Bound 2 Stay Bound Inc.

Clayton County Public Schools applies a mandatory Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) participation goal of 20% for goods or services procurements. Vendors must submit an SLBE Subcontractor/Supplier Utilization Plan, letters of intent from each SLBE subcontractor, and contact documentation demonstrating good faith efforts toward the goal. SLBE-CLAYTON or SLBE-MSA businesses — those within Clayton County or specified Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area counties with one-year physical presence and current business licenses — are eligible. Failure to meet the goal or demonstrate adequate good faith efforts renders a proposal non-responsive.

Evaluation weighted cost at 25%, methodology and approach at 30%, experience and qualifications at 15%, organizational and financial capability at 10%, experience on other projects at 10%, executive summary at 5%, and SLBE participation at 5%. Vendors required four references, audited or reviewed financial statements for three fiscal years, commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million, E-Verify registration, and compliance with Georgia's Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act.

Purchasing officer: Jenel McMillian, 770-473-2700, extension 700306.