BOOKS

Wake County Public School System is requesting bids for approximately 18,000 books across multiple grade levels to support its Wake Up & Read program under IFB 251-27-175, with proposals due November 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM via the eVP portal and a public live bid opening on Microsoft Teams at the same time.

The scope encompasses pre-K through grade 5 variety packs, character-focused collections, Spanish-language titles, and themed books addressing dinosaurs, plants, insects, social-emotional learning, environmental awareness, and biographies. Specific item numbers and quantities are detailed in line-item format. All books must be shipped FOB to WCPSS Central Receiving at 1551 Rock Quarry Road, Building F in Raleigh, North Carolina. Vendors must include all shipping charges in line-item pricing for quotations to be valid.

Pricing is the primary award criterion. Secondary evaluation factors are quality of service, vendor experience and references (vendors must provide minimum three references demonstrating three years of quality work), and conformity with specifications. WCPSS is not tax-exempt; applicable North Carolina sales tax must be invoiced separately. Payment terms are net within thirty days of correct invoice receipt or goods acceptance, whichever is later.

The resulting contract is structured as an Agency Specific Term Contract. Vendors must comply with federal requirements, state and local laws, E-Verify employment verification, Affordable Care Act provisions, sexual offender registry checks for all personnel delivering goods or providing services, and debarment certifications. Written questions are due October 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM, with responses posted by October 26. Late bids will be automatically rejected. WCPSS reserves the right to reject any or all bids, make partial or multiple awards, and conduct clarification interviews with finalists as necessary.