Books by Mail Library Rate Labels

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting bids on Books by Mail Library Rate Labels, with proposals due August 31, 2010. A recycled content preference applies to paper products containing a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled material; qualifying bids within 10% of the lowest compliant bid may receive up to a 10% price preference adjustment.

The labels must meet USPS Library Rate standards and pressure-sensitive adhesive stock specifications for application to mail packages. Bidders must demonstrate compliance with specified dimensions and printing quality standards through samples and must specify the percentage of post-consumer recycled fiber content and percentage of certified virgin fiber content, sourced from recognized third-party certification organizations including FSC, ATFS, PEFC, SFI, or MLCP. Chain of custody certification and identification of specific certification labels applied by vendors or manufacturers are required with each bid submission.

The State is authorized to pay a price premium of up to 4% above the lowest bid to achieve 100% post-consumer recycled or certified virgin fiber content. If no bids meet the 100% fiber content threshold, preference is awarded to products with the highest percentage of recycled or certified content, provided the cost does not exceed 4% above the lowest submitted bid price. Contract overruns are capped at 3% of the base award amount. The initial contract period may be extended at the discretion of the State Purchasing Director with contractor consent, provided the total contract period does not exceed three years.

Vendor past performance is a potential factor in award determination. Awards are made to the lowest responsible bidder based on best value considerations. The State reserves the right to reject any or all bids, adjust order quantities by up to 10%, and award to in-state bidders or those offering Maine-manufactured goods when prices and quality are equal.