Bus Schedule Books and Maps (Print Services)

The City of Santa Monica, Department of Transportation (SaMoDOT), is issuing an Invitation to Bid for print services to produce Big Blue Bus schedule books and system maps under a firm-fixed contract with a five-year term. The procurement seeks a qualified print vendor to design and manufacture printed rider materials for the Big Blue Bus system, which operates 195 vehicles across a 58-square mile service area in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County. Deliverables include schedule books containing route information, timetables, and general guidance, as well as system maps displaying all bus routes and connections, with the vendor required to produce up to 6,000 units annually. The vendor must accommodate three annual service changes, provide high-resolution digital proofs within five business days, and deliver completed products within 14 business days of proof approval. All printed materials must contain a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content and be produced on specified paper stocks (60# and 80# silk/velvet for schedule books; 50# and 70# velvet book for maps). Bidders must submit unit pricing for schedule books ranging from 0-30 pages through 121-130 pages in two cover stock options and system maps in quantities from 0-250 through 1,001-2,000 units. Required qualifications include a valid California contractor's license, Commercial General Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, Automobile Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per accident, and statutory Workers' Compensation insurance. The City will evaluate bids based on price, quality, experience, capacity, financial resources, and character of the bidder, with the right to award to multiple vendors. The bid release date is May 4, 2026, the deadline for vendor questions is May 8, 2026, and bid submissions are due electronically through the City's e-Procurement Portal (OpenGov) by 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time on May 18, 2026, with bids to be opened at 3:00 p.m. on the submission deadline date.

No set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions on respondent types are identified in the procurement documents. Bidders must complete required certifications including the Oaks Initiative Disclosure Form (if the annual award exceeds $25,000), Levine Act Disclosure Form, and non-collusion declaration. No incumbent vendor information or existing technology integration requirements are specified in the available documents. The City will pay all applicable taxes within 30 days of delivery and invoice receipt. While specific award value or budget range information is not disclosed in the published materials, the five-year firm-fixed contract structure and annual production volumes of up to 6,000 units suggest a significant procurement opportunity for qualified print vendors capable of supporting ongoing transit system operations and customer communications for the Big Blue Bus system.