Ceramic Clay

Fairfax County Public Schools is soliciting bids through Invitation for Bid (IFB 2000004240) for a term contract to procure Ceramic Clay for all county departments and activities. The procurement specifically seeks 25 lbs of buff stoneware clay with precise technical specifications, including compatibility with commercial cone 6 stoneware glazes and suitability for small to medium hand-built projects. The clay must have specific characteristics such as light buff coloration at cone 6, darker tan at cone 10, a blend of medium and fine grain, with shrinkage less than 11%. The contract period will run from the award date through December 31, 2030, with potential for three additional one-year renewals. Key procurement dates include an optional pre-bid conference on November 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom, with all questions required to be submitted in writing to Contract Specialist Jeremy Stern by November 19, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The public bid opening is scheduled for December 1, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., and bids must be submitted electronically through the Euna Procurement platform.

The solicitation emphasizes commitment to small, minority-owned, and women-owned business enterprises, with provisions for subcontracting opportunities. Bidders must provide detailed product information, pricing schedules, and potentially product samples for evaluation. The contract will be awarded on a firm fixed price basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting specifications, with pricing remaining firm for 365 days and potential subsequent adjustments subject to county approval. Delivery requirements mandate fulfillment within 30 business days after order receipt, with all items needing a minimum 12-month shelf life. The county reserves the right to use purchase orders or procurement cards for ordering, with monthly invoicing and performance evaluations that may include invoice reductions for substandard delivery. While specific award value is not explicitly stated, the term contract structure and potential multi-year renewal options suggest a significant procurement opportunity for ceramic clay suppliers serving Fairfax County Public Schools and potentially other public bodies.