Domestic White Poplin-Tabor City Sewing Plant

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction is seeking competitive bids for a domestic white poplin fabric procurement through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the Tabor City Sewing Plant. The solicitation requires vendors to furnish approximately 25,000 yards of white poplin fabric with specific technical specifications, including a precise Pantone color match (11-0601 TCX), a fabric composition of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, and a finished weight of 4.75 oz. per square yard. The bid is scheduled to be opened on August 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET via Microsoft Teams, with a proposed three-year contract term. Vendors must submit a two-yard fabric sample for evaluation and provide firm pricing valid for 180 days, with potential future price adjustments negotiated in advance. Evaluation criteria will include factors such as past performance, customer references, financial stability, and compliance with technical specifications. Delivery expectations are set at 30 consecutive calendar days after receiving a purchase order, with the fabric to be delivered directly to the Tabor City Sewing Plant in North Carolina.

The solicitation includes specific requirements for domestic production, mandating that 10% of the first-year contract be produced in the United States. Vendors must complete several attachments, including a HUB (Historically Underutilized Businesses) participation form, which suggests potential set-aside or preference considerations for minority-owned or small businesses. The procurement emphasizes domestic manufacturing and provides opportunities for diverse business participation. While a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the procurement of 25,000 yards of specialized fabric indicates a potentially significant contract opportunity. Vendors must demonstrate financial stability and provide customer references as part of their bid submission. The state reserves the right to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder meeting all specifications, with considerations for comprehensive vendor qualifications beyond just pricing. Interested vendors can request a sample of the required white poplin by sending a pre-paid USPS shipping label to lorraine.middleton@dac.nc.gov.