DR150385 custom earmolds IFB

The California Department of Education is soliciting bids for an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to provide custom earmolds and impression making materials for the California School for the Deaf Riverside (CSDR). The procurement seeks a contractor to deliver 188 silicone impression material packets, 100 first class mailing boxes, 200 factory order forms, 150 small slim-stop style impression sponge dams, and 100 medium slim-stop style impression sponge dams. The contractor will be responsible for manufacturing custom earmolds based on impressions taken by CSDR audiologists. Bids are due on February 26, 2016, at 2:00 pm, with a public bid opening scheduled for March 1, 2016. The contract period will run from April 1, 2016, through March 31, 2017, with an option for one additional one-year renewal through March 31, 2018. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, determined by calculating the average "Grand Total" from two bid forms (Exhibit B.1 and B.2). The contractor must maintain $1 million in general liability insurance coverage.

The procurement includes several potential preferential considerations for certain businesses. A 5% bid preference is available for certified small businesses or non-small businesses that subcontract 25% to certified small businesses. While a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goal is not mandatory, DVBE incentives ranging from 3-5% are available based on participation levels. The Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preferences apply for contracts exceeding $100,000. No specific incumbent vendor is mentioned in the documentation. The estimated contract value is not explicitly stated, but the scope suggests a relatively modest procurement focused on specialized medical supply needs for the deaf school. Potential bidders should carefully review the complete IFB documentation, particularly the detailed specifications and insurance requirements, to ensure full compliance with the solicitation's terms.