Election Security Seals RFP - Michigan Bureau of Elections

The Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Elections, issued Request for Proposal No. 230000001974 on May 4, 2023, to procure election security seals for use in Michigan elections. The procurement seeks qualified vendors to supply multiple types of security seals, including padlock seals, pull-tite seals in two sizes, easy twist seals, memory pack seals, bag seals, tamper-evident adhesive seals in two sizes, and single-use network and USB port seals. All seals must display human-readable, unique sequential numbering and imprint or emboss "STATE OF MICHIGAN" (or abbreviated variants if space constraints apply); adhesive seals must show "VOID" in the background when removed, and port seals must demonstrate tampering or removal evidence. Bidders must submit 20-30 sample seals for each proposed style by the May 15, 2023 deadline at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, with an optional pre-proposal meeting held on May 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern via Microsoft Teams. The deadline for submitting questions was May 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, with responses posted by May 11, 2023. The anticipated contract begin date is June 1, 2023, with an initial five-year term through June 1, 2028, and up to two additional one-year renewal options at the State's sole discretion. All deliveries must occur within 30 calendar days of order receipt at the MDOS Sunset Warehouse in Lansing, Michigan, with pricing remaining firm for the entire contract length. Proposals are evaluated on product quality (40 points), service capabilities (10 points), delivery capabilities (35 points), and vendor qualifications (15 points), requiring a minimum of 80 points for pricing evaluation.

The contract is available to MiDEAL members, including local government units, school districts, universities, community colleges, and nonprofit hospitals, as well as potentially other states upon written agreement. The RFP may result in multiple contracts awarded to different vendors and allows optional proposals for alternate election security seals with barcodes. Bidders are encouraged to structure proposals with tiered pricing to accommodate anticipated ordering quantities between 25,000 and 125,000 units, though the state will consider higher or lower quantities. The Michigan Department of State strongly prefers non-residue stickers that leave no material on surfaces when removed, though bids featuring stickers with slight residue will be considered if pricing is competitive. Contractors must maintain commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, pay a one percent administrative fee on all payments, and submit itemized quarterly purchasing activity reports. The Solicitation Manager is Ross Anderson, reachable at 517-241-1513 or AndersonR36@michigan.gov. No specific budget range or award value was disclosed in the available documentation.