Envelopes, #11 Regular for DHHS Ellsworth

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting bids on envelopes, size #11 Regular, for the Department of Health and Human Services in Ellsworth, with bids due May 31, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. local time. A recycled-content price preference applies: bids offering paper with a minimum of 30% postconsumer recycled material that fall within 10% of the lowest compliant bid may receive up to a 10% price preference, provided vendors explicitly indicate recycled-content bidding and disclose the specific recycled percentage in comments.

Bidders must specify for each proposed product the percentage of postconsumer recycled fiber and certified virgin fiber, along with proof of chain-of-custody certification from accepted sources (ATFS, FSC, MLCP, PEFC, or SFI) and identification of certification labels applied by manufacturers. The State will award contracts based in part on recycled or certified fiber content and will pay a price premium of up to 4 percent above the lowest bid to achieve 100 percent postconsumer recycled or certified virgin fiber content; if no bids meet that standard, preference goes to the highest percentage of such content within the 4 percent premium threshold.

Awards go to the lowest responsible bidder offering best value, considering quality, specification conformity, delivery, and economy. In case of tie quotes with equal factors, preference is given to in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine. The contract is subject to a 3% overrun allowance and may be extended beyond the initial expiration date with contractor consent, up to a three-year maximum total term. Past performance may be considered in award determination. Quotes must be submitted electronically as separate unit prices delivered to destination, excluding Federal and Maine sales taxes, with all transportation charges prepaid by the contractor.