Envelopes, #11 Regular for DHHS South Paris

The State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services is requesting bids on #11 regular envelopes for the South Paris location, with bids due March 31, 2010.

Maine applies a recycled content price preference: bids offering paper products containing a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer recycled material that fall within 10 percent of the lowest compliant bid receive up to a 10 percent price preference. The State is willing to pay a price premium of up to 4 percent above the lowest bid to achieve purchase of envelopes with 100 percent post-consumer recycled or certified virgin fiber content sourced from well-managed forest lands certified by the American Tree Farm System, Forest Stewardship Council, Master Logger Certification Program, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, or Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Bidders must disclose recycled content percentages and certification labels in their solicitation response comments section and furnish proof of chain-of-custody certification or equivalent certification status for each product.

In-state vendors receive preference where prices, quality, and availability are equal. The contract permits an overrun not to exceed 3 percent and includes an extension clause allowing the State Purchasing Director to extend the contract period beyond the initial expiration date with contractor consent, with a maximum total contract period not exceeding three years. Vendor past performance may be considered as a factor in award determination. The State reserves the right to reject any or all bids and award to the lowest responsible bidder based on best value considerations including quality, conformity with specifications, delivery dates, and ultimate cost. Bids must include separate unit prices with all transportation charges prepaid and included; cash discounts of 20 days or more are considered in determining the low bidder. The Division of Purchases office is located at 111 Sewall Street, Augusta, Maine.