Fine paper (cooperative)

The Ulster BOCES Supervisory District, encompassing nine school districts in Ulster County, New York, is conducting a cooperative procurement for fine paper products through Bid #26-13. The solicitation covers a comprehensive range of paper products including white premium paper, pastel-colored papers, card stocks, and NCR forms in various sizes (8.5" x 11", 8.5" x 14", and 11" x 17"). Participating districts include Ellenville, Highland, Kingston, Marlboro, New Paltz, Onteora, Rondout Valley, Saugerties, and Wallkill. The bid requires vendors to provide paper meeting specific technical specifications, including moisture content under 5.3%, brightness of 84.0 minimum, opacity of 85.0 minimum, and Sheffield Smoothness of 150 minimum. Vendors must submit a sample ream with their bid and demonstrate that the paper will operate trouble-free in xerographic dry tone copiers. The contract period is from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, with an option to extend for two additional one-year periods. Sealed bids will be opened on October 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Ulster County BOCES Administration Building, with delivery required within eight days of purchase order receipt.

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must provide inside delivery to multiple locations and individual school buildings, with pricing to be submitted by unit price and no additional fees for freight or fuel surcharges. The Steering Committee reserves the right to accept or reject bids by item, group, or in whole. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the bid includes estimated quantities for each paper type across different districts, ranging from 0 to 1,600 units per paper type. The cooperative purchasing approach suggests an opportunity for vendors to secure a potentially significant contract covering multiple educational institutions in Ulster County. Packaging is typically specified as 10 reams per carton, with variations in paper weight (20# and 90#) and special features like 3-hole punch options. The comprehensive nature of the bid indicates a strategic approach to consolidated purchasing for educational institutions in the region.