Finished lens products

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for finished lens products to supply the Nash Optical Plant. The procurement seeks competitive bids to establish an agency-specific term contract for three categories of finished optical lenses: finished single vision CR-39 lenses (70mm blank size, estimated 400,000 units annually), polycarbonate single vision lenses (72mm blank size, estimated 100,000 units annually), and finished anti-reflective polycarbonate lenses (72mm blank size, estimated 100,000 units annually). All lenses must meet specified power ranges from plano to +6.00 and -8.00 sphere with up to 4.00 diopter cylinder, include scratch coating with one-year warranty, and be provided in the full power range. Qualified vendors must be authorized resellers or manufacturers, provide three customer references, complete financial certification, and register with the North Carolina Secretary of State prior to contract execution. Vendors must submit written questions by April 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET, deliver samples to the Nash Optical Plant by May 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, and attend the bid opening on May 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET via Microsoft Teams. The contract has an initial one-year term beginning June 23, 2026, with two optional one-year renewals at the State's discretion, and pricing must remain firm for one year from the contract effective date.

Vendors must provide free-on-board destination service to the Nash Optical Plant in Nashville, North Carolina, with delivery required within 5-7 business days of purchase order receipt during operating hours of 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday. Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation is encouraged with a goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as subcontractors or suppliers, though no formal set-aside restrictions are specified. The incumbent vendor is Optimate, Inc., which was awarded the previous contract in June 2023 with an extended price of $697,600.00 for twelve months, providing a benchmark for anticipated contract value. Vendors must accept returns within 30 days of delivery in original, resellable condition with full credit or refund, provide no restocking fees unless agreed to in writing, and accept return of unused products at contract end with full refund. Pricing shall be submitted on the provided Attachment A pricing form with unit prices and extended prices for all three lens categories, representing the total cost to the State including delivery, shipping, and all associated fees. The solicitation is conducted through the Ariba Network e-procurement platform, and an e-procurement fee may apply.