GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES CATALOG PLUS DISCOUNT (Cooperative)

Ulster County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) is soliciting bids for a cooperative contract to establish discounted pricing for general instructional and office supplies through a catalog-based purchasing system. The procurement (Bid #25-11) seeks vendors to provide percentage discounts off published prices from catalogs like United Stationers and SP Richards across four specific product categories: ribbons/toner/ink cartridges, electrical items with power cords, furniture requiring warehouse delivery, and remaining catalog items (excluding customized products). The contract period will run from November 1, 2024 through October 31, 2025, with potential extensions for up to four additional one-year periods. Bidders must submit their current catalog along with proposed discount percentages, with the Steering Committee reserving the right to award to multiple vendors. Key evaluation criteria include lowest responsible bidder status, comparative pricing, and potential benefits to Ulster BOCES and participating school districts. Bids are due on September 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM, with vendors required to demonstrate comprehensive catalog coverage, full insurance, and capability to distribute catalogs to all participating locations at no charge.

The solicitation does not specifically indicate set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or minority-owned businesses. Vendors must be capable of providing online shopping capabilities with pricing identical to hardcopy catalogs, which is considered advantageous during evaluation. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the cooperative nature of the contract suggests potential for significant purchasing volume across multiple educational institutions. The bid emphasizes flexibility in ordering and inside delivery requirements, indicating a preference for vendors with robust distribution capabilities. Although no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the procurement allows for multiple vendor awards, suggesting an open and competitive selection process. Participating entities will include Ulster BOCES and potentially other school districts within the cooperative purchasing agreement. Successful vendors will be expected to maintain consistent pricing, provide comprehensive product coverage, and meet stringent delivery and service standards throughout the contract period.