Graduation Supplies

Tempe Union High School District No. 213 (TUHSD), on behalf of its high schools and in partnership with SAVE member agencies, is soliciting proposals for graduation supplies and related services, due December 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Arizona time through the District's procurement portal. The RFP establishes contracts through the Strategic Alliance for Volume Expenditures (SAVE) cooperative purchasing consortium, and the District intends to make multiple awards.

Required products include caps and gowns, tassels, honor cords, stoles, medallions, diplomas and diploma covers, announcements, class rings, and graduation keepsakes. The awardee must coordinate ordering timelines with each campus, provide on-site ordering assistance and flexible payment options, and customize stoles and cords, including culturally specific and heritage items. The checklist lists value-added services including custom online ordering portals, on-campus order days and sizing sessions, bulk delivery pre-sorted by student name, vendor-staffed distribution days, and diploma printing with name verification. Vendors must submit one sample of each item, or the closest equivalent, with catalog numbers, to the Purchasing Department at 500 West Guadalupe Road, Tempe, Arizona. Required insurance includes general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, with the District as additional insured. Vendors must also comply with the Affordable Care Act and federal funding requirements, including employment eligibility verification and debarment status. Vendors providing services in the presence of students on District property must supply D.P.S. Fingerprint Clearance Cards for each individual.

A District survey indicates estimated annual spending of approximately $1.33 million across 16 SAVE member districts, though no volume is guaranteed. The contract term runs January 13, 2027 through January 12, 2028, with options to renew for up to four additional one-year periods. Anticipated award is January 13, 2027. Cost is scored on a 500-point market-basket approach, with a minimum of 350 points required for consideration. Technical proposals are scored on 1,000 points, with a minimum of 600 points required for award consideration: product quality (350 points), product range and specialty offerings (300 points), past performance and references (200 points), and responsiveness to scope requirements (150 points). Trade discounts must remain firm for the entire contract period, prices are F.O.B. Destination with freight charges indicated by category, and the contract is conditioned on available funds and final approval by participating district governing boards.