ID Card Supplies (2026-UWMSN-01253-RFB)

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is issuing a Request for Bids (RFB) for ID Card Supplies under solicitation number 2026-UWMSN-01253-RFB, with responses due by March 13, 2026. This procurement seeks qualified vendors to supply identification card materials and related supplies to support the University's access control and credentialing operations. The deliverables include proximity cards (currently 1536 model through summer 2026) and MIFARE DESFire EV3 2K cards (transitioning in fall 2026), along with associated supplies compatible with the University's existing Entrust Sigma DS3 printer, which will remain in operation throughout the contract term. A critical objective of this procurement is to facilitate the University's transition from outdated proximity card technology to more secure NFC (Near Field Communication) technology with encryption capabilities to address security vulnerabilities associated with proximity card cloning. Vendors must demonstrate compatibility with existing infrastructure while supporting the planned technological migration. All bid submissions must be entered online at https://bids.sciquest.com/apps/Router/PublicEvent?CustomerOrg=UWisconsin, and interested parties should direct questions to Dana Casey at dana.casey@wisc.edu prior to the March 13, 2026 deadline.

The solicitation document does not specify set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or specific organizational qualifications that would limit bidder eligibility. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The University will program the MIFARE DESFire EV3 2K cards in-house rather than procuring pre-programmed cards, which may influence vendor proposals regarding card specifications and delivery formats. Vendors should note that continued compatibility with the Entrust Sigma DS3 printer is a non-negotiable requirement, as the University has confirmed no plans to replace this hardware during the contract term. The solicitation documents do not disclose an estimated contract value or budget range for this procurement, requiring interested bidders to consult the full RFB details available through the ShopUW+ platform for complete financial and technical specifications.