IFB 26-10055 - Banknote Agreement

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Contract & Procurement Section, is issuing IFB 26-10055 to solicit bids for the production of intaglio banknote security paper used in printing certified and informational copies of birth, death, fetal death, and marriage certificates. The security paper must measure 8.5" by 11" and incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features including fourdrinier watermarks, chemical sensitization, toner retention coatings, microprint text, security fibers, and prismatic undertints with void pantograph technology. The three-year contract (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029) anticipates a maximum of three deliveries per year for a total of nine deliveries, with CDPH retaining the right to extend the term for one additional year or increase funding by up to 30 percent of the original contract cost. Bidders must demonstrate six minimum qualifications requiring three years of experience within the past five years in transportation resources, multi-tone fourdrinier watermark utilization, chemical sensitization paper, toner retention coatings, intaglio steel plate printing, and press runs exceeding 100,000 units per batch. Submission requirements include detailed responses not exceeding ten typed pages in 11-point font, completed cost worksheets on a per-1,000-sheet-lot basis, references for similar projects, proof of California business licensing, current insurance certificates, and all required certifications and declarations. Questions must be submitted by January 28, 2026, with bids due February 10, 2026, at 3:00 PM Pacific Time; bid opening is scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM, and a Notice of Intent to Award is estimated for February 17, 2026. Award will be made to the lowest responsive responsible bidder, with pricing evaluated on a per-1,000-sheet-lot basis.

The solicitation includes preferences for California Certified Small Businesses (5 percent), non-small business subcontractor participation with small businesses (5 percent), Target Area Contract Preference Act eligibility, and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentives ranging from 1 to 5 percent based on participation levels. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. All manufacturing, printing, and transporting must occur at a single production facility with comprehensive security measures including vault storage, surveillance, dual-access requirements, and on-site shredding of waste materials. The total budget for this agreement shall not exceed $600,000, with any bids exceeding this amount deemed non-responsive. Bidders must submit cost worksheets indicating pricing per 1,000-sheet lot, with the worksheet indicating an estimated quantity of 2,000 lots to establish the total contract value baseline.