Immunization Schedules 2013

The State of Maine is requesting bids for immunization schedules printing and distribution services with a due date of February 5, 2013. The procurement documents include certified wood products bid language, establishing a requirement that bidders specify post-consumer recycled fiber content and certified virgin fiber content for all paper products used in printing.

The scope covers printing of pediatric and catch-up immunization schedules for ages 0–18 years, based on protocols approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Schedules must detail vaccine timing, sequencing, minimum intervals between doses, and catch-up protocols for late starters, including specific guidance on hepatitis B vaccination for newborns and their follow-up testing requirements.

Maine's certified wood products policy establishes an evaluation mechanism that favors environmental performance: the state will pay a price premium of up to 4 percent above the lowest bid to secure paper products with 100 percent post-consumer recycled or certified virgin fiber content. If no bids meet the 100 percent threshold, preference is given to products with the highest percentage of recycled or certified fiber, provided price does not exceed 4 percent above the lowest submitted bid. Bidders must provide proof of their supplier's chain-of-custody certification or equivalent status from organizations including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), American Tree Farm System (ATFS), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), or entities affiliated with the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and must identify all certification labels applied by vendors.

Contract terms include provisions for extension and overrun management at the state's discretion. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of all addenda and comply with prevailing wage requirements where applicable.