Invitation to Bid - CPA's #2026-005 Paper Supplies, Art & Other Bid

The Cooperative Purchasing Agency (CPA) in Georgia is soliciting bids for a comprehensive paper supplies and art materials contract (Bid #2026-005) to support 35 school systems within the state. The procurement covers an extensive range of educational and art-related products, including kraft paper bags, presentation boards, poster boards, butcher paper rolls, construction paper, drawing paper, composition books, notebooks, and easel pads. Specific brand preferences are outlined, with strong emphasis on manufacturers like Pacon, Prang, Tru-Ray, American, and Mead, and detailed specifications regarding paper weight, size, and color. The bid is scheduled for opening on September 17, 2025, at 8:45 AM, with sample submissions due at 9:00 AM the same day. Vendors must submit bids using the CPA bid form, with options to email (bids@cpa4schools.com) or mail responses. The contract period will cover merchandise orders from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with a required delivery timeline of 30 days from purchase order issuance. New vendors must provide three references and a W-9 form, and all pricing must be F.O.B. destination with clearly stated delivery charges.

The procurement appears open to all qualified vendors, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned in the documentation. New vendors must demonstrate capability through references and comprehensive product information, with particular attention to sample submissions for many listed items. Payment terms are strictly NET 30, contingent upon CPA collecting funds from school systems before vendor payment. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the bid indicates substantial potential volume, with individual product quantities ranging from 10 to 7,000 units. The bid emphasizes precise pricing (only two decimal places will be counted) and requires detailed product specifications. Vendors must use the official CPA bid form and can request an Excel version by email. Electronic and mailed submissions are acceptable, with specific instructions provided for USPS and courier deliveries. Pricing must include all delivery charges, and annual quantities are noted as estimates subject to potential variation based on actual school system orders.