JPMC Virgin/Recycled Copy Paper

The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a Joint Purchase Master Contract to procure Virgin and Recycled Copy Paper, identified as bid number 25-416CMS-BOSS-B-44331. The solicitation enables governmental units and qualified not-for-profit agencies to purchase copy paper on an as-needed basis, with specific requirements for Virgin Bond (Grade No. 2 or better, available in white and colors) and Recycled Bond (Grade No. 2 or better, minimum 30% post-consumer waste, available in colors). The contract will have an initial term of 36 months with a maximum total term of ten years, including all potential renewals and extensions. Pricing must include all shipping costs, F.O.B. Destination, with a minimum order requirement of $250, and orders below this threshold will incur additional freight charges not exceeding 25% of the total order value. A pre-bid conference is scheduled for November 14, 2024, at 10 A.M. via Webex video conference, where potential bidders can discuss procurement requirements and ask questions. The final bid submission is due by December 5, 2024, and the contract allows for one price adjustment every six months after the first year, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index for Pulp, Paper and Allied Products.

The procurement includes a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) goal of 5% for businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities, with no Veteran Small Business participation goal. Vendors must complete a detailed Utilization Plan demonstrating their commitment to meeting this goal, either through self-performance if BEP certified, subcontracting with certified vendors, or by demonstrating good faith efforts through documented outreach and engagement. The state has an aspirational goal of awarding not less than 30% of total contract dollars to BEP-certified businesses. The most recent Notice of Award indicates that Midland Paper was selected as the contractor, partnering with Montenegro Paper Ltd to meet the 5% BEP utilization requirement, with a total contract award value of $14,338,682.00. Potential bidders must be registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway and complete comprehensive vendor disclosure forms, including detailed financial and operational information. Certified vendors from the provided vendor list represent diverse ownership backgrounds and include Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified firms across multiple states.