Library Cards for Patrons

Multnomah County Library District has issued a Request for Information (RFI-38-2025) seeking potential suppliers for library cards, with the solicitation open from September 20, 2024, to October 22, 2024. The library system, which serves nearly 400,000 cardholders and issues over 50,000 new library cards annually, is specifically seeking library card samples that meet or exceed current specifications. Required card specifications include a combined key fob and standard card size of 2.125"H x 4.5"W, currently made of PVC material with specific thickness and barcode requirements. Suppliers must submit three sample cards, which will become the property of the county upon submission. The RFI's primary objectives are to gather comprehensive information about library card materials, focusing on sustainability, production processes, and environmental impact. Evaluation criteria will emphasize materials with reduced toxic footprints, recyclability or compostability, and minimal waste during manufacturing. Potential suppliers must provide detailed information about card materials, including manufacturing processes, lifecycle analysis, environmental considerations, and production costs. The submission deadline is October 22, 2024, with no monetary exchange or direct contract resulting from this initial information gathering process.

While the RFI does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, the document suggests a preference for environmentally conscious suppliers with innovative, sustainable card production capabilities. The library system is seeking alternatives to traditional PVC cards, which implies potential opportunities for manufacturers with green technology or alternative material solutions. No incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, and there are no explicit budget ranges disclosed in the documentation. The RFI indicates that the information collected may be used to construct future solicitations or cooperative contracts, suggesting potential future procurement opportunities for selected vendors. The library system, which ranks as the fourth-highest circulation library in the United States and second-highest per capita, represents a significant potential market for the selected library card provider. Interested suppliers should carefully review the complete RFI documentation and be prepared to demonstrate comprehensive environmental and production capabilities in their response.