Light Bulbs, Ballasts, and Retrofit Kits

The State of Nebraska, Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Materiel Division, State Purchasing Bureau (SPB) is conducting a competitive solicitation (Bid Number 121834 OR) for Light Bulbs, Ballasts, and Retrofit Kits, targeting a comprehensive three-year commodity contract with potential two-year renewal options. The procurement will utilize a two-phase reverse auction process, with Phase 1 involving unpriced solicitation responses due by May 8, 2025, and Phase 2 featuring an online reverse auction scheduled for May 21, 2025. The contract will cover a core list of 84 repetitively purchased lighting products, including fluorescent tubes, LED bulbs, metal halide lamps, and electronic ballasts from manufacturers like Philips and Advance, with estimated annual quantities ranging from 3 to 17,334 units. Bidders must participate in a mandatory bid system training session with eBridge and submit electronic responses, with deliveries spanning multiple Nebraska Department of Corrections facilities across various cities including Lincoln, Omaha, Beatrice, and Grand Island. Evaluation criteria will include price, location, quality, delivery time, and vendor qualifications, with vendors required to provide percentage discounts off manufacturer's current price lists.

The solicitation includes potential preferences for resident disabled veterans and businesses located in designated enterprise zones, subject to specific documentation requirements. The State reserves the right to award contracts to multiple vendors and is not establishing an exclusive arrangement, allowing flexibility in procurement. A 2.5% transaction fee will be payable to eBridge for awarded contracts, and pricing will remain fixed for the initial 180 days with potential subsequent increases subject to State Purchasing Bureau approval. The contract structure allows for both a core list of frequently purchased items and a catalog/non-core list of additional products, enabling broader vendor participation. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive list of 84 line items and extensive delivery network suggests a significant procurement value. Political subdivisions within Nebraska will also be permitted to utilize this contract, expanding the potential scope and impact of the solicitation. The procurement process emphasizes competitive pricing, product equivalency, and comprehensive coverage of lighting infrastructure needs across state correctional and administrative facilities.