Lighthouse Purchasing Co-op

The state of Connecticut, specifically through the Lighthouse Purchasing Co-op and Groton Public Schools, is soliciting proposals for paper products and utensils to be supplied to K-12 school districts in New London County. This Request for Proposal (RFP), identified by solicitation number 28971, is open to vendors from March 21, 2025, at 7:00 AM EDT to April 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM EDT. A vendor Q&A period is scheduled from March 21, 2025, at 8:00 AM EDT to April 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM EDT, during which potential suppliers can seek clarification about the procurement requirements. The primary procurement contact is Ernest Koschmieder from Groton Public Schools, located at 154 Tollgate Road, Groton, CT 06340, who can be reached at 860-449-7208 or ekoschmieder@groton.k12.ct.us. Delivery terms are specified as Free On Board Destination, with payment terms to be determined by individual vendors. The solicitation includes two attached documents - a "Paper Invitation.pdf" and a "Copy of Paper Spec Sheet.xlsx" - which are expected to provide detailed specifications for the required paper products and utensils.

While the provided documentation does not explicitly outline set-aside designations or specific vendor restrictions, the procurement appears to be a cooperative purchasing opportunity open to multiple vendors. The solicitation does not specify a total estimated contract value or provide detailed line item specifications, which suggests flexibility in vendor participation. There are no indications of incumbent vendors or mandatory technology integration requirements. The procurement seems designed to establish a cooperative purchasing arrangement that allows K-12 school districts in New London County to acquire paper products and utensils through a standardized procurement process. Potential vendors are advised to carefully review the attached documents to understand the full scope of requirements, product specifications, and submission guidelines. The lack of a predetermined budget range implies that pricing and competitiveness will likely be key factors in vendor selection.