Misc. Kitchen paper products - contract

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting bids for miscellaneous kitchen paper products to be supplied to all using state agencies, with bids due December 9, 2008. Polystyrene products are explicitly prohibited and will result in bid rejection.

The scope comprises nine groups of disposable food service items: aluminum foil and wrap products, utensils (knives, forks, spoons), cups and lids, paper plates and bowls, plastic containers and lids, food handling apparel (caps, gloves, aprons, hair nets), bags and pan liners, and miscellaneous items including coffee filters, straws, and baking cups. Using agencies include psychiatric centers, correctional facilities, youth development centers, and technical colleges throughout Maine. Bidders must submit samples if bidding products other than those currently supplied by the contracted manufacturer. Pricing must be submitted on a unit-cost basis with brand name and product number clearly identified; all prices are net and must include prepaid transportation charges delivered FOB destination.

The contract period runs from the award date through December 31, 2009, with two optional one-year renewals available. Prices must remain firm for the initial six months of the contract; thereafter, contractors may request increases with manufacturer documentation and 30 days' notice, subject to Division of Purchases director approval. The State reserves the right to accept or reject any bids, consider approved equivalent products, and separate awards by lot or individual items. Vendors must accept State of Maine credit cards as payment with no surcharge or additional compensation allowed and may optionally accept orders from Maine political subdivisions and school administrative districts at the same quoted prices.