Notice of Intent to Award-RFP 180000001471 Book Jobber

The Michigan Department of Education issued Request for Proposal 180000001471 to establish a contract for Library Collection Materials Vendor (Book Jobber) services for the Library of Michigan. The solicitation was posted on March 1, 2018, with a submission deadline of 2:00 p.m. EDT on March 21, 2018, allowing a 21-day response period. The primary objective is to streamline library materials purchasing by establishing a single point of contact for acquisitions, including print books, ebooks, library science materials, early literacy kits, and other materials typical to library collections, with particular emphasis on sourcing out-of-print and unique materials for the Library's special collections. The MDE's Evaluation Team assessed proposals using five technical criteria: Prior Experience with Libraries (25 points), Qualifications (25 points), Project Plan (20 points), Overall RFP Response (15 points), and Price Proposal (15 points), with a minimum threshold score of 80 points for consideration. Required qualifications included demonstrated experience serving library systems, qualified staff, comprehensive project planning, and competitive pricing structures. Three vendors submitted proposals: Baker & Taylor, LLC (Charlotte, NC); The Emery-Pratt Company (Owosso, MI); and Mackin Book Company (Burnsville, MN).

No bidders were certified as Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses, and no set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types were noted in the procurement. The Emery-Pratt Company of Owosso, Michigan, received the highest evaluation score of 95 points and was recommended for award in the amount of $150,000.00, selected based on superior performance in prior library experience, staff qualifications, and the breadth of its publisher network. The company's competitive pricing included a 40 percent discount off trade discounted material, 15 percent off technical and reference material, and 3 percent off non-discounted material. Baker & Taylor, LLC scored 86 points but was not selected, while Mackin Book Company scored 65 points and failed to meet the minimum scoring threshold. Unsuccessful bidders were encouraged to request debriefing sessions with Solicitation Manager Ruth Thole to understand their proposal evaluation results.