Open Shelf Filing Supplies for 2010

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting sealed bids for open shelf filing supplies for the Maine court system in 2010, with bids due September 28, 2009. A preference for in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine applies in cases of tie bids.

The scope covers filing supplies necessary for court operations, including file folders, labels, dividers, and related filing materials required to support the court's filing and records management functions. Bidders must submit separate unit prices for each item unless otherwise specified. Alternate commodities require submission of complete descriptive literature.

All prices must include delivery to destination and applicable discounts. The State is exempt from Federal and Maine State Sales and Use Taxes, and bidders should quote accordingly. Transportation charges must be prepaid by the contractor unless otherwise specified. Bids will be evaluated on lowest cost combined with quality, conformity with specifications, delivery dates, and overall value to the State. Award may be made on an item-by-item or group basis, whichever serves the best interests of the State.

Bidders must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including provision of current material safety data sheets for any hazardous chemicals per Maine's Chemical Substance Identification Law. The Division reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive formalities, increase or decrease quantities by up to 10%, and award to the lowest responsible bidder. Bid prices must remain firm for the specified period, with cash discounts under 20 days not considered in award determinations.