Paper and other disposable supplies – material contract

Tulare County is seeking bids for a material contract to procure paper and other disposable supplies through a competitive bidding process. The procurement covers six product groups including paper bags, paper towels and wipes, tissue products, sanitary napkins, rags, and miscellaneous items, with estimated quantities ranging from 30 to 1,778 units. The contract will be for a one-year period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, with bids being accepted electronically via email to TCBids@tularecounty.ca.gov or through the BidNetDirect platform. Key evaluation criteria include pricing, vendor performance history, ability to provide satisfactory goods, and product quality. A notable requirement is the SB 1383 sustainability mandate, which requires a minimum of 30% recycled content for paper products when alternatives are available at equivalent cost and quality. Bidders must submit both recycled and non-recycled pricing options, and all items must be bid on with substitutions permitted. The deadline for bid submission is 2:00 PM on March 20, 2024, with a question submission deadline of 2:00 PM on March 12, 2024.

The procurement is part of the Central Valley Purchasing Group, which includes Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties, along with their affiliated political subdivisions, municipalities, and tax-supported agencies. Bidders are required to indicate whether they will extend bid pricing to these additional entities and whether they qualify as a "local vendor" under specific criteria. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the county reserves the right to award the bid based on comprehensive evaluation factors. The bid document does not specify a precise budget range or award value, but suggests the contract could potentially serve multiple government entities within the purchasing group. Bidders must complete and submit an Excel grid sheet with their proposal, demonstrating comprehensive pricing and product specifications. The county maintains flexibility in the procurement process, welcoming substitutions and focusing on overall value, quality, and vendor capability.