Paper, Plastic, Foil and Associated Food Service Items

Rensselaer County is seeking bids for a comprehensive procurement of paper, plastic, foil, and associated food service items through a Request for Bid (RFB) issued by the Bureau of Central Services. The bid opportunity, designated as RFB-26-01, encompasses 80 distinct line items including bags, cups, lids, plates, napkins, gloves, utensils, and food storage containers. Bidders must submit pricing for all items, with partial bids explicitly prohibited, and the contract period will run from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. The bid is scheduled to be received until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Rensselaer County Office Building. Evaluation criteria include lowest aggregate net total bid meeting county specifications or best value determination according to New York State General Municipal Law. Vendors must provide detailed manufacturer information, product codes, and packaging specifications. Key requirements include maintaining firm pricing throughout the six-month award period and having a local office within a 50-mile radius of the Rensselaer County Office Building.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must provide comprehensive insurance documentation, including commercial general liability and workers' compensation coverage. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, Rensselaer County reserves the right to purchase products from alternative sources such as New York State Contracts, other county contracts, or government purchasing cooperatives if more advantageous pricing is available. Bid documents can be obtained through the county's website or BidNet Direct, Empire State Purchasing Group. Though specific budget ranges are not detailed, the extensive line-item list suggests a potentially significant procurement value. Interested vendors must submit physical bid responses and are prohibited from submitting bids via fax or electronic transmission. All submitted bids will be opened and read aloud at the specified time, with the county maintaining the right to reject any or all bids and waive informalities in the bidding process.