Printing- Dakota Digital Magazine

The State of North Dakota, specifically the OMB/Central Services Division and North Dakota University Systems, is seeking a printing vendor for the Dakota Digital Magazine through an informal bid process (Bid #110.7-25-013). The procurement involves printing two potential quantities: 1,200 or 1,400 copies of a 64-page magazine plus cover, with specific technical requirements including an 8.25"x10.75" finished size, 80# white matte cover and text paper, 4-color process printing with UV coating, and perfect binding. The solicitation mandates that artwork will be provided to the selected vendor by March 10, 2025, with finished product ready for pickup by March 19, 2025. Bid submissions were due on February 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with vendors required to provide unit and total pricing for both quantity options. Evaluation appears to focus on pricing, with the lowest bid being selected, though vendors must also report recycled content and total paper weight. The procurement is time-sensitive, with strict delivery requirements and specific printing specifications.

The bid is exclusively restricted to North Dakota bidders under the state's Printing Preference law (N.D.C.C 46-02-15), effectively limiting participation to in-state printing vendors. In the most recent bid, two vendors submitted proposals: Image Printing and Forum Comm Printing, with Forum Comm Printing ultimately winning the contract at a total bid of $8,817.20 (significantly lower than Image Printing's $13,404.80 bid). The procurement does not explicitly mention set-aside designations for disadvantaged businesses or specific vendor qualifications beyond the geographic restriction. The unit pricing ranged from $3.232 to $5.51 per magazine, depending on the quantity. The North Dakota University Systems will handle pickup of the finished magazines, and vendors were instructed not to include shipping costs in their bids. While the exact budget range is not comprehensively detailed, the winning bid suggests a contract value between $8,000 and $14,000 for the magazine printing services.