Printing of the 2022 Connecticut State Register and Manuals

The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB #22PSX0089) for the printing of the 2022 Connecticut State Register and Manual ("Bluebook") on behalf of the Office of the Secretary of the State. The procurement requires comprehensive prepress, printing, binding, shipping, and delivery services for the 2022 edition and associated booklets. The finished product will have a page size of 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", which is larger than the 2021 edition, with reduced total content but maintaining the same structural organization. The solicitation opened on July 5, 2022, with a vendor Q&A period running from July 5 to July 12, 2022, and responses are due by August 1, 2022, at 2:00 PM EDT. Responses will be evaluated based on multiple criteria including quality, conformance with specifications, delivery terms, price, administrative costs, past performance, and financial responsibility. Delivery requirements mandate hardcover versions be delivered by September 9, 2022, and other items by September 16, 2022.

The solicitation is open to all vendors and replaces the previous contract award 19PSX0166AA. While specific set-aside percentages are not explicitly defined, the document indicates a potential preference for micro-businesses and veteran-owned micro-businesses if required documentation is provided. Contractors must demonstrate current paper and material allocation to meet delivery dates and are required to submit sample copies of alternative cover materials for approval. Vendors must also provide references for similar projects and disclose any debarment, criminal convictions, or OSHA violations. The State of Connecticut is exempt from federal and state excise, transportation, and sales taxes, and DAS reserves the right to seek additional discounts or contract separately for large quantity orders to maximize cost savings. Although a specific contract value is not stated, the solicitation suggests flexibility in awarding by individual item, group of items, or the entire scope of work.