Request for Information- Ballot Packet Printing and Mailing

The Maryland State Board of Elections is issuing a Request for Information on ballot packet printing and mailing services with responses due September 18, 2026 at 12:00 pm, with a formal solicitation to follow. An MBE goal will be included in the formal solicitation; the RFI specifically requests market feedback on appropriate work segmentation and percentage allocation for MBE participation.

The scope encompasses printing ballots in multiple sizes (11-inch, 14-inch, and 17-inch formats), producing test decks, creating outgoing and return envelopes (including bilingual versions for Montgomery and Prince George's counties), printing inserts, and mailing ballot packets to voters across all 24 Maryland jurisdictions (23 counties and Baltimore City). Services must comply with ES&S Electionware ballot production specifications, including CountRight Ballot Stock, ink density requirements (0.95 to 1.50 minimum, optimal 1.15), precise voting target oval specifications, and activation card thermal paper stock standards. The vendor must accommodate Maryland's 4.3 million active registered voters, approximately 466,000 enrolled in automatic mail-in ballot delivery, and produce over 4,800 unique primary ballot styles and approximately 2,000 general election ballot styles. Quality assurance protocols, security procedures, mailing operations, and design and storage capabilities are all required elements.

The contract covers the 2028 election cycle (base period), with option periods for 2030 and 2032. The current incumbent contract expires December 31, 2027, with the new contract commencing immediately thereafter. The RFI requires respondents to submit five sample ballot packets, historical references, non-binding cost estimates for all components, company location and previous jurisdiction experience, summaries of past printing errors exceeding $50,000, and detailed plans addressing mailing, security, and quality assurance. A ballot certification process will be required prior to formal contract award. Responses should be directed to whitney.leroux@maryland.gov.