Reusable Bags

Tompkins County is requesting bids for reusable bags to be distributed at no charge to low- and fixed-income residents under New York State's Single Use Plastic Bag Ban legislation, with proposals due August 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET via Bidnet Direct. No set-aside or preference goals are established; MBEs and WBEs are encouraged to respond.

The scope covers three bag styles — shoulder-style totes with minimum 25-pound carrying capacity, cross-body totes, and backpacks — all manufactured with at least 75% post-consumer recycled content and meeting Prop 65 compliance. Bidders must submit pricing on County-provided forms, indicate delivery timeframes after receipt of orders, and provide samples within ten days of request along with supporting literature on manufacturing location, materials, durability, and testing information. All pricing must include delivery costs on an F.O.B. destination basis.

The contract term runs one year from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027, with two optional one-year extensions available by written mutual consent subject to CPI-based escalation. The County reserves the right to award in whole or in part to the lowest responsible bidder on a per-item, category, or aggregate basis. No bid security is required. Contract award is expected within 45 calendar days of the due date.

Questions must be submitted by August 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Successful bidders must comply with New York State prevailing wage requirements where applicable, maintain workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance, and adhere to all federal, state, and local regulatory compliance requirements. Bidders without internet access may contact the Tompkins County Purchasing Division at (607) 274-5500 for alternative submission instructions.