RFP Quarterly Newsletter

Van Buren Public Schools in Belleville, Michigan is seeking a vendor to provide comprehensive quarterly newsletter publishing, printing, and mail preparation services through RFP #190000000007. The contract requires producing a 16-20 page magazine-formatted newsletter sized 8.5" x 11", printed in full color with saddle-stitched binding, distributed quarterly on August 15th, November 15th, February 15th, and May 15th. Vendors can bid on publishing/design, printing, and/or distribution services, with an estimated print run of 25,000 newsletters per quarter targeting five municipalities: Belleville, Canton, Sumpter, Van Buren Township, and Ypsilanti. The district will distribute newsletters via Every Door Direct Mail to reach approximately 4,750 students and local residents. Proposals were due by October 15, 2018, at 10:00 AM local time, with a vendor bid meeting held on October 8, 2018. Evaluation criteria prioritize cost as the primary selection factor, followed by reference checks and the vendor's ability to deliver quality products on schedule. Vendors must submit various documentation including signature pages, bid proposals, statements of qualifications, ethical standards affidavits, and proof of insurance coverage.

The RFP does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must maintain specific insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and motor vehicle liability insurance at prescribed limits. Paper weight options include 70 lb., 80 lb., and 100 lb. gloss-text, with the district accepting bids on all three weights. No incumbent vendor is explicitly mentioned, and the newsletter appears to be a new initiative that began with an August 2018 publication. Union printing is not a consideration for this contract. The RFP documents were only available in non-editable scan format through the SIGMA site or Van Buren Schools link. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the quarterly print run of 25,000 newsletters suggests a potentially significant contract value for the selected vendor.