School Supplies

Caesar Rodney School District, on behalf of the State of Delaware, is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for school supplies to serve all 18 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across the state. The procurement encompasses a comprehensive catalog of school supplies organized into approximately 40+ product categories, including adhesives and fasteners, office supplies, classroom items, computer equipment, furniture, arts and crafts materials, writing instruments, and numerous specialty items required for administrative and educational operations. Vendors must submit bids by June 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time, with written questions accepted through May 28, 2026 and answers posted by June 4, 2026; contract awards are anticipated within 30 days of bid opening. The resulting contract will be valid for one year from July 15, 2026 through July 14, 2027, with options for four additional one-year renewals through negotiation initiated no later than 90 days before contract expiration. Vendors are not required to bid on every category but must bid on a minimum of 20 percent of market basket line items within each category to be considered for award; vendors should demonstrate experience in proposed product categories. Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder(s) in the State's judgment, with the right to make multiple awards, partial awards, or awards by item type as most advantageous to the State. The minimum order amount should not exceed $25.00, all shipments are F.O.B. destination with freight prepaid, prices shall remain firm throughout the contract term, and vendors must provide category-level discount percentages not exceeding two decimal places.

There are no specific set-asides or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that can respond to this solicitation. Successful vendors must complete Delaware Supplier Portal registration and obtain State of Delaware business licensure prior to award. Vendors are required to maintain a local telephone number within the 302 area code or a toll-free 800 number and must accept payment via procurement card and electronic means without imposing additional fees. The State of Delaware is exempt from federal excise tax, and vendors must report quarterly on diversity supplier participation while maintaining detailed records for five years. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. The contract is contingent upon legislative appropriation and includes provisions for month-to-month extension up to three months and price adjustments not to exceed the Philadelphia CPI-U. No specific budget or award value range is provided in the solicitation documents.