Shipping Supplies

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, Office of Procurement Services, issued a Request for Bid (RFB) for shipping and packaging supplies to be used by all state agencies and political subdivisions throughout Kentucky, with Elliott County as the procuring jurisdiction. This Master Agreement solicitation encompasses 36 line items of corrugated boxes, cartons, packing list envelopes, plastic mail envelopes, bubble wrap, steel strapping, sealing tape, ziplock bags, thermal labels, and related shipping materials, with estimated annual usage totaling approximately 360,000 units and minimum order quantities ranging from 1 to 2,000 units per order. All deliverables must be fulfilled within 10 calendar days after receipt of order on an F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed basis, with unit prices submitted exclusive of federal excise taxes and Kentucky sales or use taxes. The evaluation methodology employs a best value approach using a 100-point price-based ranking system, with delivery performance within 10 calendar days as a pass/fail criterion; the lowest responsive bidder receives the maximum 100 points, with subsequent bidders scored proportionally. Required qualifications mandate that bidders submit all 36 line items in a single bid with no alternative bids permitted, along with the signed solicitation face, completed bid information, Attachment A pricing sheet, Kentucky Tax Registration Application (Form 10A100), Certificate of Authority for foreign entities, required affidavits, and EEO forms if applicable. Written questions were due by October 3, 2019 at 12:00 noon, with the Commonwealth's responses issued on October 4, 2019, and the bid closing date was October 11, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. EDT. The initial contract period extends from the award date through October 31, 2020, with four optional one-year renewal periods available subject to written approval of all parties.

Kentucky resident bidders are eligible for reciprocal preference scoring adjustments, while qualified bidders including Kentucky Correctional Industries, Kentucky Industries for the Blind, and certain nonprofit organizations serving individuals with severe disabilities may receive preferential scoring adjustments equal to 15 to 20 percent of maximum points awarded. The contract includes a consolidated quarterly administrative fee requirement of one percent of net sales (less returns and credits) to the Commonwealth, payable 45 days after each quarter close. Pricing shall remain firm for the initial 12-month period; thereafter, price increase requests may be submitted only with industry-wide justification and require written approval from all parties. No incumbent vendors or budget values are specified in the solicitation documents. Bids must be submitted under sealed cover to the Office of Procurement Services Bid Clerk at 702 Capitol Avenue, Capitol Annex Room 095, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. All quoted unit prices must remain valid for a minimum of 60 calendar days after the bid due date of October 11, 2019.