Specialty Printing Services IFB CN150394

The California Department of Education (CDE) is soliciting bids for a specialty printing services contract through Invitation for Bid (IFB) CN150394, targeting services for its Curriculum Frameworks & Instructional Resources Division. The procurement seeks a contractor capable of providing as-needed specialty printing services, including gold foil stationery, certificates, seals, and diploma holders. Key requirements include the contractor being located within 75 miles of CDE headquarters in Sacramento and possessing specific technical capabilities such as Mac workstations, Adobe Creative Cloud, and the ability to perform advanced printing techniques like embossing, debossing, and foil stamping. The contract period runs from May 16, 2016, through May 15, 2017, with an optional one-year renewal available. Critical procurement dates include a mandatory bidders conference held on April 18, 2016, at 2:00 PM PDT, and bid submissions due by April 27, 2016, at 2:00 PM PDT. Tentative work site visits are scheduled for May 3-4, 2016, with the successful bidder subject to initial and random site reviews to ensure compliance with specified requirements.

The solicitation offers preferences for small businesses, with a 5% bid advantage, though Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation is not mandatory but carries potential 3-5% incentives. Contractors must include all operating expenses in their pricing, covering transportation, materials, equipment, and overhead. The CDE will provide initial die plates, with the contractor responsible for subsequent plate replacements. Quantities will be based on historical usage, with orders placed on an as-needed basis. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract allows for flexible procurement of specialty printing services. The procurement is open to businesses meeting the technical and geographical requirements, with careful evaluation of capabilities in specialty printing techniques and proximity to CDE headquarters. Bidders must demonstrate capacity to handle varied printing needs, including complex certificate and diploma production with precise specifications for paper, foil, and design elements.