UNCW Magazine Printing Services

University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Office of University Relations is requesting bids for printing and mailing services for UNCW Magazine under an IFB, with bids due September 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET and public bid opening via Zoom at 2:30 p.m. ET the same day.

The scope covers production of UNCW Magazine, a 38-page publication with 4-color process printing and varnish coating, saddlestitch binding, 105,000 copies per issue for two issues (May 2027 and December 2027); production of #9 remittance envelopes; and complete mail processing services including address labeling and transportation to the U.S. Postal Service. Paper stock must be FSC or SFI certified with specified brightness and opacity standards. Bidders must submit firm-fixed pricing for the base quantity of 105,000 units and incremental pricing for additional quantities of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 units. All pricing must include printing, binding, mail processing, proof delivery, and freight; postage is paid separately by the University.

Vendors must have a minimum of five years' experience printing alumni magazines and must complete all work in-house without subcontracting. The incumbent vendor is Hickory Printing Solutions d/b/a RR Donnelley; the University's expenditure for the May 2026 issue was approximately $104,000. The contract term is one year with two optional one-year renewal periods subject to the University's discretion and 30-day advance written notice. Contract award is anticipated for October 15, 2026, effective December 24, 2026. Award will be made to the responsive bid offering the lowest price meeting all specifications, contingent upon verification of past performance, references, and financial stability. Bidders must provide customer references, worker location information, and financial certification.