Vital Records Security Paper - Annual Contract

The South Dakota Department of Health is seeking a vendor to provide Vital Records Security Paper through an annual contract with potential renewal for up to five years. The procurement requires a highly specialized security paper for certificates, with specific technical requirements including a genuine multitone fourdriots watermark, intaglio steel plate printing, fluorescent fibers, and an optical variable device (hologram). The desired quantity is 150,000 sheets/certificates, with vendors required to submit separate bids for different hologram options. Evaluation criteria will focus on cost and the ability to meet comprehensive security specifications, with mandatory lab certification required. The contract opportunity was posted on December 29, 2023, with proposals due by January 18, 2024. Vendors must provide detailed specifications demonstrating compliance with intricate printing and security feature requirements, including precise paper size, weight, and inventory control numbering. The successful bidder will be responsible for secure shipping to a designated warehouse in Pierre, South Dakota, and must include all associated costs such as proofs, setup, and secure transportation in their pricing.

While the provided documentation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, the South Dakota Vendor Manual suggests the state encourages minority business participation. The procurement appears open to qualified vendors who can meet the stringent technical specifications for secure document printing. No incumbent vendor is mentioned in the available documents. The contract does not specify an exact budget range, but vendors should anticipate providing comprehensive pricing that covers all aspects of production, including multiple proofs, setup costs, security features, and shipping. The state's procurement manual indicates that the award will likely be made to the most responsive and responsible bidder who meets all technical requirements and provides the most advantageous pricing. Potential vendors should carefully review the detailed printing specifications and be prepared to demonstrate their capability to produce highly secure vital records paper that meets the state's exacting standards.