VS31 Blank Safety Paper - Vital Records

The State of Maine Division of Purchases is requesting quotations for blank safety paper for vital records forms, with quotations due July 29, 2013, submitted electronically through the Vendor Self Service platform. Certified fiber content—specifically post-consumer recycled or virgin fiber from approved third-party forest certification organizations (ATFS, FSC, MLCP, PEFC, or SFI)—is a material evaluation factor; the state will award a price premium of up to 4 percent above the lowest bid to achieve 100 percent certified content, or will prefer proposals with the highest combined recycled or certified fiber percentage if no bids meet the 100 percent threshold and do not exceed 4 percent above the lowest price.

The scope requires blank 8.5-by-11-inch forms printed on 28-pound official vital record watermark paper with integrated security features including Fourdrinier mill watermarks, two-color invisible fluorescent security fibers, toner retention treatment, and chemical sensitivity. Three-color printing (permanent black text, PMS 287 blue intaglio-engraved border, and iridescent safety pantograph background with erasure-sensitive ink) is mandatory. The forms must include high-resolution fine-line intaglio engraved borders with exact matching required, embedded latent images, microprinting, and sequential red-ink control numbers on the backside. Packaging is 2,000 forms per carton (500 per inner package) in 275-pound RSC cartons with secure, inside delivery to Augusta, Maine. All printing and storage must occur under secure conditions with incineration or security shredding of spoilage.

Evaluation weights Quality at 60 percent (assessed through submitted samples of prior work and demonstrated ability to produce as specified), Delivery at 5 percent (best delivery date for first shipment), and Cost at 35 percent (all printing, shipping, and handling expenses). Bidders must submit physical samples and supporting documentation to the Division of Purchases, Burton Cross Building, 4th Floor, 111 Sewall Street, 9 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0009, addressed to Deborah Jacques, by the closing date. Payment terms are net 30 days from receipt of a correct invoice; FOB Destination with vendor-prepaid transportation; the state is tax-exempt.