B25OP80192 - Invitation for Bids (Non-Negotiable) Small Business Opportunity - Printing of promotional materials as required for a period of up to thirty-six months from date of contract execution.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is soliciting bids for the printing of promotional materials including brochures, flyers, and posters under contract B25OP80192, with a performance period of up to thirty-six months from execution. This is a non-negotiable solicitation reserved exclusively for Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), requiring respondents to self-certify as SBEs recognized by CTA, Metra, Pace, or SEPTA. The contract has an estimated expenditure of $400,000 over its term, though this is not a guaranteed minimum or maximum. Award will follow the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, where price is the sole differentiator among bidders who meet mandatory technical thresholds including compliance with quality standards, submission of pre-award samples, adherence to a Quality Management System (QMS), and fulfillment of SBE participation requirements. Bidders must demonstrate good faith efforts toward SBE subcontractor involvement, and failure to meet the 100% SBE participation goal requires detailed documentation of outreach and reasons for non-selection. All work must comply with CTA-specified materials, such as 60# enamel text and 80# gloss cover paper, and utilize computer-to-plate printing methods. Delivery is F.O.B. destination to 567 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60661-1465, where inspection and acceptance occur; shipments must include a complete packing list and be packed in commercial containers without metal banding. Contractors must transfer ownership of all printing plates and negatives to CTA and submit required certifications including lobbying disclosures, debarment status, felony or tax delinquency disclosures, and affirmation of wage compliance. Contractors are subject to comprehensive personnel screening, including background and terrorist database checks, must maintain a drug-free workplace program, certify that no goods were produced with child labor under age 12, and prohibit international boycott participation. Payment terms require invoices mailed to CTA Accounts Payable, with EFT enrollment mandatory for timely 14-day payment. Performance and payment bonds and insurance must be submitted within ten business days of award; failure results in contract termination. All proposals must be submitted via the Bonfire e-procurement portal by June 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM Chicago time, with no hard copy or email submissions accepted.