Printed Materials for Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus

The City of Santa Monica's SaMoDOT has issued a solicitation (No. 12601574) for the production of a comprehensive range of printed materials and signage supporting the Big Blue Bus transit system. The contract entails manufacturing high-quality, durable, and brand-compliant printed products, including bus stop and facility signage, onboard materials like system maps, car cards, posters, fleet graphics, decals, banners, and temporary service change signs. All materials must adhere to Big Blue Bus’s design standards emphasizing accessibility, sustainable production featuring at least 30% post-consumer recycled content, and use of UV-resistant inks and laminations to ensure longevity and clarity. Deliveries must be made F.O.B. destination to Santa Monica with a standard turnaround time of 14 calendar days post-proof approval. The project supports Big Blue Bus’s commitment to a customer-friendly transit experience across its 195-vehicle fleet, operating over 930 stops, prominently supporting environmental sustainability goals including transitioning to zero-emission vehicles by 2032. Bidders are required to submit proposals electronically via the City’s OpenGov e-Procurement portal by December 18, 2025, with pricing and quality forming the basis of award considerations, judged through a best-value tradeoff process encompassing price, material quality, bidder capacity, and experience. The contract includes four optional one-year renewals that may be exercised at the City's discretion. It outlines strict compliance requirements regarding licenses, permits, safety regulations, nondiscrimination policies, and mandatory certifications including business licenses and insurance. Additionally, bidders must meet specific packaging, labeling, and quality assurance standards; all goods are inspected and accepted by the City upon delivery. The contract prohibits nuisances, mandates coordination between vendors and internal design teams, and includes warranty provisions covering conformity with specifications and defect-free materials. The solicitation also references comprehensive bid specification reviews and brand style guides to ensure consistency. Payment terms specify a 30-day net invoice cycle, with invoices submitted to the designated City address. No pricing or contract value is disclosed upfront, as costs are to be bid competitively using tiered quantity ranges. The award process respects City Charter mandates for integrity, transparency, and equitable opportunity, with detailed reporting and compliance obligations outlined for successful contractors.