Printing and Mailing of Census and Street Listing Book 2026

The City of Cambridge is soliciting bids under Solicitation Number COC-IFB-FY26-30698 for the printing and mailing services related to the 2026 Census and the production of the Street Listing Book. The contract encompasses the printing, folding, addressing, and mailing of approximately 68,000 first-mail census packets, 20,000 second-mail pieces, 17,000 third mailing follow-ups, and the production of 75 bound Street Listing Books in specified formats. All materials must meet precise postal standards, including specific envelope types and clear markings such as “SECOND REQUEST” for follow-up mailings. The contract requires that deliveries be made as inside deliveries in the manufacturer's original packaging, with no tailgate or city assistance provided during receipt. Bidders must submit sealed bids by 11:00 AM on December 18, 2025, either electronically through the City’s Procurement Portal or physically at the Purchasing Department in City Hall, Cambridge, MA. Contracts will be awarded on a lump sum, fixed-price basis, although no pricing data is pre-established in the solicitation documents—the City relies on bidders to propose pricing. The contract terms include compliance with several key City of Cambridge ordinances and policies: the Living Wage Ordinance mandates a minimum wage of $19.70 per hour (adjusted annually) for covered workers; the Truck Safety Ordinance requires specific mandatory safety equipment and compliance inspections for large vehicles used under city contracts to enhance vulnerable road user safety; and the CORI policy governs background checks associated with employment suitability. Contractors are obligated to comply with nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements, maintain performance security via bonds or certified checks, and meet insurance requirements specified in the bid documents. Inspection and acceptance of deliverables will occur at or prior to delivery, with certifications verified by relevant city departments. The solicitation emphasizes strict adherence to submission instructions, including no acceptance of late bids, and requires bidders to affirm through certifications their compliance with wage theft prevention, living wage standards, quality control abilities, and experience with similar census-related projects. Contracts are to be awarded within 45 days of bid opening, subject to availability of funds. While numerous mandatory contract provisions are locally drafted rather than federal FAR clauses, they cover definitions, duration, payment, and equal opportunity, among others. The contract includes provisions for waiver authority in limited circumstances regarding compliance with city ordinances and requires flow-down clauses to subcontractors. The detailed Truck Safety Ordinance and its 2025 regulatory updates form an essential compliance component regarding equipment and inspection for vehicles involved in contract performance