Request for Quotes, Heat Applied Cigarette Tax Stamp

The Department of Taxation, Administrative Services Office of the State of Hawaii, is soliciting offers for the manufacture and delivery of heat-applied cigarette tax stamps under solicitation number Q26002886, with a response deadline of May 26, 2026. The contract requires the production of secure, tamper-evident stamps meeting strict technical specifications including UV watermarking, microprint, taggants, and chemical reagent-responsive ink, all to be applied in rolls of 15,000 units with unique serial numbering and documented traceability. All stamps must be compatible with existing state-approved application machinery and adhere to Hawaii Administrative Rules regarding visibility and adhesion. Proposals must include seven mandatory attachments detailing sample stamps, the chemical composition of the release carrier, anti-counterfeiting and security systems, evidence of machine availability and production continuity, comprehensive security protocols, and proof of vendor compliance through Hawaii Compliance Express. The contractor must maintain insurance with a minimum A.M. Best rating of “A-/VI,” name the State as an additional insured, and comply with stringent chain-of-custody standards, including bonded carrier transport, secure storage, and segregation from general cargo. Packaging must conform to NMFC 100-Y freight standards, with every roll and shipping carton labeled with serial numbers and quantities, and no barcoding required but machine-readable tracking implied through unique roll IDs. The contract performance period begins June 8, 2026, and ends June 7, 2027, with an option for two one-year extensions at the same or lower unit price, subject to state discretion. Title to the stamps does not pass until accepted by the consignee at the delivery point, with the contractor bearing full financial liability for loss or damage during transit. The Department reserves the right to inspect facilities and records at any time, and requires the contractor to provide immediate access for forensic analysis and testimony in criminal proceedings related to stamp authenticity. Subcontracting is prohibited without prior written approval, and failure to maintain HCE compliance will result in disqualification. The award will be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable basis, evaluating first technical compliance with all mandatory requirements, then selecting the lowest-priced responsive offer. The unit pricing for 1,000 stamps is to be submitted by offerors but is not specified in the solicitation, and no formal contract line item numbers are provided. Payment will be processed by the Department under state procedures, with no electronic invo