The Purchase of Physical Library Materials

The City of Pickering issued Request for Supplier Qualifications RFSQ2026-8 to establish a prequalified supplier list for the purchase and processing of physical library materials for the Pickering Public Library. This solicitation utilizes a two-stage selection process where the top four ranked respondents who meet mandatory technical and rated criteria will enter into a Master Framework Agreement, anticipated for execution on January 1, 2027. Once qualified, these suppliers will be eligible for subsequent invitational competitive processes based on availability and the lowest rates. Evaluation for the initial qualification is based on a 100-point scale, consisting of 85 points for non-price rated criteria and 15 points for pricing, which includes percent discounts from list prices and per-unit costs for processing and MARC records. The scope of work involves material selection through Automatic Release Plans, the acquisition of multilingual materials in over ten different languages, and the provision of MARC records in RDA format. The contract mandates strict packaging and labeling standards for various items, including specific requirements for loanable kits, video games, and audiobooks, with all goods delivered F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid. Successful suppliers must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least 2,000,000 dollars per occurrence and comply with all applicable workplace safety laws. Responses must be submitted electronically via the City's bidding portal by October 29, 2026, at 2:00pm local time.