VCE Aluminum IFB Number: 711: 26-012

Virginia Correctional Enterprises (VCE) is soliciting competitive sealed bids under IFB 711: 26-012 to establish a one-year term contract from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, for aluminum substrate material used in the manufacture of vehicle and motorcycle license plates. The award will be made on a grand total basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Bids must be submitted via the eVA portal or delivered physically to North Chesterfield, Virginia, by September 16, 2026. The solicitation includes award priority for DSBSD-certified micro and small businesses and requires the submission of a Small Business Subcontracting Plan and a bid deposit via certified check. The contractor must provide aluminum that meets strict technical specifications, including a chrome-free conversion coating pretreatment and the ability to withstand embossing at 3/32 inch height without warping or breaking. Specific packaging requirements are mandated, including eye-to-the-sky coil orientation, non-metallic banding, and reinforced waterproof paper wrapping. Vehicle coils must be 12-1/8 inch wide with a nominal weight of 1,800 to 2,300 pounds, while motorcycle coils must be 7-1/8 inch wide with a nominal weight of 1,200 to 1,650 pounds. Deliveries are expected within 30 calendar days after receipt of order on an FOB destination basis, and the contractor must be capable of providing an emergency supply of approximately 40,000 pounds within three weeks of a request. Payment terms are standard at 30 days after invoice or delivery.