BID - Recycled Copy Paper 2008

This document is a set of specifications for recycled copy paper for a truckload order. The document outlines the requirements for the recycled certification, processed chlorine free (PCF) properties, sustainability certification, size, curl, tests, physical surface characteristics, feed characteristics, guarantee, stock, packing, skids/pallets, punching, and hole plugs. For the recycled certification, the paper must either have a manufacturer's affidavit of recycled content verifying 50% post-consumer fiber or comply with New York State's recycled requirements. If none of these conditions are met, the bidder must submit a properly completed affidavit within six calendar days after notification. The document also states a preference for Processed Chlorine Free (PCF) products, which must be accredited through a third-party certification program or substantiated with literature published by the manufacturer or a signed statement by a corporate officer. Confirmation of PCF properties should be submitted with the bids. In terms of sustainability, the non-recycled or virgin content of the proposed products must be derived from a sustainably managed renewable resource and certified as such through a third-party certification program recognized by the paper industry. Confirmation of compliance with this requirement should also be submitted with the bids. The required sizes for the paper are 8-1/2" x 11", 8-1/2" x 14", and 11" x 17". The paper must be flat, precision trimmed-square on four sides, with clean smooth edges, and evenly jogged. A tolerance of + 1/32 inch is allowed, and successive sheets within any package must not differ from each other by more than 1/64 inch. The paper should have no tendency to curl or with a curl that can be overcome under reasonable working conditions when processed through a xerographic type copier, laser or ink-jet printer, or fax machine. The document also mentions that the Office of General Services reserves the right to conduct tests to determine the quality, uniformity, and workmanship of the products offered and/or delivered. The paper must be free from lint, fuzz, wrinkles, waviness, folds, holes, tears, slime spots, wrapper glue, turned-over corners, damaged edges, any scraps of foreign material, and other defects. In terms of feed characteristics, the paper must be relatively free of static electricity and have sufficient stiffness and tensile strength to ensure efficient feeding and transport through a xerographic type copier. It must run consistently trouble-free through high-speed copiers, laser and ink-jet printers, plain paper faxes, and offset duplicators, and be capable of being printed on two sides without excessive curling or jamming. The paper must be unconditionally guaranteed to provide trouble-free operation when used on xerographic type copiers, laser and ink-jet printers, plain paper faxes, and offset duplicators. The bidder may be required to submit a letter from the paper mill manufacturing the stock, unconditionally guaranteeing trouble-free operation. Bids will only be accepted for paper grades that have been regularly made by the manufacturer for at least the past 3 months and have been widely distributed and proven to perform without problems on all makes and models of dry toner copiers. The proposed stock must be the same as that sold to the trade under the same brand name. The paper must be ream wrapped in a moisture-resistant wrapper, preferably with a laminated wrapper to create a moisture barrier. Each ream package must have a label indicating the brand, size, color, number of sheets, substance weight, and grain. The reams must be packed in corrugated cartons with 5000 sheets per carton for 8-1/2" x 11" and 8-1/2" x 14" and 2500 sheets per carton for 11" x 17". Lid-type cartons are preferred, and each carton must be labeled or marked to identify the contents. All orders must be delivered on skids or pallets that are sturdily constructed to support the weight of the cartons without breaking. Two-way or four-way entry pallets are acceptable, and the cost of the pallets must be included in the price per thousand sheets. The skids or pallets must be shrink film wrapped or covered with water-resistant paper to protect against moisture damage during delivery. Round hole punching may be required, and the price must be requested for paper with three standard round holes per sheet for use in a standard ring binder. The punched sheets must be free of "hole plugs" and must not interlock.