What the buyer needs
AI summaryDakota County Communications seeks a vendor to provide printing and mailing services for the 2027 spring Dakota County Newsletter. Dakota County will supply high-resolution InDesign PDFs, while the contractor will work offsite to print the 36-page publication on 70lb cover and 50lb body satin/silk stock with at least 10% PCW, and manage the mail list, mail processing, and postage. Only onshore USA organizations are eligible to bid. Vendors must submit questions by November 16, 2026, with responses scheduled for November 18, 2026, and submit final proposals by 4 p.m. on November 23, 2026. Proposals must be submitted on official business letterhead, remain valid for at least 120 days, and include company history, key personnel, and a maximum not-to-exceed budget based on hourly rates and reimbursables. Dakota County will evaluate proposals based on factors including the project team's expertise and the best value cost proposal.
Scope of work
- Print 36-page newsletter (32 body pages plus 4 cover pages) at 8.375" x 10.8125" final size
- Use 70lb cover and 50lb body satin/silk text stock, minimum 10% PCW, 2-sided 4-color process with bleeds
- Match quantity to Dakota County carrier mailing list, estimated at 186,500 copies
- Print and ink-jet or label approximately 1,600 additional copies for Cannon Falls and Northfield residents
- Deliver 700 copies to Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033
- Deliver 2,000 stitched 8-page pullouts (Your Parks center 8 pages) to Dakota County Administration Center
- Provide mail list, mail processing (standard presort bulk mail as ECRWSS Postal Customer), and postage costs
- Cover all delivery and freight costs
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Project team and expertise of key personnel | Not specified |
| Best Value Cost Proposal | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Compliance with Minnesota law governing transaction of business in the State of Minnesota
- Registered and in good standing with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State if not an individual
- Experience with similar projects undertaken within the last five (5) years
Documents to include with your response
- Transmittal letter on official business letterhead with statement that proposal remains valid for at least 120 days
- Company history, organizational structure, and organization chart
- Qualifications and experience showing similar projects within the last five (5) years
- Work plan and detailed budget
- Attachment D: Non-Collusion and Conflict of Interest Statement
- Attachment E: Trade Secret Form
- Attachment F: Proposal Signature Form
How to submit
- Instructions
- Submit on the firm's official business letterhead; proposals by corporations must bear the official corporate seal if applicable and signature of an authorized officer.