AHEC-26400-D Printing of RED Magazine - MSU Denver

Background
The Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) is issuing this solicitation on behalf of the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) for the printing of the MSU Denver Magazine, previously known as RED Magazine. The goal of this contract is to procure high-quality printing services for two issues of the magazine, which will serve to communicate important information and updates to the university's community and stakeholders.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for printing two issues of the MSU Denver Magazine (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026), each consisting of 48 pages plus a 4-page cover. The total quantity required is approximately 100,000 copies per issue, with a possible variation of plus or minus 1,000 copies.

Specific requirements include:
- High-resolution print-ready digital files must be provided by August 2025 for Fall 2025 and February 2026 for Spring 2026.
- Printing specifications include:
- Paper Stock: 19" 100# #2 Matte Text and 35" 70# #3 Matte Text with flood satin UV cover.
- Ink: Full-color process with flood satin UV inline.
- Quality: Minimum photographic reproduction quality of 300 line screen (lpi).
- Binding: Perfect binding with scored half-folds.
- Mailing services must be provided in-house, including de-duplication and merging of approximately 100,000 names for inkjet mailing.
- Delivery timelines require that printed materials be delivered to the post office within three working days after mailing service completion.

Period of Performance
The initial term of the contract will run through June 30, 2026, with potential extensions for up to two additional years in one-year increments based on MSU Denver's needs.

Place of Performance
The work will primarily take place at the contractor's facility for printing and at the Auraria Campus for direct distribution of some copies.

Bidder Requirements
Bidders must demonstrate their ability to meet quality standards specified in this solicitation. Vendors who have not supplied similar work to MSU Denver within the last three years must provide samples, an equipment list, and references. Additionally, all vendors must comply with Colorado Revised Statutes regarding sex offender registration if employees will be present on campus.