Smart Start of Mecklenburg County is soliciting bids from Mecklenburg County based book sellers for purchasing/distribution of quality books, in English and Spanish, appropriate for children 0-5 years old. The project will have two components. Component #1 has a budget of $50,000 and Component #2 has a budget of $55,000. Organizations can submit bids for one or both of the components. 

Component #1 - In February/March 2010, a projected 8,000 books will be purchased and distributed to a projected 1,000 families of children (4-5 year olds) who are enrolled in More at Four classrooms located in child care facilities. Bidder is expected to order the books, create literacy kits that include the books/ early literacy materials, distribute the kits either through a delivery or pick-up option and maintain accurate distribution records. 

Component #2 - In February/March 2010, a projected 8,000 books will be purchased and distributed to a projected 750 families of children participating in Smart Start-funded activities. Bidder is expected to order the books, create literacy kits that include the books/early literacy materials, distribute the kits either through a delivery or pick-up option and maintain accurate distribution records.  Bidder will also be expected to develop and conduct early literacy workshops for a projected 11 programs. (see funded programs on website) Workshops, which must be completed before May 31, 2010, will target both families and agency staff.    

If interested, please submit a proposal that addresses organizational capacity, tasks to be completed and associated costs.  Send responses to Barbara Rein at . Response deadline is February 9, 2010.