SAM #SV0222-26

UNICOR Solicitation for Digital License Plate Printer System

UNICOR, Federal Prison Industries (U.S. Department of Justice), is seeking to procure a digital license plate printer system for the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland. - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Justice, UNICOR Federal Prison Industries, Federal Correctional Institution, Cumberland, MD - Products/Services Requested: - One digital license plate printer system - Must use inkjet or thermal transfer ribbon technology - Capable of printing full-color graphics, cue marks, and variable data on reflective license plate sheeting rolls - Supports four primary ink colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) and customizable color functionality - Print resolution of 600 dpi or higher - Accommodates automobile and motorcycle plate sizes - Includes air-actuated expansion mandrels and a splice table for fast roll changes - Software modules required: - Image processing, color management, printer management, database, data integration, RIP, and print management - Compatible with Windows 11 Professional/Enterprise - Must operate in a closed network environment - Supports randomized plate number generation, duplicate prevention, and external data synchronization via APIs or batch file exports - Services: - Installation, setup, configuration, calibration, and testing - Onsite operator training (with option for additional training within 6 months) - Warranty and customer support (telephone, onsite, and email) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - System must support role-based security and continuous indexing print queue - All software and hardware must be compatible with UNICOR's security and access restrictions - Detailed warranty and support terms to be provided in proposals - No specific OEMs or part numbers are named in the solicitation.

Description

Unicor is looking to procure: One (1) digital license plate printer. The Contractor shall supply a digital license plate printing system consisting of a printer that will either use inkjet technology to print process color UV-curable polymer ink direct to rolls of reflective license plate sheeting or thermal transfer ribbon printing technology. This printer shall be capable of printing the license plate image using the four (4) primary printing ink colors cyan, magenta, yellow & black, along with additional functionality for customizable color. The printer should be capable of printing the license plate images in a continuous indexing print queue. The printer will not be connected to agency network. The printer shall accommodate license plate sheeting substrates wound on and dispensed from a supply roll and shall be capable of accurately printing: 􀁸 Full color license plate graphics at fixed intervals on blank (unprinted) sheeting. o High contrast cue marks may be printed as part of the graphic for further processing downstream in a license plate blanking line; and 􀁸 Full color license plate graphics registered to pre-printed cue marks; and 􀁸 Variable data registered to pre-printed cue marks on preprinted sheeting. The printer shall accommodate rolls of reflective license plate sheeting wound on diameter cores. The roll of sheeting will be loaded onto a supply spindle with may include an air-actuated expansion mandrel to secure the roll. The printed roll will be automatically rewound onto a core installed on a take-up spindle with an air-actuated expansion mandrel. The printer should contain a connection for compressed air if required to operate these mandrels. The printer may contain a splice table with pneumatically actuated hold-down clamps for fast roll changes, reduced downtime and minimal material waste. Software included with this system shall provide image processing, color management, and related graphics functions. The software platform will also include a printer management module, providing printer setup, calibration, maintenance functionality, and the capability to integrate variable data on fixed plate backgrounds to change serial numbers, font, etc. The software modules to be supplied will also provide the following: 􀁸 Database Software o Allows for storage of data related plates printed, print jobs in progress, current status, shipping, and orders o Feeds variable data to fields in the license plate template. o Captures license plate data and content during the production process. 􀁸 Data Integration Software o Utilize printing templates with fields defined in the database. o Build a run list comprising entire print jobs printed by the system. 􀁸 RIP Software o Provides automated utilities to receive and process order files or run list files 􀁸 Print Management Software o Print manager that sends the print jobs to the printer. o Allows operators to manage and monitor print jobs, get printer status, control printer functions and complete printer maintenance tasks. o Windows-based User Interface.

All console software (where a user must be logged in) must be configured and tested for functionality with nonelevated privileges. The software must function without local or network administrator permission unless it runs as a Windows service. All software should be compatible with the Windows 11 Professional/Enterprise desktop operating system. All software must function in a “closed” network environment, with no permanent external connectivity required for licensing activation, software functionality, or software updates. The potential vendor should advise of their capabilities to provide randomized plate number generation and management. Specifically noting the following: 􀁸 A randomly generated seven-character format of 1 number followed by 2 letters and 4 numbers. For example, 1AE5634, 9BK7812 etc. Duplicate prevention 􀁸 The system should include functionality to identify potential duplicates prior to printing to prevent duplication across all license plates produced by the system. External system data synchronization 􀁸 The vendor should provide a solution from file/data transfer for synchronization with an external system. This could be done via APIs and/or file exports with batch synchronization. o The potential vendor should provide information on both capabilities, as the current system is not planned for any external connectivity, and thus batch synchronization may be the only option. The printer should be capable of printing a combination of background graphics and variable data, in any order, on demand in process color. This capability shall include the printing of variable license plate content: license plate images, text, and barcodes. Print jobs shall be initiated from the print management component of the software including automated processes and manual print jobs. The print management software will allow users to build, process and manage license plate print jobs as well as to control printer functions, settings and maintenance features. There will be role-based security for controlling user access to different functionalities in the system. The printer shall be capable of processing and printing a full roll of 12” standard automobile license plate graphics or 7” motorcycle license plates. The system shall have a RIP function where a specified directory can be configured to be monitored for files being placed. This will automate the initiation of the license plate processes. The processing of orders, graphic design, jobs, and tracking should be possible while the printer is printing. The vendor should list all software and hardware accessories and additional components included in the system, which would have no additional cost beyond what is quoted. Print jobs may be initiated manually by the operator, or automatically by copying a PDF print file to a hot folder. Multiple print files may be queued for the successive printing of license plate print jobs, including during actual printing. The system shall be capable of printing at selectable print resolutions of 600 dpi or higher. If the throughput of the printer changes as the resolution is updated, then the potential vendor should specify the throughput at each of the resolution standards. Installation and Testing 􀁸 The submitted proposal shall include a full description of the installation services that will be provided. 􀁸 This would include hardware installation, setup, configuration, fine tuning, calibration, and a documented quality control review of the hardware installation after setup and testing. 􀁸 This would include software installation, configuration, and testing. 􀁸 This would include collaboration with UNICOR staff on testing and troubleshooting during the implementation of computer access restrictions after software functionality has been tested and verified. Training 􀁸 The submitted proposal shall include a description and number of days of operator training to be performed onsite at the Federal Correctional Institution, Cumberland, Maryland. This training shall be conducted with UNICOR staff and the machine/software operators. 􀁸 This training shall include the standard operation of the equipment, as well as end user approved maintenance according to manufacturer recommendations. 􀁸 This training shall include software installation, configuration, operation, and troubleshooting. 􀁸 The proposal package shall also include information regarding the option for additional days of training if desired by UNICOR. The additional onsite training that is quoted could be immediately after the included days have been exhausted, or within 6 months of the initial installation.o Note: This will not be an evaluation factor and is for informational purposes only and is not part of this solicitation or award

Warranty 􀁸 The submitted proposal shall include a full description of the warranty, including the terms and conditions, as well as the duration. 􀁸 The proposal shall provide an identification and distinction between the manufacturer warranty, any 3rd party warranty offered by the proposer, if any of the terms, conditions, or duration are different. 􀁸 Any end user actions that may violate the warranty should also be disclosed. Support 􀁸 The submitted proposal shall include a full description of the customer service support provided. The description would entail: o Telephone support provided o Onsite support provided o Email support provided o Standard response time for telephone support o Hours that support is available via telephone or email o Costs for telephone, onsite, and email support outside of warranty coverage, to include travel labor rates and repair labor rates.

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