University Bulk T-shirt Order

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	             STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) NO. RFI 71-2026-02The University of North Carolina at PembrokeDue Date: Tuesday June 16, 2026Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this RFI to:  
Kimberly.locklear@uncp.edu
Commodity No. and Description:
Bulk T shirt supply for university for various departments and events (athletics not included)

Issue Date: 05/31/2026


RFI SUBMITTAL: Vendors response to this RFI must be submitted through the Sourcing Tool. For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to Vendors should go to the following site: HYPERLINK "https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training" \h
https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training.  

Questions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888-211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.

NOTICE TO VENDOR 
Your Request for Information (RFI) must be uploaded to the eVP system by the date provided Tuesday 16 2026.

QUESTIONS
Submit questions until Friday, June 6 questions may be submitted by e-mail to kimberly.locklear@uncp.edu Please insert RFI No. RFI 71-2026-02 Questions in the subject matter of your e-mail. A summary of all questions and answers will be posted to the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), HYPERLINK "https://evp.nc.gov"
https://evp.nc.gov), as an addendum to this RFI.    

EXECUTION
VENDOR NAME:E-MAIL:  STREET ADDRESS:P.O. BOX:ZIP:CITY & STATE:TELEPHONE NUMBER:TOLL FREE TEL. NO:
TYPE OR PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING:FAX NUMBER:AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:
DATE:





OBJECTIVE & pURPOSE
The intent of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information for possible future solicitation, which may result in a contract for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in ordering and purchase large bulk t-shirts of varies colors, sizes, and fabric.

THE DEPARTMENT MAKES NO COMMITMENT TO ACQUIRE ANY SERVICES UNDER THIS RFI. DEPARTMENT WILL NOT PAY FOR INFORMATION RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO THE RFI. THE VENDOR SOLEY BEARS ANY COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF A RESPONSE. 

This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses to the RFI will not be returned nor will the Department confirm receipt of the RFI response. Whatever information is provided in response to this RFI will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives available for determining how to proceed in the acquisition process. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Department to form a binding contract.

All interested vendors are requested to provide a written response to the questions below. A response to this RFI is necessary to assist the Department in determining the potential levels of interest, adequate competition, market maturity, and service capabilities within the business community. 

The Department requests detailed vendor specific and industry standard information on how your firm would address the items in the following sections of this RFI.

INTRODUCTION
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is seeking to establish a partnership with a highly qualified vendor to supply high-quality Tshirts in bulk on an as-needed basis. These Tshirts will support a wide range of campus needs, including but not limited to academic offices, Admissions, Enrollment, New Student Orientation, university departments, student organizations, and institutional events such as Homecoming. They will also be used for marketing and promotional campaigns, as well as staff uniforms across campus.


BACKGROUND & CURRENT STATUS
Scope of Information Requested
A. Company Information
Company name, address, and contact details
 Years in business
 Relevant experience supplying T-shirts/apparel
3 Customer references
B. Product Information
Types of T-shirts offered (cotton, polyester, blends, etc.)
Available brands/products
 Fabric specifications
 Available sizes and colors (size: small to the largest size offer)
 Quality standards
C. Pricing Structure
1.	Pricing tiers Bulk discounts
2	Shipping costs, waiver
3.	 Rush ordering fees waived

D.Delivery
Production timelines
Delivery options
Large-volume capability
 Inventory capabilities
E. 	Sustainability & Compliance
Eco-friendly options
Certifications
Labor standards compliance
Value-Added Services
Inventory management
Drop shipping
Online ordering portals
 Packaging options
Submission Requirements
Please include completed RFI response, product catalogs, pricing sheets, and samples if available.

7. Additional Notes
This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to purchase. Responses will be used to evaluate potential vendors for future solicitations 
.

RFI Procedures

The Department recognizes that considerable effort may be required in preparing a response to this RFI. However, respondents are advised that this is a request for information only, and not a request for services. Respondents shall bear all costs for preparing their RFI response. Respondents to this RFI are asked to be thorough and concise.


All responses, inquiries, or correspondence relating to or in reference to this RFI, and all documentation submitted by the various respondents shall become the property of the Department when received. The responses to this RFI, any follow-up questions and presentations to the Department may be used to develop any future solicitation.

Schedule
Respondents will have 2 weeks to prepare their submissions to this RFI. Responses must be received by the date and time specified in this RFI. Respondents may also be invited to present and discuss their solutions. This could be virtually or in person. 
Clarification Questions
Clarification questions regarding this RFI will be accepted until specified time on the cover sheet of this RFI. All questions must be submitted in writing to the email address specified on the cover sheet of this RFI. An addendum containing clarification questions, and their answers will be issued as an addendum to this RFI, though eVP. 
Response 
The Vendor shall provide the following in their response:

Transmittal Letter
The transmittal letter should be in the form of a standard business letter and should be signed by a respondent-authorized individual. It should note the following:
A statement that deviations are included, if applicable.
A statement that proprietary information is included, if applicable.

General Information

Respondent information: 
Name of Company
Contact Person
Address, Telephone Number, Email Address
Brief history of company

Content 

Interested firms shall submit a response to this RFI together with: 
Marketing materials including information on your firm 
Detailed description of the product(s), services and capabilities available to the Department 
Representative cost estimates 

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION 
In accordance with 09 NCAC 06B.0103 the State may maintain confidentiality of certain types of information described in N.C. Gen. Stat. 132-1 et. seq. Such information may include trades secrets defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. 132-1.2. Respondents may designate appropriate portions of its response confidential, consistent with and to the extent permitted under the Rules and Statutes set forth above, by marking the pages containing confidential information with boldface type at the top and bottom of each such page stating CONFIDENTIAL. By so marking any page, the Respondent warrants that is has formed a good faith opinion, having received such necessary or proper review by counsel and other knowledgeable advisers that the portions marked confidential meet the requirements of the Rules and Statutes set forth above. The State may serve as custodian of Respondents confidential information and not as an arbiter of claims against Respondents assertion of confidentiality. If an action is brought pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. 132-9 to compel the State to d