BATON ROUGE (CNS)—A cursory review of requests for proposals (RFP) and bid advertisements by the State of Louisiana occasionally turns up some interesting reading for those who are prone to such mundane literature. But it is rare that an advertisement or RFP is as curious as a recent posting for bids that were opened on May 9.
It seems that the Division of Administration recently solicited bids for the purchase of condoms. In retrospect, the word “solicited” in the previous sentence could understandably be misconstrued, considering the fact that there was no clear-cut explanation as to how the condoms would be distributed and to whom.
Normally, it might be said there was no explanation as to the proposed use of the merchandise, but that might elicit unnecessary snickers and giggles, if not chortles and guffaws.
Nor is the quantity exactly clear. The invitation to bid asked for “52MM” of lubricated latex, reservoir end, smooth surface, assorted colors and “52MM” of non-lubricated latex, reservoir end, smooth surface, transparent color condoms.
The term 52MM is normally considered to mean 52 thousand-thousand, or 52 million. Using that standard definition, that would mean the state solicited (there’s that word again) bids on 52 million condoms of assorted colors and another 52 million of transparent color. That’s 104 million condoms.
If the MM had been in lower case, that would have been a completely different definition. If the bid had been for 52mm, that would have meant 52 millimeters. At approximately 25.4 millimeters per inch, 52 millimeters would convert to a little more than two inches. But again, that prompts the question of length, diameter, or circumference.
A more likely definition would be 520,000 because of a paragraph in the bid specifications that said, “Condoms are to be shipped to various sites throughout Louisiana [approximately 250 (sites)]. Minimum order shipped to any single location shall be two cases of 1,000 condoms per site. That would be 2,000 condoms shipped to each of 250 sites, or 500,000 condoms total.
The contract for the purchase of the condoms is for one year but at the option of the state, “may be extended” [stop laughing] for two additional twelve month periods at the same price.
The unintended humor doesn’t end there, however.
“The bidder must submit samples of each of the products to be supplied under the contract along with product literature for each of the types of products bid,” the bid specs said. “Samples of successful bidder will be retained at the purchasing office of the using agency. Any part of merchandise received that does not meet the quality standards and construction of the sample will be rejected and returned at vendor’s expense.”
Finally, the crowning punch line: “Any other samples received, if not destroyed in testing, may be returned at the bidder’s expense.”
Destroyed in testing?
Who wants to open that package?
No word, by the way, on the identity of the winning bidder.
Louisiana Voice 
Is this really for real? I can not imagine! My taxpayer money going towards the sexual pleasures of others?
This isn’t for real, is it? You’re not [yanking] our [leg], are you?
I’m sure some of the condoms are for people/clients with mental health and addictive disorders. I think it’s a pretty good investment…
If this is a joke, I am not laughing.
Turn your back on the Elderly, the Youth and Citizens of this state in general and do something as foolish as this with no recourse is a smack in the face.
It is no joke. This information came directly from the State web page.
Screwing someone is bad but being prepared to be screwed is something else; it fits the Administration.
Some explanation may be in order if the Department of Health and Hospitals is the agency taking bids for this product. DHH, via the parish health unit, would distribute these items to patients (clients) at Family Planning Clinics and STD Investigation Clinics. When I worked for DHH about 30 years ago these were Federally funded programs that were delegated and administered by the states.
These condoms have been purchased by the State for many, many years. They are actually distributed to businesses and clinics and via street outreach in high risk neighborhoods throughout the state to prevent the transmission of STDs including HIV and Syphilis. Unfortunately, Louisiana has some of the highest rates of each. The places where the condoms are distributed are in areas where HIV and STD public health surveillance indicates high incidence. Yes, the best solution is for people to refrain from high risk behaviour but that is just not happening. Baton Rouge is the #1 metro area in the country for HIV/AIDS rates (that’s # infected per 100,000 population). N.O. ranks up there as well and Louisiana is ranked in the top 5-10 in both HIV/AIDS and Syphilis. And the diseases cross all populations and ethnicities. I am not sure what the distribution numbers are now but in the late 90s and early 2000s the State distributed in the neighborhood of 4 million condoms a year. Many of which were provided by the CDC but a state match is required. These numbers are exorbitant but I feel they must be misprinted!
Thanks for some explanation. It makes me feel a little better.
So where is the Catholic church with all its indignation at Jindal and the legislature for supporting birth control? I guess this is an good example of acceptance of good health practices rather than blind adherence to religious doctrine when the rubber meets the road–or whatever.
Glad to know someone is getting some bang for our taxpayer bucks. I certainly have not enjoyed getting screwed by Booby Jihad.