Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-05-07
FURNISHING MAIL LOCKS AND KEYS.
PosT OFFICE DEPARTMENT.,

Posr OFFICE DEPARTMENT.,
- ~ March IA, 1851
TT BEING DESIRABLE to substitute locks and
l. keys OF some other kind for those now in use for the
mail service OF the United States, specimen locks and
KEYS, with proposals tournish The same will be received
and considered at The Post Office Department until the
first day of July next The different locks will be SUBJ
United to commission for examination and report
Upon this report contracts will as soon practicable
be entered into TOR furnishing such locks and KEYS for
four years, with the right the part of the Postmaster
General for the time being 10 extend and continue the
contract in force for additional term of four years by
giving to the contractor written notice to that eff
not more than nine nor less than six months before The
termination OF the first term OF four years.
With view 0! procuring the best lock at the lowest
price, no kidd olock is prescribed standards the De-
pallment relying for selection on the mechanical skill
and ingenuity which fair competition, now invited
may develop 1t is, however, proper to state, that
lock suitable for the mai service should possess the fol-
loving quates,vz. durability, uniformity, lighness
and strength.
For The purpose Of displacng simultaneously all the
mail locks and keys in use, about thirty thousand
new locks aud twenty Thousand keys adapted thereto
will be required to be furnished by the contractor with
In seven months after the shall have been en-
tered INTO; afterwards the annual supply will depend
on the durability OF the locks and keys adopted as
well as the increase OF the mail service; but will pro-
baby exceed in amount three hous and the for
mer and one thousand o! the latter.
No lock will be considered if it be like any already
IN general use will any with whom the con.
tract may be made be allowed to make, SELL or furnish
any lock or key similar to those contracted for for any
other purpose than that CT the Post Office De.
partment.
The kind of lock adopted must be patented and the
patenee will be required, entering into contract to
make assignment OF his patent for the exclusive use
and benefit otthe Departmental the Postmaster General
shall deem such requirement essential to the interests
OF the service. ln OF the ia lure OF the contractor
at any time to fulfil faithfully the terms and conditions
OF his contract the Postmaster General shall have
the right besides resort to the penal remedy herein
alter mentioned, to annu said contract and 10 contract
anew with any other party parties as he may see
tit, for furnishing similar locks and keys.
ln deciding upon the proposals and specimens Of
tered. the Postmaster General may deem it expedeut
to ect for the through mails the lock of one bidder
and Tor the way mails that Of another He reserves.
therefore, the right of contracting with different indi-
vduals for such different kinds Of locks as he may Sc
ect, and also the right to reject all the specimens and
proposals, II he shall deem that for the interest
the Department. The party or parties contracting
will be required to give bond, with ample security in
the sum Of thirty thousand dollars for faithful peror-
| nance OF the contract. The contract is to contain
provisions for the due and proper inspection of The locks
and keys and ALSO guarding against their passing into
improper hands, the terms OF these provisions to be ar
ranged between the Department and the successful bid
der if lid should be accepted.
No application will be considered not accompanied
with satisfactory evidence of the trustworthy character
of the bidder, and OF his ability to fulfil the contract
N: K HALL, Postmaster General
NH 2l-lawtlJy