How STTARK Printing Services Work in South Carolina

What STTARK is and who uses it

STTARK is South Carolina's state printing and binding system, managed through the Department of Administration. It handles large-volume printing jobs for state agencies, schools, universities, and other public entities across the state. If you work for a government office, school district, or public institution in South Carolina, STTARK is likely the system your organization uses to order printed materials—everything from forms and brochures to bound reports and signage.

The system exists to standardize printing procurement across state government and reduce costs through bulk purchasing power. Rather than each agency shopping independently, STTARK consolidates orders and manages contracts with approved vendors. This means your agency doesn't negotiate printing rates individually; those rates are already set through the state contract.

STTARK also handles the actual production and delivery of printed materials. State printing facilities and contracted vendors produce the work, then ship it to your location. The system tracks orders from submission through completion, so you can check on the status of your job without calling around.

Key Takeaways

• STTARK is South Carolina's centralized printing system for state agencies, schools, and public institutions, not a service for private citizens or businesses.
• Orders go through your organization's designated STTARK contact or procurement office, not directly to a printer.
• Pricing is set by state contract, so rates are the same across all public entities using the system.
• You can track order status through the STTARK system once your job is submitted by your organization.
• Turnaround time depends on job complexity and current volume, so planning ahead prevents rush fees and delays.

How to place a printing order through STTARK

Your organization has a designated STTARK coordinator or procurement officer who handles all printing requests. You do not contact STTARK directly; instead, you submit your job details to that person at your agency, school, or institution. They enter the order into the STTARK system, which routes it to the appropriate vendor based on the type of work and current capacity.

When you request a printing job, have ready the following information: the number of copies you need, the size and format of the final product, the paper type and weight, any color or binding requirements, and your deadline. If you have artwork or a file to print, provide that in the format your coordinator requests—usually PDF or a print-ready file. Your coordinator will also need to know which budget code or account number to charge the job to.

Once submitted, your order enters a queue. STTARK assigns it a job number, which your coordinator will give you. You can use that number to check on progress through the system's tracking feature. Most standard jobs take one to three weeks from submission to delivery, depending on complexity and current workload.

Understanding STTARK pricing and contracts

STTARK pricing is set by state contract with approved vendors. This means the cost per unit—whether you're printing 500 copies or 50,000—is predetermined and the same for all public entities using the system. You do not negotiate rates; your organization pays what the contract specifies for that type of job.

The contract covers different categories of printing: standard offset printing, digital printing, binding, finishing (cutting, folding, collating), and specialty services like embossing or die-cutting. Each category has its own pricing structure based on volume and complexity. Your STTARK coordinator can tell you what the cost will be before the job is submitted, since the rates are public and fixed.

Some jobs may incur rush fees if you need them faster than the standard timeline. These fees are also set by contract and vary depending on how much faster you need the work. Planning ahead and submitting jobs well before your deadline helps you avoid these additional charges.

What types of printing STTARK handles

STTARK handles most common printing needs for public agencies and institutions. This includes forms, letterhead, envelopes, brochures, flyers, posters, business cards, annual reports, bound documents, and training materials. The system can produce single-color and full-color work, and can handle various paper stocks from standard copy paper to heavier cardstock.

Binding options include saddle-stitching (stapled in the center), perfect binding (like a paperback book), spiral binding, and comb binding. Finishing services—such as cutting, folding, collating, and packaging—are also available. If your job requires something more specialized, like embossing, foil stamping, or custom die-cutting, ask your coordinator whether STTARK's contracts include that service or whether you'll need to use a different vendor.

The system does not typically handle very small jobs (like a single copy) or jobs that require hand assembly or custom artwork creation. Your coordinator can tell you whether your specific project fits within STTARK's scope or whether you need to pursue an alternative.

Tracking your order and managing timelines

Once your job is in the STTARK system, your coordinator receives a job number. Use that number to check status online through the STTARK portal or by contacting your coordinator. The system shows you when your job is received, when it enters production, and when it ships. This transparency helps you plan for when materials will arrive and be ready to distribute.

Standard turnaround is typically one to three weeks, but this varies based on job size, complexity, and how busy the printing facilities are at that moment. A simple 500-copy black-and-white flyer may be ready in five business days, while a 10,000-copy full-color brochure with binding might take two to three weeks. Your coordinator can give you a more specific estimate when you submit the job.

If you need your materials faster, request a rush timeline when you submit the order. Rush jobs cost more but move to the front of the queue. However, not all jobs can be rushed—very large orders or complex finishing work may have a minimum timeline regardless of budget. Ask your coordinator what's possible before committing to a deadline.

When STTARK may not be the right choice

STTARK works well for standard, high-volume printing jobs that your organization plans ahead for. It is not designed for emergency same-day printing, very small quantities (under 100 copies), or highly specialized work like custom embroidery, promotional items, or items requiring hand assembly.

If your organization needs printing outside STTARK's scope, your coordinator can help you identify alternative vendors. Some agencies maintain contracts with local or specialty printers for jobs that don't fit the state system. Your coordinator will know which vendors are approved for your agency and how to request quotes from them.

Private businesses and individuals cannot use STTARK. The system is exclusively for South Carolina government agencies, public schools, universities, and other state-funded public institutions. If you work for a private company, you'll need to contact commercial printers directly.

Who to contact for STTARK questions

Your first contact is always your organization's STTARK coordinator or procurement office. They handle all submissions, answer questions about pricing and timelines, and troubleshoot any issues with your order. If your organization is small and doesn't have a dedicated coordinator, ask your supervisor or administrative office who handles printing requests.

If your coordinator cannot answer a question about the STTARK system itself, they can contact the South Carolina Department of Administration, which oversees the program. The Department of Administration maintains the contracts, manages vendor relationships, and provides support to coordinators across the state.

Do not contact printing vendors directly if your order is through STTARK. All communication goes through your organization's coordinator to keep the process streamlined and to ensure billing is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use STTARK if I work for a nonprofit or private business?

No. STTARK is exclusively for South Carolina government agencies, public schools, universities, and other state-funded public institutions. Private businesses and nonprofits must contact commercial printers directly for their printing needs.

How much does STTARK printing cost?

Pricing varies by job type, size, color, and finishing options, and is set by state contract. Your organization's STTARK coordinator can provide a quote before you submit your order. Rates are the same for all public entities using the system.

What if I need my printing job done in a week or less?

Standard turnaround is one to three weeks. If you need faster service, request a rush timeline when submitting your order—rush jobs cost more but move ahead in the queue. Not all jobs can be rushed, so ask your coordinator what's possible for your specific project.

Can I submit a printing order directly to STTARK myself?

No. All orders must go through your organization's designated STTARK coordinator or procurement office. They enter the job into the system, manage billing, and track progress. Contact your coordinator with your printing needs.

What file format should I provide for my printing job?

Ask your STTARK coordinator what format they need. Most printers prefer PDF files that are print-ready, but requirements may vary. Providing the correct format the first time prevents delays and ensures your job prints as intended.