NIGP 20090: Waistcoats

NIGP 20090 Waistcoats, an Item code, covers uniforms and uniform components that state and local governments procure for employee workforces across transportation, public safety, and administrative functions. State and local buying under this code centers on end-to-end uniform management—sourcing, customization, fitting, distribution, and ongoing maintenance support—rather than off-the-shelf garment purchase alone. Issuing bodies soliciting under the code include transit authorities, which represent a significant category of purchaser given the labor-intensive nature of transit operations and the operational necessity for standardized, branded employee dress.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) posted RFP 194-25 on February 11, 2026, with a proposal submission deadline of March 30, 2026, seeking a qualified supplier to furnish uniforms and accessories for approximately 3,800 employees across multiple job classifications—Operating Personnel, Hub Station Access Clerks, Fare Engagement Representatives, Inspectors, and others. The MBTA requires end-to-end services including manufacturing or sourcing, fittings, customization, ordering systems, delivery, returns, and inspections, with bidders expected to conduct annual on-site visits ranging from 15 to 60 days and demonstrate customer references for large-quantity uniform purchases. The initial contract term does not exceed three years with four optional one-year extensions exercisable at MBTA's discretion. Award is on a best-value basis with supplier diversity weighted at 25 percent of technical scoring. The MBTA reserved the right to award to one or multiple bidders, and contract execution is estimated for May 15, 2026, with service commencement on July 1, 2026. No overall contract value or budget range was disclosed in the procurement documents.