NIGP 34590: Vests, Life

NIGP 34590 Vests, Life (Item) encompasses ballistic protective gear and water-based life vests purchased by fire departments and emergency-services agencies. Recent solicitations show state and local governments buying ballistic helmet and plate-carrier systems for tactical firefighting units, alongside traditional closed-sided life vests for water-rescue and emergency-services training. Issuing bodies include city fire departments and county emergency-services agencies. The City of Santa Monica Fire Department appears as a repeat buyer, posting two separate invitations to bid for ballistic helmets, plate carriers, and protective plates in May and July 2026, each targeting approximately 130 personnel plus a 20 percent supply reserve. Gwinnett County Department of Financial Services solicited 446 closed-sided life vests across multiple size categories for its Fire and Emergency Services division.

Recent activity concentrates in California and Georgia. The Santa Monica Fire Department released an Invitation to Bid on May 12, 2026 (due June 1, 2026) and a second ITB on July 9, 2026 (due July 14, 2026), both specifying named helmet models including Paraclete and Team Wendy brands, NIJ Level III or above certification, and vendor requirements for three years of recent experience supplying tactical gear to Southern California professional fire departments, with SAM.gov registration and California contractor licensing mandatory. Gwinnett County released a Request for Quotation on May 28, 2026 (due June 3, 2026) for X2O Sports brand life vests or approved equivalents, with F.O.B. destination delivery to Lawrenceville, Georgia and award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor. Santa Monica's May solicitation referenced an estimated equipment subtotal of $51,474.00 plus sales tax, with shipping costs additional.