“Schools that are the Pride of our Community”

Thomas Anderson, Superintendent of Schools James Rovezzi, Director of Facilities

Request for Proposals #1904-26 Uniform Program for Custodial, Maintenance & Security Staff

East Hartford Public Schools (EHPS) seeks to enter into a multi-year indefinite-quantity contract with a local clothing provider to provide uniforms and other clothing items for 90+ Custodial, Maintenance, Security, and other Facilities Division employees. This contract is for purchasing uniforms, NOT a rental or lease arrangement, but vendors are expected to provide many ancillary services as outlined in the scope of services section.

Questions related to this RFP must be submitted via e-mail to rovezzi.jl@easthartford.org no later than 3:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Any addendums, if necessary, will be published on the East Hartford Public Schools website by Monday, March 30, 2026.

Responses to this RFP must be received in the East Hartford Public Schools Department of Facilities office at 734 Tolland St, East Hartford, CT 06108 no later than 12:30 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Proposals should be addressed as follows:

East Hartford Public Schools, Dept. of Facilities James Rovezzi, Director of Facilities 734 Tolland St.

East Hartford, CT 06108

Proposals must be plainly marked in the lower left-hand corner of the envelope as follows:

Proposal Number: 1904-26 Proposal Name: Uniform Program for Custodial, Maintenance & Security Staff Opening Date: April 14, 2026 Opening Time: 12:30 PM

Publication Date: March 17, 2026 mailto:rovezzi.jl@easthartford.org

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

These instructions and requirements are standard for all Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by East

Hartford Public Schools. East Hartford Public Schools may delete, supersede or modify any of these standard instructions for a particular Request for Proposals. The Request for Proposals package will describe additional or modified instructions if needed. “Respondent” is used in this document to describe any company or individual providing a proposal in response to this RFP.

1. Proposals must be signed by an authorized representative of the respondent with the authority to bind the respondent to the terms of the proposals and with the acknowledgment that the proposal is made with full knowledge of and agreement with the general specifications, conditions and requirements of this Request for Proposals.

2. Submit Proposal package in a sealed envelope marked with the respondent’s name and address in the upper left‐hand corner. Proposal number, name, opening date and opening time must be marked in the lower left‐hand corner.

3. Proposals received later than date and time specified will not be considered. Amendments to, or withdrawals of, Proposals received later than the date and time set for Proposal opening will not be considered.

4. After the opening of the Proposal, no Proposal can be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days.

5. The right is reserved to purchase either by option or the total of options indicated, split awards and act as it seems in the best interest of the East Hartford Public Schools.

6. It is the respondent’s responsibility to check the East Hartford Public School website AND the

State DAS website for changes to the Request for Proposals prior to the Proposal opening. The respondent will be held to the Proposal as submitted, the terms and conditions in the Request for Proposal Package, inclusive of all addenda.

7. East Hartford Public Schools does not illegally discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, color, creed, ancestry, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), marital status, familial status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

8. East Hartford Public Schools reserves the right to waive any formalities in Proposals received; to reject any and all Proposals, to waive technical defects and to make such award, including accepting a Proposal, although not necessarily the lowest cost Proposal, as it deems to be in the best interest of the East Hartford Public Schools.

9. East Hartford Public Schools may withhold acceptances of work and payment thereof when it is determined that said work or materials do not meet the specified requirements. Payment will not be made until corrections are made which are acceptable to the East Hartford Public Schools officials and/or their authorized age

10. East Hartford Public Schools may make such investigation as deemed necessary to determine the ability of the respondent to discharge his contract. The respondent shall furnish the East Hartford Public Schools with all such information and data including references of similar projects conducted for other school systems as may be required for that purpose. East Hartford Public Schools reserves the right to reject any Proposal if the respondent fails to satisfactorily convince the East Hartford Public Schools that he/she is properly qualified by experience and has the facilities to carry out the obligations of the contract or Request for Proposal Requirements and to satisfactorily complete the work called for herein. Conditional Proposals will not be accepted.

11. Specifications cannot be relieved by anyone other than an assigned agent for East Hartford Public Schools. All changes must be in writing, signed by agent.

12. The successful respondent will be required to provide proof of insurance as outlined in the

“Indemnification and Insurance Requirements for Construction, Professional, or Labor Services” fo rm included with the Request for Proposals and submit a signed and notarized copy of the Indemnification section of the form. No modifications may be made to the Indemnification form.

13. All prices must be F.O.B. delivered unless otherwise specified.

14. The East Hartford Board of Education will not award any work to any company or individual who owes delinquent tax to the Town of East Hartford. Respondents certify by virtue of their signature on the Pricing sheet that neither the proposer nor any business or corporation which the respondent owns an interest in is delinquent in tax obligations to the

Town. Verification will be made prior to award.

15. If this RFP is for on‐call services or solicits pricing for multiple years, the terms of this RFP or any resultant award or contract shall apply for at least Three (3) full fiscal years (7/1 to 6/30) unless otherwise specified in this RFP. If mutually agreed between East Hartford Public Schools and the respondent, the term may be extended under the same terms and conditions for two

(2) additional twelve‐ month periods.

16. Any contract or agreement entered into as a result of this RFP process that spans multiple fiscal years shall contain the following “funding out” or “non-appropriation” clause:

East Hartford Public Schools/East Hartford Board of Education (EHPS) reserves the right to terminate this agreement/contract, without penalty, at the end of each fiscal year in the event a funding source relied upon to pay the cost of the agreement/contract does not contain an allocation for the services and/or products contained in this agreement/contract. EHPS will provide notice of termination at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the fiscal year.

East Hartford Board of Education

INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR

CONSTRUCTION, PROFESSIONAL OR LABOR SERVICES

A. INDEMNIFICATION

BIDDERS AND PROPOSERS ARE REQUIRED TO AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING INDEMNIFICATION

LANGUAGE BY NOTARIZING BELOW

To the fullest extent permitted by law, THE AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER agrees on behalf of itself and its successors and assigns, covenants and agrees at its sole cost and expense, to protect, defend, indemnify, release and hold the East Hartford Board of Education, Town of East Hartford, its agents, servants, officials, employees, volunteers and members of its boards and commissions (Collectively the “Board and Town of East Hartford”), harmless from and against any and all Losses (defined below) imposed upon or incurred by or asserted against the Board and Town of East Hartford by reason of bodily injury, personal injury, death, or property damage of whatsoever kind or nature, to any individuals or parties (including, but not limited to the Board and Town of East Hartford, the Awarded Bidder/Proposer, or any other third party) arising out of or resulting from, or alleged to arise out of or arise from Awarded Bidder’s/Proposer’s performance of its work under the contract, but only to the extent such Losses are attributable to the negligent or intentional act, error or omission of the Awarded Bidder/Proposer or any person or organization employed or engaged by Awarded Bidder/Proposer to perform all or any part of the contract. The term “Losses” includes any losses, damages, costs, fees, expenses, claims, suits, judgments, awards, liabilities (including, but not limited to, strict liabilities), obligations, debts, fines, penalties, charges, amounts paid in settlement, foreseeable and unforeseeable consequential damages, litigation costs, attorneys’ fees, expert’s fees, and investigation costs, of whatever kind or nature, and whether or not incurred in connection with any judicial or administrative proceedings, actions, claims, suits, judgments or awards.

Upon written request by the Board and Town of East Hartford, the Awarded Bidder/Proposer shall defend and provide legal representation to the Board and Town of East Hartford with respect to any of the matters referenced above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board and Town of East Hartford may, in its sole and absolute discretion, engage its own attorneys and other professionals to defend or assist it with respect to such matters and, at the option of the Board and Town of East Hartford, its attorneys shall control the resolution of such matters. Upon demand, the Awarded Bidder/Proposer shall pay or, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Board and Town of East Hartford, reimburse, the Board and Town of East Hartford for the payment of reasonable fees and disbursements of attorneys and other professionals in connection with this contract.

THE BOARD and TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD WILL NOT AGREE TO INDEMNIFY THE

AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER; SUBCONTRACTOR(S); OR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR(S)

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

COUNTY OF: Signature ______________________________________

Name: _________________________________________ Company Name: ________________________________

SEAL HERE: Address: _______________________________________ Date: __________________________________________

Subscribes and Sworn to before me on this ________ day of __________, 202___

Notary Pubic _____________________________

CONSTRUCTION, PROFESSIONAL OR LABOR SERVICES

(cont'd)

Revised 2/2021

B. INSURANCE

NOTE: CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE WILL BE REQUIRED UPON AWARD AND PRIOR TO START OF

WORK OR ISSUANCE OF PURCHASE ORDER

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER shall be responsible for maintaining insurance coverage in force for the life of this contract of the kinds and adequate amounts to secure all of the AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER’S obligations under this contract with an insurance company(ies) with an AM Best Rating of A-VII or better licensed to write such insurance in the State of Connecticut and acceptable to the Board and Town of East Hartford Additional Insured: The East Hartford Board of Education and the Town of East Hartford, its officials, employees, volunteers, boards and commissions must be included as an Additional Insured on the AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER’S Insurance Policies (except Workers’ Compensation and Professional Errors & Omissions). Evidence of this must be provided upon inception of this contract and upon renewal of insurance by the AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER to the Board and Town of East Hartford in the form of language on a Certificate of Insurance as well as a policy endorsement.

The AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER shall provide the Board and Town of East Hartford with a Certificate(s) of Insurance signed by an authorized representative of the insurance company(ies) prior to the performance of this contract describing the coverage and providing that the insurer shall give the Board and Town of East Hartford written notice at least thirty (30) days in advance of any termination, expiration, or any and all changes in coverage. Such insurance or renewals or replacements thereof shall remain in force during the AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER’S responsibility under this contract. Failure to provide or maintain any of the insurance coverage required herein shall constitute a breach of the Contract.

2. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

a) Commercial General Liability Insurance

The AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER shall carry Commercial General Liability Insurance (broad form coverage) insuring against claims for bodily injury, property damage, personal injury and advertising injury that shall be no less comprehensive and no more restrictive than the coverage provided by Insurance Services Office (ISO) form for Commercial General (CG 0001 04/2013). By its terms or appropriate endorsements such insurance shall include the following coverage, to wit: Bodily Injury, Property Damage, Fire Legal Liability (not less than the replacement value of the portion of the premises occupied), Personal & Advertising Injury, Blanket Contractual, Independent Contractor’s, Premises Operations, Products and Completed Operations (for a minimum of two (2) years following Final Completion of the Project). Any deviations from the standard unendorsed form will be noted on the Certificate of Insurance.

Type of Coverage: Occurrence Basis Minimum Amount of Coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence

$2,000,000 aggregate Policy Period: Annual Policy

CONSTRUCTION, PROFESSIONAL OR LABOR SERVICES

(cont'd)

Revised 2/2021

b) Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance

The AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER shall provide Statutory Workers’ Compensation Insurance as required by the State of Connecticut, including Employer’s Liability.

Amount of Coverage: Coverage A: Statutory Coverage B (Employer Liability):

$500,000 Each Accident $500,000 Disease, Policy Limit $500,000 Disease, Each Employee

c) Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance

The AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER shall carry Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance insuring against claims for bodily injury and property damage and covering the ownership, maintenance or use of any auto or all owned/leased and non-owned and hired vehicles used in the performance of the Work, both on and off the Project Site, including loading and unloading. The coverage should be provided by Insurance Services Office form for Commercial Auto Coverage (CA CA0001 10/2013) or equivalent. “Auto” (symbol 1 or equivalent) is required. Any deviations from the standard unendorsed form will be noted on the Certificate of Insurance.

Type of Coverage: Occurrence Basis Minimum Amount of Coverage: $1,000,000 combined single limit Policy Period: Annual Policy

d) Umbrella Liability Insurance

The AWARDED BIDDER shall carry an umbrella liability insurance policy of $5,000,000.

3. PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR REQUIRMENTS

(e.g., Architects, Engineers, et al.)

The AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER shall carry Errors & Omissions coverage in the minimum amount $1,000,000 per claim/$1,000,000 annual aggregate for all professional services contracts. If the insurance coverage is written on a Claims-Made basis, an extended reporting period of at least 3 years after substantial completion of the project is required. Increased coverage limits may be required based on the scope, price and duration of the work to be performed. The East Hartford Board of Education or Town of East Hartford will inform the AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER as to the required limits for this insurance as soon as practicable, and has sole discretion of the limits to be required.

CONSTRUCTION, PROFESSIONAL OR LABOR SERVICES

(cont'd)

Revised 2/2021

4. SUBCONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS:

The AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER shall require all subcontractors and independent contractors to carry the coverages set forth in section B. INSURANCE and will obtain appropriate Certificates of Insurance before the subcontractors and independent contractors are permitted to begin work.

The AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER shall require that East Hartford Board of Education and The Town of East Hartford, its officials, employees, volunteers, boards and commissions be included as an Additional Insured on all subcontractors and independent contractors’ insurance (except Workers’ Compensation and Professional Errors & Omissions) before permitted to begin work.

The AWARDED BIDDER/PROPOSER and all subcontractors and independent contractors and their insurers shall waive all rights of subrogation against the East Hartford Board of Education and Town of East Hartford, and its officers, agents, servants and employees for losses arising from work performed by each on this contract.

THE EAST HARTFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION OR TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD

RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AMEND THE AMOUNTS OF COVERAGE REQUIRED AND

TYPE OF COVERAGE PROVIDED BASED ON THE FINAL AGREED UPON SCOPE OF

SERVICES

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT

East Hartford Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not transact business with firms that are not in compliance with all Federal and State Statutes and Executive Orders pertaining to non‐ discrimination.

This form is required to be filled in (enter company name above lines below), signed and returned with any Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposal, or other public solicitation document in order to transact any business with East Hartford Public Schools.

__________________________ will not make employment decisions (including decisions related to hiring, assignment, compensation, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action and termination) on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, alienage, ancestry, disability (including pregnancy), genetic information, veteran status or gender identity or expression, except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.

It is the policy of _____________________________ that any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, alienage, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability (including pregnancy), genetic information, veteran status or gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law is prohibited.

______________________ will also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive

Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.

_________________________________ will remain in full compliance with the above while under contract with or performing work for East Hartford Public Schools.

Signed _______________________________

_____________________________ Business Address

Name/Title of Company Officer

Date Phone

Request for Proposals #1904-26 Uniform Program for Custodial, Maintenance & Security Staff

Background

East Hartford Public Schools (EHPS) seeks to enter into a multi-year indefinite-quantity contract with a local clothing provider to provide uniforms and other clothing items for 90+ Custodial, Maintenance, Security, and other Facilities Division employees. This contract is for purchasing uniforms, NOT a rental or lease arrangement, but vendors are expected to provide many ancillary services as outlined in the scope of services section. This RFP will include a base period of three (3) years and two (2) optional one-year (1) terms (for a total potential period of up to five (5) years).

Questions related to this RFP must be submitted via e-mail to rovezzi.jl@easthartford.org no later than 3:00PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Any addendums, if necessary, will be published on the East Hartford Public Schools website By Monday, March 30, 2026.

Responses to this RFP must be received in the East Hartford Public Schools Department of Facilities office at 734 Tolland St, East Hartford, CT 06108 no later than 12:30 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Scope of Services

Vendors must be capable of and experienced in performing the following services:

1. Annual Outfitting of Standard Uniform Items- It is the intention of EHPS to utilize this contract to outfit employees with uniforms each year. Currently, each employee receives (5) shirts and

(5) pants, so average annual uniform order usually exceeds 300 sets. Annual outfitting takes place no later than October 1st each year, so vendor is required to have fulfilled the bulk order by this time, provided EHPS provides a Purchase Order by August 14th or otherwise 6 weeks from date of order.

2. Measurement and Delivery Services- Vendors are required to visit each EHPS property (currently 18 in total) to take uniform measurements for each employee, and deliver uniforms to each building when orders are received. On-site measurements are to be taken when requested, but at least once yearly in July/August when the order for the annual outfitting for the upcoming year is placed.

3. Outfitting New Employees- When new employees are hired by the Department, vendor must visit the employee at their work location to measure for uniforms, and deliver uniforms to site when order is received.

4. Non-standard items- Throughout the year, the Department may require miscellaneous items such as shirts or pants that differ from standard uniform stock items: rain gear, jackets, hats, fleeces, vests, etc. Vendors must be able to provide such items and provide a standard discount off manufacturer’s list price, which will be applied to all items other than ones directly priced through this RFP (See Appendix “A” Pricing Section).

mailto:rovezzi.jl@easthartford.org

Proposals

Contractors must provide the following in their responses to this RFP:

1. General information and company history.

2. Detailed description of how the solution being proposed will meet the goals of the uniform program being presented in this RFP.

3. Describe at least (3) references of client accounts currently serviced with a similar scope of services as listed in the “Scope of Services” section, and provide a reference (Name, Organization, Phone Number) for each.

4. Pricing submitted using “Appendix A- Pricing”

5. Addendum acknowledgement (if any)

6. OPTIONAL- Product samples (samples provided at no cost and will not be returned)

7. Proposals Submitted to include: One Signed Original, and One Electronic copy (thumb drive)

Other Considerations

• Contractor must maintain principal place of business within 30 miles of the East Hartford Public Schools Department of Facilities Building at 734 Tolland Street, East Hartford, CT.

• All unit pricing submitted must include one custom-embroidered multi-colored EHPS logo. This logo is the same as presented at the top of this RFP document and will be a standard “above the pocket” size.

• It will be the sole determination of EHPS that the items in the “Standard Uniform Items” priced in “Appendix A- Pricing” meet the performance and style criteria provided. Vendor may submit samples with their RFP, but not required.

• Vendors selected to participate in the interview phase must provide samples of “Standard Uniform Items.”

• East Hartford Public Schools are exempt from Connecticut Sales Tax. Do not include sales tax in any pricing submitted.

• This RFP may be used for additional apparel as needed throughout the school district for such items as T-Shirts (including silk screening and embroidery). It is the desire of the District to have a preferred vendor for T-Shirts and should be taken into consideration. Vendor must have the capabilities to provide these types of garments in various colors and sizes along with custom printing.

• This RFP is anticipated for award in May 2026, with a start of services date effective July 1, 2026.

Selection Process

Contractor(s) will be selected based on overall quality of the Contractor’s RFP response and the ability of the proposed service program and products to meet the goals of EHPS, relevance of experience, strength of references, and pricing. The Department of Facilities will select contractors to attend in-person interviews to determine the best fit between the contractor and the needs of the East Hartford Public Schools.

East Hartford Public Schools reserves the right to negotiate with and enter into contracts with multiple contractors selected through this RFP process.

Project References

Request for Proposals #1904-26

Uniform Program for Custodial, Maintenance & Security Staff

In the interest of securing competent contractors, we are requiring the following information be provided with your Proposal.

Failure to provide this information may jeopardize your firm being awarded this project.

Please provide (3) three references of client accounts of similar size and scope per this RFP:

Project #1

Project Name: _______________________ Customer Name/Organization/Phone Number#: _____________________________________ Date Project Completed: ________________

Description of Project:

Project #2

Project Name: _______________________ Customer Name/Organization/Phone Number#: _____________________________________ Date Project Completed: ________________

Description of Project:

Project #3

Project Name: _______________________ Customer Name/Organization/Phone Number#: _____________________________________ Date Project Completed: ________________

Description of Project:

Appendix A- Pricing

RFP# 1904-26

Uniform Program for Custodial, Maintenance & Security Staff

1. Standard Uniform Items

Note: Unit costs provided must include not only the clothing items themselves, but all services required as listed in “Scope of Services” section, paragraphs #1, #2, and #3 to be included into the unit costs. No additional charges will be allowed.

a. Polo Shirt- short sleeve, durable, smooth micro pique, men’s and women’s styles, moisture wicking fabric, snag resistant, 3-button placket, dark grey/charcoal color

i. Sizes S-2XL = $ per shirt

ii. Sizes Larger than 2XL= $ per shirt

b. Work Pant- cargo style, durable, relaxed-fit, men’s and women’s styles, wrinkle resistant, zip cargo pockets, dark blue color

i. Waist Sizes 28 to 42 = $ per pair

ii. Waist Sizes above 42 = $ per pair

2. Miscellaneous Items

Note: Discount is off of advertised manufacturers list price or manufacturer’s suggested retail price. List price less discount below will constitute final price to EHPS. No additional charges will be allowed for shipping, delivery, and embroidery (of single logo as listed in scope section).

Discount from Manufacturer’s List Price = %

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU PROVIDE ALL INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE “PROPOSALS” SECTION ON THE

RFP. ONLY SUBMITTING APPENDIX A- PRICING WITHOUT ADDRESSING THE OTHER SUBMITTAL

REQUIREMENTS WILL DISQUALIFY YOUR RFP RESPONSE.

SUBMITTED BY:

Company Name

Address

Contact Person/Title

Telephone# Email

Signature Date

Tax Collector verification:

No delinquent taxes owed by the awarded proposer to the Town of East Hartford

Affirmative Action Statement