OPD Soft Body Armor

RFB #4457

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

SCOPE:

The City of Owensboro ("City") is seeking a vendor to provide concealable soft body armor for use by the Owensboro Police Department.

VENDOR REGISTRY:

The bid/contract documents and all addenda can be downloaded from the City’s online Bonfire portal at https://owensboro.bonfirehub.com. Once registered, bidders can download all bid/contract documentation.

CONTRACT:

The Award Letter, along with the RFB and awarded vendor’s bid submission (including any negotiations), becomes the Contract between the City and Awarded Vendor. The Contract is contingent upon submission of all applicable contract documentation, including but not limited to, certificate of insurance and business license.

TERM OF CONTRACT:

The contract shall be in effect for one year from the date of the award notice.

With mutual agreement of the vendor and the City, the contract may be renewed for four (4) additional one (1) year periods, at the current bid price. Any increase in price will be negotiated with written proof to justify the proposed increase.

Within at least 30 days prior to the end of each contract period, the vendor may request a price increase in writing. The request must be sent to the City’s Purchasing Department at bids@owensboro.org, or by mail at 101 E. 4th Street, Owensboro, KY, or the contract will automatically renew on the date of the initial award notice.

GENERAL COMPLIANCE:

Please read these instructions carefully.

“OR EQUAL”: It is not the intention of the specifications contained herewith to eliminate any bidder; however, quoted items must EQUAL or exceed stated specifications. PLEASE NOTE: Any brand name mentioned within this bid document are descriptive, but NOT restrictive, unless otherwise specified. Bids on equivalent items meeting the standards of quality indicated will be considered, providing the bid clearly describes the article offered and indicates how it differs from the referenced brands. Descriptive literature or manufacturer’s specifications, plus any supplemental information necessary for comparison purposes should be submitted with the bid, or the bid on that item may be rejected. Reference to literature submitted with a previous bid or on file with the City’s Purchasing Department will not satisfy this requirement. The burden is on the bidder to demonstrate the item bid is equivalent to the item specified in this RFB.

ALTERNATE BIDS: Separate pricing options for different scopes of work outside the base bid scope must be approved by the City at least 7 days before bid opening to be considered.

BIDDER’S EXCEPTIONS: Any deviation from the specification or where submitted literature does not fully support meeting the specification(s), must be clearly cited on the attached page labeled “Exceptions to Bid Specifications.” No deviation below “minimum” specifications will be accepted.

BID SUBMISSION: Bids must be submitted through the online Bonfire Portal at:

https://owensboro.bonfirehub.com. Submissions by other methods will not be accepted. Minimum system https://owensboro.bonfirehub.com/ mailto:bids@owensboro.org https://owensboro.bonfirehub.com/

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

requirements: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox. (Javascript and browser cookies must be enabled.)

Vendors should contact the Bonfire Support team at Support.Bonfire@eunasolutions.com for technical questions. Vendors can also visit Bonfire’s help forum at https://vendorsupport.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us.

Submission materials should be prepared in the file formats listed under Requested Information for this opportunity in the Bonfire Portal. The maximum upload file size is 1000 MB. Documents should not be embedded within uploaded files, as the embedded files will not be accessible to be evaluated.

All submission documentation shall become the property of the City and will not be returned to the bidder, unless an agreement in writing is secured before the bid is submitted to the City.

At the time of bid submission, each bidder will be presumed to have read and to be thoroughly familiar with the bid specifications and requirements (including all Addenda/Public Q & A/Public Notices). The failure or omission of any bidder to examine any form, instrument, or document shall in no way relieve any bidder from any obligation in respect to his bid.

A conditional or qualified bid will not be accepted.

BID OPENING: All submissions are due prior to the scheduled bid opening as show on the Bonfire portal. The bid opening will be held via a Microsoft Teams meeting. Teams link and information can be found in the events section of the Bonfire portal.

METHOD OF PROCUREMENT: Competitive Sealed Bidding (KRS 45A.365) will be the method of procurement for the purchase of the item(s) specified herein.

KENTUCKY OPEN RECORDS LAW: At the time a bid or proposal is submitted to the City, vendor shall identify any information that is submitted as part of the bid that is proprietary or confidential in nature and not subject to release for public inspection. The City will protect any proprietary or confidential information to the extent allowable under the Kentucky Open Records Act.

NEW GOODS, FRESH STOCK: Unless otherwise specifically stated, all vendors shall provide new commodities, fresh stock, the latest model, design or package.

METHOD OF AWARD: This bid will be evaluated on the evaluation criteria established in the bid specifications.

Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting specifications.

The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids received, to take exception to these bid specifications, or to waive any informalities, to negotiate all terms and conditions, or to cancel or amend in part, or in its entirety, this bid. The right is also reserved to award bids based on the best interest and/or most advantageous to the City. The City reserves the right to consider as a part of the bid evaluation the stated warranty, stated delivery schedule and payment terms.

https://vendorsupport.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us mailto:Support.Bonfire@eunasolutions.com

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

PRICING: All prices shall be quoted exclusive of any taxes. The City is exempt from Federal excise, transportation and/or Kentucky sales tax. Any items supplied directly to the City from a supplier/manufacturer are exempt from sales tax. Any items purchased by a vendor that will be used in the fulfillment of a contract are not exempt from sales tax.

In case of a discrepancy in the extension of a unit price, the unit price shall govern the total price.

Prices quoted shall remain firm and open to acceptance by the City of Owensboro for a minimum period of ninety (90) days after bid opening.

SHIPPING CHARGES: All items quoted shall be “F.O.B. Destination.” No additional freight charges will be allowed.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE: Delivery date shall be specified on each item quoted. The vendor will be expected to fulfill the delivery as specified.

PAYMENT: The bid must clearly state the payment terms, including prompt payment discounts and payment due dates. Discounts should be figured into the unit price of the quoted item. The City of Owensboro reserves the right to select the most beneficial terms.

FAILURE TO PERFORM: Any vendor awarded a contract who fails to fulfill all obligations on this contract may be disqualified from bidding on any City bid/proposal for a period of up to five (5) years.

Should the vendor fail to perform as indicated herein the City reserves the right to procure the required services or products elsewhere at its discretion, either temporarily or permanently, and to either suspend or cancel all or part of the contract. Should such action be taken the vendor shall be responsible for all excess costs incurred by the City.

OWNER’S RIGHTS – RIGHT OF OWNER TO TERMINATE CONTRACT: City may terminate a contract because a vendor fails to perform its contractual duties.

If a vendor is determined to be in default, the City shall notify the vendor in writing and may either 1) terminate the contract immediately or 2) set a date by which the vendor shall cure the identified deficiencies. The City may proceed with termination if the vendor fails to cure the deficiencies within the specified time.

A default in performance by a vendor for which a contract may be terminated shall include, but not be limited to:

Failure to make delivery within the time specified or according to a delivery schedule fixed by the contract;

Failure to diligently advance the work under a contract for services;

The filing of a bankruptcy petition by or against the vendor;

or Actions that endanger the health, safety or welfare of City or its citizens.

If, during the terms of this Contract, funds are not appropriated for the payment of the City’s obligations hereunder, the City’s rights and obligations herein shall terminate on the last day for which an appropriation

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

has been made.

AT WILL TERMINATION: Notwithstanding the above provisions, the City may terminate this contract at will in accordance with the law upon providing a thirty (30)-day written notice of that intent. Payment for goods received prior to termination shall be made by the City provided those goods were delivered in a manner acceptable to the City. Payment for those goods shall not be unreasonably withheld.

RIGHT TO PROTEST OR APPEAL: Any actual or prospective Offerer who is aggrieved in connection with this bid, may file protest with the City of Owensboro Director of Finance and Support Services. A protest, appeal, or notice of other controversy must be filed promptly and in any event within two (2) calendar weeks after such aggrieved person knows or should have known of the facts giving rise thereto. All protests or notices of other controversies must be in writing and shall be addressed to:

Mrs. Angela Waninger Director of Finance & Support Services

City of Owensboro 101 East 4th Street Owensboro, KY 42303

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: The successful bidder covenants and agrees to maintain and keep in force during the term of the contract worker’s compensation, property, casualty, and general liability in the following minimum amounts:

Type of Insurance Limits Worker’s Compensation Statutory Commercial General Liability $1,000,000 (per occurrence)/$2,000,000 (aggregate) Commercial Automobile Liability $1,000,000 CSL

On all general and automobile liability policies of insurance, as primary and non-contributory, the vendor shall have the City named as an additional insured and shall further require that their liability carrier(s) notify the City at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of any change(s) in or cancellations of said insurance policies. A waiver of subrogation shall also be provided for all insurance policies, as allowed by law. The awarded vendor shall have 10 business days from the date of the award letter to provide a certificate of insurance meeting all requirements in this section. Submission of certificate of insurance may be included with the bid package.

HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT: The vendor/subcontractor covenants to save, defend, keep harmless, and indemnify the City and all of its officers, departments, agencies, agents, and employees from and against all claims, loss, damage, injury, fine, penalties, and costs including court costs and attorneys' fees, charges, liability, and exposure however caused resulting from, arising out of, or in any way connected with the vendor’s/subcontractor’s negligent performance or non-performance of the terms of the contract.

BIDDER’S QUALIFICATIONS: The vendor must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City that it has adequate equipment, personnel, experience and an understanding of the specifications for performing the service under the contract.

No contract will be awarded to any vendor who, in the opinion of the City, is not qualified to perform satisfactorily due, but not limited, to the following:

A previously unfavorable performance

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

Reputation or lack of experience Organizational stability Insufficient Equipment Insufficient Personnel to conduct and complete the services in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

The City may make such investigations as deemed necessary to determine the ability of the vendor to perform the work, and the vendor shall furnish the City all such information and data for this purpose as the City may request. The City reserves the right to reject any bid if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such vendor fails to satisfy the City that such vendor is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the agreement and to complete the work contemplated therein.

The successful vendor must comply with the City’s occupational license fees ordinance, and any other ordinances which may apply to any bid package.

BUSINESS LICENSE: Awarded vendor must obtain a business license from the City.

1. Resident vendor must have a valid City business license.

2. Non-resident vendor providing services, delivering products via a private carrier (as defined below), or delivering products via vendor’s employees must have a valid City business license.

Non-resident vendor does not have to obtain a business license if vendor spends less than twelve (12) hours or twelve (12) visits per year for the purpose of reporting, delivering and receiving instructions.

Non-resident vendor does not have to obtain a business license if vendor acquires merchandise by using the Kentucky Master Agreement (unless the Master Agreement requires local licensing).

Resident: An individual, co-partnership, association, corporation or other entity domiciled or having a business situs within the corporate limits of the city.

Nonresident: An individual, corporation, partnership, fiduciary, association or other entity domiciled outside the corporate limits of the city.

The business license application and applicable fees can be found under the “Occupational/Net Profit License Fee Forms” at the following link: h ttps://www.owensboro.org/departments/finance . Vendor has 10 business days from the date on the award letter to submit the application and applicable $75 fee.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATUTES: The City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. The City is also committed to employing only United States citizens and aliens who are authorized to work in the United States. The City complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Therefore, the successful bidder must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City that he also conforms to all Federal, state, and local equal opportunity statutes. Further, the vendor will reimburse the City for any damages incurred due to any violation of the above-mentioned statutes by the vendor, while under contract to the City.

ADDENDA AND INTERPRETATIONS: No interpretation of the meaning of the plans, specifications or other bid documents will be made to any bidder orally.

https://www.owensboro.org/departments/finance

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

Any communication related to solicitations, including the posting of Addenda, wil be available at https://owensboro.bonfirehub.com. Any questions can be asked through the available “Ask A Question” button within the solicitation in the Bonfire portal. Vendors must be registered and logged in to ask questions and should contact the Bonfire Support team at Support.Bonfire@eunasolutions.com, if they have any issues.

To be given consideration, questions/clarification requests must be received 7 days before the bid due date.

The “question due date” is also displayed on the Bonfire portal. Failure of any bidder to receive any such addendum or interpretation shall not relieve such bidder from any obligation under his/her bid as submitted. All addenda so issued, or answer(s) posted through the Bonfire portal shall become part of the contract documents.

SECURITY CLAUSE: In accordance with KRS 61.932, any party that contracts with the City and has access to, possesses, or maintains “personal information,” as a part of that contract, shall implement, maintain, and update security and breach investigation procedures and practices that are appropriate to the nature of the information disclosed. Such procedures and practices shall be designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, modification, disclosure, manipulation, or destruction and shall be at least as stringent as the security and breach investigation procedures and practices established by the Kentucky Department for Local Government in Protection of Personal Information, Security and Incident Investigation Procedures and Practices for Local Governmental Units, Fall 2014 edition.

A vendor that is provided access to personal information by the City, or that collects and maintains personal information on behalf of the City as a part of this contract shall notify the City in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay but within seventy-two (72) hours of determination of a security breach relating to the personal information in the possession of the vendor. The notice to the City shall include all the information the vendor has regarding the security breach at the time of notification. The cost of the notification and investigation of a security breach required by KRS 61.933 shall be borne by the vendor.

The term "personal information" means an individual's first name or first initial and last name; personal mark; or unique biometric or genetic print or image, in combination with one (1) or more of the following data elements:

(a) An account number, credit card number, or debit card number that, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password, would permit access to an account;

(b) A Social Security number;

(c) A taxpayer identification number that incorporates a Social Security number;

(d) A driver's license number, state identification card number, or other individual identification number issued by any agency;

(e) A passport number or other identification number issued by the United States government; or

(f) Individually identifiable health information as defined in 45 C.F.R. sec. 160.103 except for education records covered by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as amended, 20 U.S.C. sec.

1232g.

**A copy of the Protection of Personal Information Security and Incident Investigation Procedures and Practices for Local Government Units can be viewed at http://bit.ly/2J9Cmwrt .

http://bit.ly/2J9Cmwrt mailto:Support.Bonfire@eunasolutions.com https://owensboro.bonfirehub.com/

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: All bidders are responsible for complying with the following KRS 45A.455:

“Conflicts of Interest - Gratuities and Kickbacks - Use of Confidential Information.”

It shall be a breach of ethical standards for any employee with procurement authority to participate directly in any proceeding or application; request for ruling or other determination; claim or controversy; or other matter pertaining to any contract or subcontract, and any solicitation or proposal therefore, in which to his knowledge:

He, or any member of his immediate family has a financial interest therein; or a business or organization in which he or any member of his immediate family has a financial interest as an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee, is a party; or any other person, business, or organization with whom he or any member of his immediate family is negotiating or has an arrangement concerning prospective employment is a party. Direct or indirect participation shall include but not be limited to involvement through decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a purchase request, influencing the content of any specification or purchase standard, rendering of advice, investigation, auditing, or any other advisory capacity.

It shall be a breach of ethical standards for any person to offer, give, or agree to give any employee or former employee, or for any employee or former employee to solicit, demand, accept, or agree to accept from another person, a gratuity or an offer of employment, in connection with any decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a purchase request, influencing the content of any specification or purchase standard, rendering of advice, investigation, auditing, or in any other advisory capacity in any proceeding or application, request for ruling or other determination, claim or controversy, or other matter, pertaining to any contract or subcontract and any solicitation or proposal therefor.

It is a breach of ethical standards for any payment, gratuity, or offer of employment to be made by or on behalf of a subcontractor under a contract to the prime vendor or higher tier subcontractor or any person associated therewith, as an inducement for the award of a subcontract or order.

The prohibition against conflicts of interest and gratuities and kickbacks shall be conspicuously set forth in every local public agency’s written contract and solicitation, therefor.

It shall be a breach of ethical standards for any public employee or former employee knowingly to use confidential information for his actual or anticipated personal gain, or the actual or anticipated personal gain of any other person.

For further information on the conflict-of-interest statutes, see the “Recovery of Value of Anything Transferred or Received in Breach of Ethical Standards” at KRS 45A.460, and “Definitions for Terms Used in KRS 45A.445 to 45A.460” at KRS 45A.445.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ESTIMATED QUANTITIES: The City expects to purchase the following sets of body armor during the coming fiscal years:

2025-2026 35 sets 2026-2027 35 sets 2027-2028 35 sets 2028-2029 35 sets 2029-2030 35 sets

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

The numbers of sets listed are estimates only and may be used for pricing purposes. The numbers may increase or decrease depending on personnel changes at the Owensboro Police Department.

This specification establishes the minimum requirements for the purchase of concealable vests for City of Owensboro Law Enforcement Personnel. All vests bid must meet or exceed these specifications.

Vests will be purchased on an “As Needed” basis.

This product specification details the style and quality of concealable soft body armor vests intended for use by male or female law enforcement personnel of the City of Owensboro. The vests shall be worn comfortably while being concealed under a shirt. All vests shall provide protection against labeled projectile penetration while reducing blunt trauma and vest distortion to acceptable levels. The successful bidder shall be required to supply the individual vests with applicable options and colors as ordered for male or female personnel.

The concealable body armor shall be the AXII-4* by Point Blank (OR EQUAL) for NIJ Threat Level II and/ or

NIJ HG1.

Bids based on body armor models made by manufacturers other than AXII-4* by Point Blank must be clearly identified as such. Bidders, except those providing the AXII-4* by Point Blank, must include with their bid submission a full product description, drawings and/or photographs, technical specifications, and a complete vest sample for males and a complete vest sample for females. Each vest sample shall include:

one set of ballistic panels (1 front, 1 rear), two complete washable concealable carriers including both four (4) and six (6) point attachment system, (2) 4" side straps, and is equipped to hold a minimum of 5” x 8” ballistic plate, one soft trauma insert (minimum of 5”x8”), and one level IIIA Stand Alone and/or NIJ HG2 Tested Ballistic Plate size 5”x8” or larger equivalent to Point Blank “Speed Plate”.

Samples shall be sent to City Hall (Attention Purchasing Department) - 101 East 4th Street, Owensboro, KY 42303.

Where the apparent low bidder has bid an alternate product, that bidder shall demonstrate product equivalency to the satisfaction of the City. Evidence of equivalency shall be presented for each requirement of this specification and the burden of such equivalency is entirely on the bidder.

Only body armor models that have been tested by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the National Law Enforcement Technology Center (NLETC), and found to comply with the requirements of NIJ Standard NIJ

0101.07 released November, 2023, for Type II and/or NIJ HG1 and/or HG2 and/or 0101.06, for Type II and/or NIJ HG1 and HG2, Ballistic Resistance of Police Body Armor, July 2008, for Type II male and female armor, shall be submitted under this specification, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Commercially accepted practices shall apply to any detail not covered in this specification and to any omission of this specification. Any omission or question of interpretation of the specification which affects the ballistic performance or integrity of the soft body armor being offered shall be addressed in writing and submitted in the Q&A section of Bonfire by the deadline to ask questions/request clarifications.

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

The following list of standards and specifications in effect on the date of this solicitation shall form a part of this specification.

1. National Institute of Justice, Standard NIJ-STD-0101.07 and/or NIJ-STD-0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Police Body Armor

2. MIL-STD-662F, V50 Ballistic Test for Armor

3. Federal Standard No. 751, Stitches, Seams, & Stitching

4. ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Certification

5. ANSI/ASQC - Q9000 Quality Standard, dated 2015

6. Additional test reports of “Special Threat Testing” from a Certified NIJ Laboratory

The successful bidder must be a recognized wholesaler/retailer that maintains a convenient location for measurement, fitting and service during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Any manufacturers that bid direct must include a service proposal as to how measuring, re-works, and customer service will be maintained without local distribution. Direct bids from manufacturers that do not contain a detailed service proposal may be rejected.

The City has the right to determine quantity, if not otherwise specified in the procurement document. Of the total quantity purchased, both male and female products will be represented. The City retains the right to adjust the total quantities, while maintaining the accepted bid price, without notification to the vendor.

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS:

The intended use of the soft body armor detailed herein is for standard issue armor. It is intended for routine daily wear as an undergarment. The soft body armor shall be designed to provide:

1. Light and thin NIJ certified armor in Level II and/or NIJ HG1 and/or HG2.

2. A high degree of concealment and comfort.

3. Minimal restriction of motion or mobility.

4. Carriers to allow for laundering and color changes.

5. Protection against the labeled projectiles in accordance with the NIJ Standard 0101.07 and/or 0101.06.

The ballistic panels of soft body armor meeting this specification shall provide thin, flexible, lightweight comfort utilizing Honeywell Spectra Shield, Honeywell Gold Shield, Dupont Kevlar and SAATI ballistic materials or EQUAL. The panel covering shall consist of Seam-sealed, waterproof rip-stop nylon. The soft body armor shall be designed for regular daily wear as an undergarment. Therefore, ballistic panels shall be designed and constructed to provide:

1. light and thin NIJ 0101.07 and/or NIJ 0101.06 certified armor in Level II and/or NIJ HG1 and/or HG2;

2. durability;

3. ease of cleaning;

4. minimum restriction of motion or mobility; and

5. the greatest amount of ballistic coverage consistent with comfort and concealment.

The general configuration shall be the slipover vest type that covers the majority of the upper torso, including side coverage. Combination 4 and 6-point strapping system, and 4" side straps for adjustment shall provide proper positioning and comfort. The entire vest perimeter shall be curved. No sharp corners or straight edges shall be allowed.

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

The front ballistic panel shall cover the chest approximately up to the collar bone, have a scooped neck sufficient to maintain concealability when wearing an open collar shirt, extend downward to the waist, but not far enough to “push up into the throat” when the wearer is seated, and extend around the sides to provide side protection. The biceps/chest region shall be cut with sufficient space to minimize irritation and restriction of arm movement during common duties such as the operation of motor vehicles.

The rear ballistic panel shall cover the back of the torso from just above the shoulder blades down to a position above the waist belt.

The sides of the torso shall be covered by having side coverage from both the front and rear panels, as the City has determined that such a configuration maximizes both coverage and comfort. Accordingly, armor which maintains side coverage from only the front or rear panels shall be rejected. Panels and carriers shall be equipped with an internal suspension system, which prevents ballistic panels from sagging, ensuring full protection.

Each piece of soft body armor shall include the following:

1. One (1) set of ballistic panels. (1 front, 1 rear)

2. Two (2) complete washable concealable carriers includes both four (4) and six (6) point attachment system, (2) 4" side straps, and is equipped to hold a minimum of 5” x 8” ballistic plate.

3. One (1) soft trauma insert. (a minimum of 5” X 8”)

In addition to the items listed above, the following option shall be compatible for use with the above body armor. Specifications for this item are available later in this document.

1. Level IIIA Stand Alone and/or NIJ HG2 Tested Ballistic Plate, Size 5” x 8” or larger equivalent to Point Blank “Speed Plate”

All materials shall be new, unused, and without flaws that affect appearance, durability and function.

LABELING:

Label material shall withstand normal wear and cleaning and remain readable during the entire warranted life of the armor or carrier.

All soft body armor shall be labeled in strict adherence to the labeling requirement set forth in NIJ Standard

0101.07 and/or 0101.06. The ballistic panel labeling shall include, but is not limited to the following:

1. Name of Manufacturer

2. Level of Protection

3. NIJ-STD-0101.07 and/or NIJ-STD-0101.06

4. Date of Fabrication

5. Size

6. Serial Number

7. Model of Vest

8. Care Instructions

9. Lot Number

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

BALLISTIC PANEL COVER MATERIAL:

Each ballistic panel shall be covered in seam-sealed, waterproof, Ripstop Nylon. Material shall have no visible fabric or color flaws.

VEST OUTER CARRIER MATERIAL:

Removable Carrier – Concealable Carrier

The outer machine washable carrier shall be removable from the ballistic panels for laundering. The external material shall be made of superior Microfiber Nylon for long-term durability. All fabrics shall not have visible fabric or color flaws.

The carrier shall contain dual special plate pocket to allow for insertion of a ballistic plate. 5”x8” and 7”x10” front plate pocket accommodates inserts for added protection from threats.

TRAUMA INSERT:

A trauma reduction insert constructed of bullet resistant material cut a minimum of five inch by eight inch (5” x 8”) shall be provided. The trauma reduction insert shall be placed in a nylon cover, which shall be tucked away into one end of the ballistic material and sewn shut to hold it in place.

QUALITY CONTROL:

Every vest panel manufactured shall be inspected for material defects and proper ply contents. Every vest panel manufactured shall be subsequently inspected for proper ballistic panel stitching. Covers and accessories shall be re-inspected during manufacturing for defects at selected points during manufacturing to assure the absence of hidden defects in the final item.

In addition, each vest shall receive a final inspection prior to shipment. This inspection shall include a review of the quality control check sheet and confirm the product against the City’s order.

A copy of the Certificate of Accreditation and the manufacturer’s quality control program must be submitted with bid documents.

SERIAL NUMBERS:

Each unit of soft body armor delivered shall have an individual serial number. Each serialized soft body armor shall be traceable to its original ballistic material lot number and ballistic material mill roll number. Additionally, the soft body armor serial number shall be traceable to an incoming material lot test and ballistic panel lay-up lot test. The bidder must submit documentation demonstrating the manufacturer’s ability to trace serialization.

MEASUREMENT AND FITTING:

Custom Measuring – Unless otherwise stated, individual measurements will be taken of each user. Each delivered vest shall fit in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. The side edges of the front and back ballistic panels shall meet or overlap.

2. The bottom edge of the front ballistic panel shall be within one inch (1”) of the highest waist belt (usually the duty belt) measurement when the wearer is in a relaxed seated position.

3. The bottom edge of the back panel shall be within one inch (1”) of the highest waist belt (usually the duty belt) measurement when the wearer is in the standing position.

4. Female sizes are determined based on individual measurements including bust size and are confirmed through the use of sizing/fit samples in conjunction with a tape measure.

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

The selected bidder shall have a manufacturer armor-sizing program that utilizes certified factory representatives and distribution-trained personnel to properly size armor. The program shall consist of training certifying them as a person to properly size armor. Only personnel who demonstrate competency in sizing armored vests shall be allowed to size vests for City employees. Please Note: Any vests that are delivered that do not fit correctly will be rejected, and the vendor must replace the vests at the vendor’s expense. Bidders shall submit their manufacturer armor-sizing program documentation with their bid submissions. Those bidders without a certified sizing program may be rejected.

FIT AND ALTERATION POLICY:

The manufacturer shall perform all required alterations of more than one inch (1”) within 30 days after original shipment of the product at no charge. Adjustments of one inch (1”) or less can be accomplished by utilizing the adjustable strap feature on the vest.

PRE-AWARD AND RETEST POLICY:

Bid submissions that appear to conform to these specifications will be considered as prospective vendors.

However, the City reserves the right to perform laboratory testing on any and all armor submitted to verify strict compliance with these specifications.

PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE:

Vest manufacturer shall agree to provide a minimum of $20,000,000 product liability insurance coverage on delivered vests. Bidder shall provide manufacturer’s insurance certificate, meeting this requirement, with their bid submission, or provide a signed letter from the manufacturer stating they will provide the product liability insurance coverage, if awarded the bid.

WARRANTY:

Ballistic Panels – For five (5) years after date of purchase the manufacturer warrants the ballistic panels against defects in materials and workmanship.

The alteration of ballistic panels in any way shall render to warranty void.

Removable Covers - Removable machine washable covers shall be fully warranted for twelve (12) months after the date of purchase against any defects in the material and/or workmanship.

IIIA Stand Alone Ballistic Plate - 5 years from date of issue.

PACKAGING:

All soft body armor shall be packaged and shipped consistent with good commercial practices.

Each set of armor, along with its optional equipment, shall be placed in an individual plastic bag.

The soft body armor shall be packed into a suitable corrugated cardboard box. The box shall allow for normal shipping without damage to the soft body armor.

OPTION #1:

LEVEL IIIA Stand Alone and/or NIJ HG2 TESTED BALLISTIC PLATE The ballistic element shall be high-pressure, multi-ply, uni-directional polyethylene materials or equivalent that has stand-alone stopping and trauma-reducing properties. These plates shall be composed of 100% high-pressure polyethylene material or equivalent and offered in a monolithic configuration. These plates will trap the entire round, eliminating spalling and harmful fragments typically seen in other plates utilizing stainless

BID OPENS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026, 2:00PM CT

steel, titanium, or other alloy materials. Plate shall be a minimum of 5” x 8”, single curve. Plates shall be independently tested to a IIIA Stand Alone and/or NIJ HG2 standard or higher, but are not required to be certified as IIIA. Plates must display the standard used to test them.

Plates utilizing any metal or alloy materials shall be cause for bid rejection. The manufacturer’s weight tolerance shall also be considered. Specifications for item bid shall be included in submission of bid documents (unless bidding Point Blank “Speed Plate").

Plates shall be covered in a rugged 200 denier Nylon material or equivalent that prevents the material from fraying and provides protection from everyday wear and tear.

AT WILL TERMINATION: Notwithstanding the above provisions, the City may terminate this contract at will in accordance with the law upon providing a thirty (30)-day written notice of that intent. Payment for goods received prior to termination shall be made by the City provided those goods were delivered in a manner acceptable to the City. Payment for those goods shall not be unreasonably withheld.