HART COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

800 Chandler Street

HARTWELL, GA 30643

DATE: February 13, 2026

BID NOTICE

Sealed bids for Twenty-Five, (25), Full Sets of Structural Firefighter PPE, (Traditional

Helmet, Leather fronts for helmets, Particulate Hood, Jacket, Pants, Suspenders, Belt, Boots and Gloves), subject to the conditions and provisions set forth in the attached bid package will be received at the Hart County Board of Commissioners office until March 19, 2026 at 3:00 pm. The commodities and/or services must be furnished as described and specified in this package.

Bids must be received either via mail or hand delivered in a sealed envelope. Faxed or emailed bids cannot be accepted.

Please address mailed bids, Fed-Ex, UPS, or hand delivered bids to:

Atten: Briana Ramirez

800 CHANDLER STREET

HARTWELL, GA 30643

Also, please show the following on the “OUTSIDE” of the envelope:

BID FOR: Twenty-Five, (25), Full Sets of Structural Firefighter PPE and the name of your company

NOTE: Some “Next Day” deliveries may not get delivered to this office prior to the bid opening.

Please be aware of this and make arrangements to have your bid here on time, as late bids will be rejected.

NOTICE: If you are downloading this information from a web page, you must register with Hart

County at the contact information listed in Section IV, Interpretations or Addenda or via email at bramirez@hartcountyga.gov This is the only way Hart County can be sure that you receive all addendum and relevant information for this bid.

mailto:bramirez@hartcountyga.gov

HART COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

BIDS FOR: Twenty-Five, (25), Full Sets of Structural Firefighter PPE

DATE BIDS DUE: March 19, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

BID FORM

800 CHANDLER ST., HARTWELL, GA 30643

The (Company)___________________________________________________________ submits herewith Bid in response to bid request in this package, and in compliance with the description(s) and/or specification(s) attached hereto:

NOTE: You must sign and complete the Bid Supplemental Form and Contractor Affidavit.

PRICE:

Price in Numbers

Additional price

The following Addenda to the Bidding and Contract Documents are acknowledged:

Addendum No: Dated:

Addendum No: _________________ Dated: ______________________________

OFFICIAL COMPANY ADDRESS ________________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS

SIGNATURE

PRINT NAME

TITLE PHONE __________________________

DATE FAX

Corporate Seal (if applicable)

BID SUPPLEMENTAL FORM

DATE: _____________________________

NOTICE: Hart County Purchasing Policy prohibits awards to a (1) county employee, (2) employee of a constitutional officer, (3) a Board of Commissioner Member, (4) Constitutional Officer or to a company/business where a county employee/Constitutional Officer holds any interest. These prohibitions also apply to immediate family members of those listed above. By signing below, you are confirming that these prohibitions do not apply to your company/bid.

References: Name, Title, Organization Phone Number, and email address

1.

2.

3.

The _____________________________________________ (Bidder) takes the following exceptions to the specification and bid documents:

(Important: See section IIb)

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH GEORGIA LAW

13-10-91 (1/1/10)

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verified its compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-

10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm or corporation which is contracting with the

Hart County Board of Commissioners has registered with and is participating in a federal work authorization program* [any of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or any equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of

1986 (IRCA), P.L. 99-603], in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines established in O.C.G.A. 13-10-91.

The undersigned further agrees that, should it employ or contract with any subcontractor(s) in connection with the physical performance of services pursuant to this contract with the Hart County

Board of Commissioners, contractors will secure from such subcontractor(s) similar verification of compliance with O.C.G.A. 13-10-91 on the Subcontractor Affidavit provided in Rule 300-10-01-.08 or a substantially similar form. Contractor further agrees to maintain records of such compliance and provide a copy of each such verification to the (name of the public employer) at the time the subcontractor(s) is retained to perform such service.

EEV/Basic Pilot Program* User Identification Number

BY: Authorized Officer or Agent Date

Title of Authorized Officer or Agent of Contractor

Printed Name of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN BEFORE ME ON

THIS THE _____ DAY OF_____________, 20___

Notary Public

My Commission Expires:

* As of the effective date of O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, the applicable federal work authorization program is the “EEV/Basic Pilot Program” operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Bureau of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Social Security

Administration (SSA).

Contact Chief Jerry Byrum or John A. Boudway, HCFD, for any questions concerning the bid.

Chief Jerry Byrum

Hartwell GA 30643

706-856-5325 or 706-371-4376

E-mail: hcfchief@hartcountyga.gov

John A. Boudway

Hartwell GA 30643

706-680-2400

E-mail: ltjboudway@gmail.com or jboudway@hartcountyga.gov

I. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS

Hart County reserves the right to reject any or all bids, further negotiate with one or more bidders, and waive any technicalities or informalities if it is deemed in the best interest of the County. Hart

County assumes no responsibility in the costs incurred by the bidder in preparing a response.

The Hart County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to waive technicalities, to accept or reject any and all bids or proposals and to waive any irregularity in any bid or proposal received, to award the entire bid or proposal to one vendor or multiple vendors or to make awards by group or location, whichever is in the best interests of Hart County.

It is the bidder’s responsibility to verify all quantities and specifications are met to perform the work as specified herein, before submitting their bid. The price submitted shall include all labor and materials for completion of the work. In the event of a conflict between these specifications and any referenced specifications the higher quality specification shall supersede. Quantities listed are approximate and may be varied at the discretion of the Owner.

All measurements given on the list of work to be done are approximate. It is the contractor’s responsibility to verify all quantities and measurements necessary to perform the work as specified herein, before submitting their bid.

Bids submitted and prices submitted shall be valid for 90 days after submitting bids. After this 90-day period, the bidder has the right to withdraw his pricing or be awarded the work at the bid price should the County choose to award this work. If only one bid is received the County may choose not to open the bid and solicit additional bids prior to opening all bids in a public meeting.

mailto:hcfchief@hartcountyga.gov

II. PREPARATION OF BID

A. Bidders must submit bids on the proposal forms provided. Additional materials can also be included with the bids. Complete the bid form, bid supplemental form, and contractor affidavit. Place the bid in both numbers and words on the bid form in the space provided. In the event of a conflict between the number and words bid the price in words shall be used. Place bid within an envelope addressed:

Atten: Briana Ramirez

Hart County Board of Commissioners

Hartwell, GA 30643

Place on outside of envelope(s):

1) Twenty-Five, (25), full sets of Structural Firefighter PPE along with your company name.

B. Any deviations (exceptions) from the bid specifications must be included on the Bid

Supplemental form. Such deviations may be evaluated by the Owner in making a final determination as to the selection of a bidder.

C. Submit proposals filled out in ink or typewritten, without erasure, interlineations, or changes.

No bid changes will be permitted to be placed on the outside of the envelope. If a bidder desires to change the bid prior to the deadline for acceptance, the bidder may remove and place the revised bid in a new sealed envelope.

D. Make proposals in the name of the principal and if it is a partnership, give the names of all parties. Give the exact post office address. If an agent submits proposals, provide satisfactory evidence of agency authority with the proposal.

III. BIDDER’S RESPONSIBILITY

A. Before submitting their bid, the Bidder shall carefully perform all necessary investigations to inform themselves thoroughly as to the specifications needed for this work.

IV. INTERPRETATIONS OR ADDENDA

Any questions concerning this invitation should be directed via email or mailed to:

Terrell Partain

County Administrator, 800 Chandler Street

Hartwell, GA 30643

Email: tpartain@hartcountyga.gov mailto:tpartain@hartcountyga.gov

Hart County reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to further negotiate with one or more bidders, and, to waive any technicalities and informalities, and to accept the bid deemed to be in the best interest of the County.

No oral changes or interpretations shall be made to any bidder regarding the bid Documents or any part thereof. Every request for an interpretation shall be made in writing via fax or mail to: Terrell

Partain, Hart County Administrator, at the contact information above.

Any inquiry received five or more days prior to the date fixed for acceptance of bids will be given consideration and addressed to all known bidders in the form of an Addendum. Any changes or interpretations to the specifications shall also be in the form of an Addendum to the Bid Documents.

All Addenda will be faxed and mailed to each person holding Bid Documents, but it shall be the bidder’s responsibility to make inquiries as to the Addenda issued. All such Addenda shall become part of the Bid Documents, and all bidders shall be bound by such Addenda, whether or not received by the bidders. It shall be the bidder’s responsibility to ensure delivery of any and all requests for interpretations.

V. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Should the contractor, in the opinion of Hart County representatives, fail to comply with any requirements of these specifications, the County may delay work until such requirements are satisfactorily met.

Any quantity listed is approximate and/or estimated. The Contractor shall verify all quantities.

Hart County reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to further negotiate with one or more bidders, and, to waive any technicalities and informalities, and to accept the bid deemed to be in the best interest of the County.

This bid package and any subsequent bid addendum are the specifications and contract documents for this project. The County must approve any variance from the required specifications in writing.

If there is a conflict between these specifications and any referenced specifications, the higher quality specification shall be applied.

VI. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

All Protective Clothing and equipment must meet NFPA 1971, Standards on Protective

Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting Current Edition

SCOPE

This specification details design and materials criteria to afford protection to the upper and lower body, excluding head, hands, feet, against adverse environmental effects during structural firefighting. All materials and construction shall meet or exceed NFPA Standard #1971 and OSHA for structural fire fighters protective clothing.

_____Comply _____Exception.

OUTER SHELL MATERIAL - JACKETS AND PANTS

The outer shell shall be constructed of “ARMOR AP tm”. This is a fiber blend of DuPont™ Kevlar® and Nomex® having an approximate weight of 6.6 oz. per square yard in a twill weave. The shell material must be treated with a durable water-repellent finish that offers resistance to liquid absorption. The color of the garments shall be gold.

THERMAL INSULATING LINER - JACKET AND PANTS

The thermal liner shall be constructed of “RESQ tm 8001” with an approximate weight of 7.7 oz. per square yard. This thermal liner consists of one layer of 1.5 oz. and one layer of 2.3 oz. per square yard Nomex® E-89™ spun laced Nomex®/Kevlar® aramid blend, quilt stitched to a Nomex® filament and FR rayon/para-aramid/nylon inherently wicking Titanium® face cloth. A pocket, constructed of thermal liner over-edged to a layer of moisture barrier material, shall be affixed to the inside of the jacket thermal liner on the left side by means of a single needle stitch. The thermal liner shall be sewn to the moisture barrier and shall be independently bound around its perimeter. This provides superior abrasion resistance to the less expensive, less durable, “stitch and turn” method. An approximate 8 inch by 10 ½ inch pocket, constructed of thermal liner over-edged to a layer of moisture barrier material, shall be affixed to the inside of the jacket thermal liner on the left side by means of a single needle stitch. Further mention of “Thermal Liner” in this specification shall refer to this section.

MOISTURE BARRIER - JACKETS AND PANTS

The moisture barrier MINIMUM material shall be STEDFAST “STEDAIR® 3000” ePTFE moisture barrier is engineered using an E-89™ substrate and BHA Technologies ePTFE membrane. The “STEDAIR® bicomponent ePTFE membrane is a combination of microporous and monolithic technologies. The moisture barrier material shall meet all moisture barrier requirements of NFPA 1971, which includes water penetration resistance, viral penetration resistance and common chemical penetration resistance. The moisture barrier shall be sewn to the thermal liner at the edges only and bound with bias-cut neoprene-coated cotton/polyester binding. Further mention of “Specified Moisture Barrier” in this specification shall refer to this section.

_____Comply _____ Exception.

SEALED MOISTURE BARRIER SEAMS - JACKETS AND PANTS

All moisture barrier seams shall be sealed with a minimum of 1-inch-wide sealing tape. One side of the tape shall be coated with a heat activated glue adhesive. The adhesive side of the tape shall be oriented toward the moisture barrier seam. The adhesive shall be activated by heat and the sealing tape shall be applied to the moisture barrier seams by means of pressure exerted by rollers for that purpose.

_____Comply _____ Exception.

METHOD OF THERMAL LINER/MOISTURE BARRIER ATTACHMENT FOR JACKETS AND PANTS

One strip of 5/8 inch wide FR hook and loop fastener tape shall secure the moisture barrier system to the shell.

In addition, a minimum of 6 snap fasteners shall secure the thermal liner/moisture barrier to the outer shell along the length of the neckline under the topmost collar (see Collar section). The topmost collar shall be turned under and finished such that the snaps on the collar shall not be able to contact the wearer’s skin. Snaps shall be protected from exterior heat by moisture barrier fabric. The remainder of the thermal liner/moisture barrier shall be secured with snap fasteners appropriately spaced on each jacket facing and snap fasteners at each sleeve end.

The thermal liner and moisture barrier shall be completely removable from the pant shell. Nine snap fasteners shall be spaced along the waistband to secure the thermal liner to the shell. The legs of the thermal liner/moisture barrier shall be secured to the shell by means of Ara-Shield® snap fasteners, 2 per leg. The Ara-shield® snap tabs shall be color coded to a corresponding color-coded snap tabs in the liner for ease of matching the liner system to the outer shell after inspection or cleaning is completed.

THERMAL PROTECTIVE PERFORMANCE - JACKETS AND PANTS

The assembled garment, consisting of an outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner, shall exhibit a TPP (Thermal Protective Performance) rating of not less than 35.

STITCHING - JACKETS AND PANTS

The outer shell shall be assembled using stitch type #301, # 401, 514 and #516. The thermal liners and moisture barriers shall be assembled using stitch type #301, # 401, 504, #514, and #516. Major A outer shell structural seams, major B structural liner seams and shall have a minimum of 8 to 10 stitches per inch. All Major A seams shall be sewn with ball point needles only. All seams shall be continuously stitched only.

_____Comply _____Exception

JACKET CONSTRUCTION

BODY

The body of the shell, [TECHGEN71 (GOLD) or equivalent], and liner system shall be constructed of three separate panels consisting of two front panels and one back panel. The body panels shall be shaped so as to provide a tailored fit thereby enhancing body movement and shall be joined together by double stitching with Nomex® thread.

DRAG RESCUE DEVICE (DRD)

A Firefighter Drag Rescue Device (DRD) shall be installed in each jacket. The ends of a 1-inch-wide strap, constructed of Kevlar®, shall be sewn together to form a continuous loop. The strap shall be installed in the jacket between the liner system and outer shell such that when properly installed shall loop around each arm.

The strap shall be accessed through a portal between the shoulders on the upper back where it is secured in place by an FR strap. The DRD shall be removable for laundering. The access port shall be covered by an outside flap of shell material, designed to fit between the shoulder straps of an SCBA. The flap shall have a NFPA-compliant 3M Scotchlite™ reflective logo patch sewn to the outside to clearly identify the feature as the DRD (Drag Rescue Device). The DRD shall not extend beyond the outside flap. This device provides a quickly deployed means of rescuing a downed firefighter. Flimsy, rope-style DRD straps shall not be considered.

LINER ACCESS OPENING - JACKET

The thermal liner and moisture barrier shall be completely removable from the jacket shell. One strip of ⅝ inch wide FR hook and loop fastener tape shall secure the thermal liner/moisture barrier to the outer shell along the length of the neckline under the collar. A minimum of 6 snap fasteners, to minimize gaps, shall secure the thermal liner/moisture barrier to the outer shell along the length of the neckline under the collar. This opening shall run the full length of the collar for the purpose of inspecting the inner surfaces of the jacket liner system.

The remainder of the thermal liner/moisture barrier shall be secured with a minimum of four snap fasteners appropriately spaced on each jacket facing and four Ara-Shield® snap fasteners at each sleeve end. The outside perimeter of the liner moisture barrier and thermal liner layers shall be bound together along the side and bottom edges with a bias-cut Neoprene coated cotton/polyester binding for a finished appearance that prevents fraying and wicking of contaminants. Stitching used to secure the thermal liner and moisture barrier in place of the Neoprene shall not be considered since stitching is not able to provide the same level of abrasion resistance.

SIZING

The jacket length shall be measured from the juncture of the collar and back panel to the hem of the jacket and shall measure 32 inches long. (standard)

The jacket shall be available in even size chest measurements of two-inch increments and shall range from a small size of 28 to a large size of 68. Generalized sizing, such as small, medium, large, etc., shall not be considered acceptable. Sizing specifically for women shall also be available.

RETROREFLECTIVE FLUORESCENT TRIM

The retroreflective fluorescent trim shall be:

Lime/yellow 3M Scotchlite™Triple Trim (L/Y borders with silver center).

Each jacket shall have an adequate amount of retroreflective fluorescent trim affixed to the outside of the outer shell to meet the requirements of NFPA #1971 and OSHA.

The trim shall be in the following widths and shall be NFPA Basic style; 3-inch-wide stripes - around the bottom of the jacket within approximately 1 inch of the hem and around the back and chest area approximately 3 inches below the armpit, around each sleeve below the elbow.

REINFORCED TRIM STITCHING

All sewn on reflective trim is secured to the outer shell with Nomex® thread, using a locking chainstitch. This strip of 3/32-inch strong, durable, flame-resistant black Kevlar® cording provides a bed for the stitching along each edge of the retroreflective fluorescent trim surface and affords extra protection for the thread from abrasion.

Two rows of stitching used to attach the trim in place shall be considered an unacceptable alternative, since it has been proven that the two rows of stitching has insignificant impact on wear life. All trim ends shall be securely sewn into a seam for a clean finished appearance.

SEWN ON RETROREFLECTIVE LETTERING

Each jacket shall have 3” lime/yellow 3M Scotchlite™ lettering on the back: Row 1 reading: HART Row 2 reading: COUNTY.

LETTER PATCH

Hanging Letter Patch The Hanging letter patch shall be constructed of a double layer of outer shell material. The letter patch shall attach to the rear inside hem of the jacket with a combination of snap fasteners and FR hook and loop fastener tape. Names will be given once bid has been awarded and during sizing of the gear.

COLLAR & FREE HANGING THROAT TAB

The collar shall consist of a minimum four-layer construction and be of one-piece design. There shall be two layers of a moisture barrier material sandwiched in between (see Moisture Barrier section) two layers of outer shell fabric.. The forward inside ply of moisture barrier shall be sewn to the inside of the collar at the edges only.

The multi layered configuration shall provide protection from water and other hazardous elements, while maintaining thermal protection. The collar shall be a minimum of 3 inches high and graded to size. The leading edges of the collar shall extend up evenly from the leading edges of the jacket front body panels so that no gap occurs at the throat area. The collar’s back layers of outer shell and moisture barrier shall be joined to the body panels with a minimum of two rows of stitching. Inside the collar, above the rear seam where the collar moisture barrier is joined to the shell, there shall be a full strip of ⅝ inch wide FR hook fastener tape running the full length of the collar on the moisture barrier, and a corresponding piece of ⅝ inch wide FR loop fastener tape running the full length of the collar on the outer shell. The collar ’s inside outershell and moisture barrier layer shall have 6 snap fasteners (minimum) on the lower edge of the collar. There shall be a series of corresponding snap fasteners on the thermal liner to engage the snaps on the collar, thus enclosing the liner access opening under the shell collar. These snaps shall be installed such that they do not penetrate from the outer shell through to the inner layers. The top of the thermal liner and moisture barrier shall be sandwiched between the underside of the top collar shell fabric and moisture barrier material, and the bottom collar shell fabric and moisture barrier material so as to reduce the possibility of liner detachment while donning and doffing.

A self material fabric hanger loop shall be sewn at the top of collar.

The throat tab shall be a minimum of 4 layers, of scoop type design and constructed of two plies of outer shell material with two center plies of moisture barrier material. The throat tab shall measure not less than 3½ inches wide at the center tapering to 1½ inches at each end with a total length of approximately 8½ inches. The throat tab shall be attached to the right side of the collar by a 1 inch wide by 1½ inch long piece of Nomex® twill webbing. The throat tab shall be secured in the closed and stowed position with FR hook and loop fastener tape. The FR hook and loop fastener tape shall be oriented to prevent exposure to the environment when the throat tab is in the closed position. A 1½ inch by 3 inch piece of FR loop fastener tape shall be sewn horizontally to the inside leading end of the throat tab and a 1 inch by 3 inch piece of FR hook fastener tape shall be sewn horizontally towards the opposite end of the throat tab. A corresponding piece of FR hook fastener tape measuring 1½ inches by 3 inches shall be sewn horizontally to the leading outside edge of the collar on the left side, for attachment and adjustment when in the closed position and wearing a breathing apparatus mask. The collar closure strap shall fold in half for storage with the FR loop fastener tape engaging the FR hook fastener tape.

JACKET FRONT

The jacket shall incorporate separate facings to ensure there is no interruption in thermal or moisture protection in the front closure area. The facings shall measure approximately 2½ inches wide, extend from collar to hem, and be double stitched to the underside of the outer shell at the leading edges of the front body panels. A breathable moisture barrier material shall be sewn to the jacket facings and configured such that it is sandwiched between the jacket facing and the inside of the respective body panel. The breathable film side shall face inward to protect it. There shall be wicking barrier constructed of a moisture barrier material installed on the front closure system on the left and right side directly below the front facings to ensure continuous protection and overlap. The wicking barrier shall extend no more than a maximum of ¾ inch beyond the inner facing and false facing shall be unacceptable. The thermal liner and moisture barrier assembly shall be attached to the jacket facings by means of snap fasteners.

STORM FLAP

A rectangular storm flap measuring approximately 3 inches (6 inches for hook and dee inside/FR hook and loop fastener tape outside closure; aka #7C) wide and a minimum of 23 inches long (based on a 32-inch length jacket) shall be centered over the left and right body panels to ensure there is no interruption in thermal or moisture protection in the front of the jacket. The outside storm flap shall be constructed of two plies of outer shell material with a center ply of breathable moisture barrier material. The outside storm flap shall be double stitched to the right-side body panel and shall be reinforced at the top and bottom with backtacks.

STORM FLAP AND JACKET FRONT CLOSURE SYSTEM

The jacket shall be closed by means of (zipper and FR hook & loop tape; aka #8C) a 22 inch size #10 heavy duty high-temp smooth-gliding resin zipper on the jacket fronts and FR hook and loop fastener tape on the storm flap. The teeth of the zipper shall be mounted on black Nomex® tape and shall be sewn into the respective jacket fronts. The storm flap shall close over the left and right jacket body panels and shall be secured with FR hook and loop fastener tape. A 1½ inch by 23-inch piece of FR loop fastener tape shall be installed along the leading edge of the storm flap on the underside with four rows of stitching. A corresponding 1½ inch by 23-inch piece of FR hook fastener tape shall be sewn with four rows of stitching to the front body panel and positioned to engage the loop fastener tape when the storm flap is closed over the front of the jacket.

DUAL ACTION POCKETS

Each jacket shall be equipped with two pockets: one on the left side and one on the right side. The pockets shall be located at the bottom of the jacket near the storm flap and be double stitched to the respective body panels.

Retroreflective trim shall run over the bottom of the pockets so as not to interrupt the trim stripe. The lower pocket corners shall be stitched in such a way that a small diagonal opening is left for complete water drainage.

The lower half of the pocket shall be reinforced with a layer of Kevlar® material on the inside. The pockets shall measure approximately 9 inches wide by 9 inches high and be accessed from the top. Each pocket shall be constructed with two pleats installed vertically for the full height of the pocket to provide expansion capability.

The pocket flaps shall be rectangular in shape, constructed of two layers of outer shell material, and shall measure approximately 3 inches deep and ½ inch wider than the pocket. A piece of 1½ inch by 3-inch FR hook and loop fastener tape shall secure each flap in the closed position. The upper pocket corners and pocket flaps shall be reinforced with backtacks.

CARGO/HANDWARMER EXPANSION POCKETS

Each jacket front body panel shall have a 2 inch deep by 8 inch wide by 8-inch-high expansion pocket double stitched to the shell and shall be located such that the bottom of the pockets are at the bottom of the jacket for full functionality when used with an SCBA. Retroreflective trim shall run over the bottom of the pockets so as not to interrupt the trim stripe. Two rust resistant metal drain eyelets shall be installed in the bottom of each expansion pocket to facilitate drainage of water. The lower half of the pocket shall be reinforced with a layer of Kevlar® material on the inside. The pocket flaps shall be rectangular in shape, constructed of two layers of outer shell material and shall measure approximately 3 inches deeper than the pocket expansion and ½ inch wider than the pocket. The pocket flaps shall be closed by means of FR hook and loop fastener tape. Two pieces of 1½ inch by 3-inch FR hook fastener tape shall be installed vertically on the inside of each pocket flap (one piece on each end). Two corresponding pieces of 1½ inch by 3-inch FR loop fastener tape shall be installed horizontally on the outside of each pocket near the top (one piece on each end) and positioned to engage the hook fastener tape.

SLEEVES

The sleeves shall be of two-panel construction, contoured, drop shoulder design. The outer and under sleeve panels shall be double stitched together with Nomex® thread. The sleeves shall be contoured (curved) to follow the natural shape of the human arm unlike straight, tubular sleeve configurations. The drop shoulder design, along with the contoured sleeves shall provide for a high degree of uninhibited arm and shoulder movement.

The same contoured, drop shoulder design shall be used in all layers of the garment (shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner).

SLEEVE CUFF REINFORCEMENTS

The sleeve cuffs shall be reinforced with black Ara-Shield® material.

The cuff reinforcements shall not be less than 2 inch in width and folded in half, approximately one half inside and one half outside the sleeve end for greater strength and abrasion resistance. The cuff reinforcement shall be double stitched to the sleeve end; a single row of stitching shall be considered unacceptable. This independent cuff provides an additional layer of protection as compared to a turned and stitched cuff. Jackets finished with a turned and stitched cuff do not provide the same level of abrasion resistance and shall be considered unacceptable.

WRISTLETS / SLEEVE WELLS

Each jacket shall be equipped with Nomex® hand and wrist guards (over the hand) not less than 7 inches in length and of double thickness. A separate thumbhole with an approximate diameter of 2 inches shall be recessed approximately 1 inch from the leading edge. Nomex® knit is constructed of 96% Nomex® and 4% Spandex for shape retention. The color of the wristlets shall be grey.

The wristlets shall be sewn to (Double Sleeve Well) flame resistant neoprene coated cotton/polyester material, which in turn shall be sewn to the inside of the sleeve shell approximately five inches from the sleeve cuff. This sleeve well configuration serves to prevent water and other hazardous elements from entering the sleeves when the arms are raised. The neoprene material shall also line the inside of the sleeve shell from the cuff to a point approximately five inches up, where it joins the sleeve well and is double stitched to the shell. Four Ara-shield® snap tabs shall be sewn into the juncture of the sleeve well and wristlet. The tabs shall be spaced equidistant from each other and shall be fitted with female snap fasteners to accommodate corresponding male snaps in the liner sleeves. One of the Ara-shield® snap tabs shall be a different color in the liner to correspond with color coded snap tabs for ease of matching the liner system to the outer shell after inspection or cleaning is completed. This configuration shall ensure there is no interruption in protection between the sleeve liner and wristlet.

LINER SHOULDER THERMAL ENHANCEMENT

A minimum of one additional layer of thermal liner material shall be used to increase thermal insulation in the shoulder area of the liner system. This thermal enhancement layer shall drape over the top of each shoulder extending from the collar to the sleeve/shoulder seam, down the front a minimum 2 inches from the juncture of the collar down the back to a depth of a minimum of 2 inches to provide greater CCHR protection in this high compression area. The thermal enhancement layer shall have finished edges by means of overedging. Raw or unfinished edges shall be considered unacceptable. Thermal scraps shall not be substituted for full-cut fabric padding. Smaller CCHR reinforcements shall not be considered acceptable since they provide far less area of coverage.

RADIO POCKET

Each jacket shall have a pocket designed for the storage of a portable radio. This pocket shall be of box type construction, double stitched to the jacket and shall have one drainage eyelet in the bottom of the pocket. The pocket flap shall be constructed of two layers of outer shell material measuring approximately 3 inches longer than the depth of the pocket and ¼ inch wider than the pocket. The pocket flap shall be closed by means of FR hook and loop fastener tape. A 1½ inch by 3 inch piece of FR hook fastener tape shall be installed on the inside of the pocket flap beginning at the center of the bottom of the flap. A 1½ inch by 3 inch piece of FR loop fastener tape shall be installed horizontally on the outside of the pocket near the top center and positioned to engage the hook fastener tape. In addition, the entire inside of the pocket shall be lined with neoprene coated cotton/polyester material to ensure that the radio is protected from the elements. The impermeable barrier material shall also be sandwiched between the two layers of outer shell material in the pocket flap for added protection. The radio pocket shall measure approximately 2 inches deep by 3.5 inches wide by 8 inches high and shall be installed on the left chest.

Note: radio pocket 6-inch and over in height requires trim.

Note: Radio pockets on the sleeves shall be fully lined with neoprene to comply with the NFPA 2013 Stored Energy Test.

NOTCHED RADIO POCKET FLAP

The radio pocket flap shall be notched to accommodate the radio antenna on the both sides for a dual antenna notch.

MICROPHONE STRAP

A strap shall be constructed to hold a microphone for a portable radio. It shall be sewn to the jacket at the ends only. The size of the microphone strap shall be 1 inch x 3 inches.

The microphone strap shall be mounted high on the left chest near the collar and high on the right chest near the collar and shall be constructed of double layer outer shell material.

PANTS CONSTRUCTION

BODY

The body of the shell shall be constructed of four separate body panels consisting of two front panels and two back panels. The body panels shall be shaped to provide a tailored fit, thereby enhancing body movement, and shall be joined together by double stitching with Nomex® thread. The body panels and seam lengths shall be graded to size to assure accurate fit in a broad range of sizes.

LINER ACCESS OPENING (PANT)

The thermal liner and moisture barrier layers of the pant liner system shall be constructed in such a way as to allow an access opening for interior inspection, service and replacement. The thermal liner and moisture barrier layers shall be stitched together for security and prevention of inadvertent use of one layer without the other.

The liner system shall be reinforced at the base of the crotch by means of a strip of additional material measuring approximately ¾ inches wide by 3 inches long. This reinforcing material shall be secured by the binding tape at the bottom of the fly opening, straddling the crotch seam. This reinforcement shall serve to prevent the liner from tearing in this high stress area, as a result of the constant donning and doffing of the pants.

The liner system of the pant shall incorporate an opening along the back of the waistline for ease in inspecting the inner layers and to facilitate performing the complete Liner Inspection. The thermal liner and moisture barrier shall be individually bound with a neoprene coated bias cut tape and joined together on each of the front panels, along the waistband from the front fly opening to side seam. The back of the liner system shall be allowed to remain open with two snaps on either side of the back seam to attach the moisture barrier layer to the thermal liner layer. As described previously, the pant thermal layer system snaps directly to the independent waistband by means of nine snap fasteners. There shall be no hook and loop used to close the liner access opening.

SIZING

The pants shall be available in even size waist measurements of two-inch increments and shall be available in a range of sizes from 24 to 68. The pant inseam measurement shall be available in two inch increments.

Generalized sizing, such as small, medium, large, etc., shall not be considered acceptable. Sizing specifically for women shall also be available.

RETROREFLECTIVE FLUORESCENT TRIM

The pants shall have a stripe of retroreflective fluorescent trim encircling each leg below the knee to comply with the requirements of NFPA #1971 in

3-inch lime/yellow 3M Scotchlite™ Triple Trim (L/Y borders with silver center).

Bottom of trim band shall be located approximately 3” above cuff.

REINFORCED TRIM STITCHING

All sewn on reflective trim is secured to the outer shell with Nomex® thread, using a locking chainstitch Two rows of stitching used to attach the trim in place of the Trim Trax® shall be considered an unacceptable alternative, since it has been proven that the two rows of stitching has insignificant impact on wear life. All trim ends shall be securely sewn into a seam for a clean finished appearance.

WAISTBAND

The waist area of the pants shall be reinforced on the inside with a separate piece of black aramid outer shell material, cut on the bias (diagonally). The reinforcement shall be folded in half, for a finished bottom edge and shall have a finished width of not less than approximately 1½ inches. The top edge of the waistband reinforcement shall be double stitched to the outer shell at the top of the pants. The lower edge of the waistband shall be unattached to the shell to accept the thermal liner and moisture barrier. The top of the thermal liner and moisture barrier shall be secured to the underside of the waistband reinforcement by means of nine snaps, spaced equidistant along the length of the waistband reinforcement. Inserting the liner system between the waistband reinforcement and outer shell serves to reduce the possibility of liner detachment while donning and doffing. The independent waistband construction affords greater comfort and fit than a turned and stitched method. Pants that do not include an independent waistband or are not cut on the bias shall not provide the same amount of stretch to the garment and shall be considered unacceptable.

BLACK ARAMID BELT WITH BELT LOOPS

Each pant shall include an approximate 2-inch-wide belt constructed of aramid webbing material with an adjustable hi-temp thermoplastic Delrin buckle serving as the exterior primary positive locking closure. This buckle shall also provide a quick-release mechanism for donning and doffing. The pants shall be equipped with a series of black aramid material belt loops spaced around the waist to accommodate the aramid belt. There shall be three large loops measuring approximately 2 inches by 4 inches and two smaller loops measuring approximately 1/2 inch wide by 3 1/2 inches long. Two of the large belt loops shall be placed on each side of the front of the pant and third on the rear of the waist, centered over the rear seam. The two smaller loops shall be placed on the rear of the pant, behind the side seams.

EXTERNAL / INTERNAL FLY FLAP

The pants shall have a vertical outside fly flap constructed of two layers of outer shell material, with a layer of moisture barrier material sandwiched between them. The fly flap shall be double stitched to the left front body panel and shall measure approximately 2 ¾ inches wide, with a length graded to size based on waist measurement and reinforced with bartacks at the base. An internal fly flap constructed of one layer of outer shell material, thermal liner and specified moisture barrier, measuring approximately 2 inches wide, with a length graded to size based on waist, shall be sewn to the leading edge of the right front body panel. The inside of the right front body panel shall be thermally enhanced directly under the outside fly with a layer of moisture barrier and thermal liner material.

The underside of the outside fly flap shall have a 1½ inch wide piece of FR loop fastener tape quadruple stitched along the full length and through the shell material only; stitching shall not penetrate the moisture barrier inserted between the two layers to insure greater thermal protection and reduced water penetration. A corresponding strip of 1½ inch wide piece of FR hook fastener tape shall be quadruple stitched to the outside right front body panel securing the fly in a closed position.

Appropriate snap fastener halves shall be installed at the leading edge of the waistband for the purpose of further securing the pants in the closed position.

LINER KNEE THERMAL ENHANCEMENT

A minimum of one additional layer of specified thermal liner and one additional layer of moisture barrier material, measuring a minimum of 7 inches by 10 inches, shall be sewn to the knee area of the liner system for added CCHR protection and increased thermal insulation in this high compression area. The knee thermal enhancement layers shall be sandwiched between the thermal liner and moisture barrier layers of the liner system and shall be stitched to the thermal liner layer only. The thermal enhancement layer shall have finished edges by means of overedging. Raw or unfinished edges shall be considered unacceptable. Thermal scraps shall not be substituted for full-cut fabric padding. Smaller CCHR reinforcements shall not be considered acceptable since they provide far less area of coverage.

KNEE REINFORCEMENTS

The knee area shall be reinforced with black Ara-Shield® material.

The knee reinforcement shall be centered on the leg to insure proper coverage when bending, kneeling and crawling. The knee reinforcements shall measure approximately 9 inches wide by 12 inches high and shall be double stitched to the outside of the outer shell in the knee area for greater strength and abrasion resistance. Knee reinforcements of a smaller size do not provide the same protective coverage and shall be considered unacceptable. The knee reinforcement specified shall be removable for replacement without opening Major A seams of the outer shell of the pant.

The lower edge of the Ara-Shield® knee reinforcement shall be turned under so that the lower row of stitching is covered and protected from abrasion.

PADDING UNDER KNEE REINFORCEMENTS

Padding for the knees shall be accomplished with one layer of Silizone® foam, sandwiched between the thermal liner and moisture barrier. The placement of Silizone® padding on the thermal versus the shell reduces bulk in the shell and also serves to protect the padding from abrasion and other wear issues that the outer shell is subject to. Pants with Silizone® knee padding on the shell as opposed to on the liner, do not provide the same level of bulk reduction and abrasion resistance and are not recommended.

EXPANSION POCKETS

An expansion pocket, measuring approximately 2 inches deep by 10 inches wide by 10 inches high shall be double stitched to the side of each leg straddling the out-seam above the knee and positioned to provide accessibility. The lower half of each expansion pocket shall be reinforced with a layer of Kevlar® material on the inside. Two rust resistant metal drain eyelets shall be installed on the underside of each expansion pocket to facilitate drainage of water. The pocket flaps shall be rectangular in shape, constructed of two layers of outer shell material and shall measure approximately 3 inches deeper than the pocket expansion and ½ inch wider than the pocket. The pocket flaps shall be closed by means of FR hook and loop fastener tape. Two pieces of 1½ inch by 3 inch FR hook fastener tape shall be installed vertically on the inside of each pocket flap (one piece on each end). Two corresponding pieces of 1½ inch by 3-inch FR loop fastener tape shall be installed horizontally on the outside of each pocket near the top (one piece on each end) and positioned to engage the hook fastener tape.

EXPANSION POCKET REINFORCEMENTS

The lower half of the expansion pockets shall be reinforced on the outside with black Ara-Shield® material.

PANT CUFF REINFORCEMENTS

The cuff area of the pants shall be reinforced with black Ara-Shield® material.

The cuff reinforcement shall not be less than 2 inch in width and folded in half, approximately one half inside and one half outside the end of the legs for greater strength and abrasion resistance. The cuff reinforcement shall be double stitched to the outer shell for a minimum of two rows of stitching. This independent cuff provides an additional layer of protection over a hemmed cuff. Pants that are turned and stitched at the cuff, as opposed to an independent cuff reinforcement, do not provide the same level of abrasion resistance, and shall be considered unacceptable.

PADDED RIP-CORD SUSPENDERS & ATTACHMENT

On the inside waistband shall be attachments for the standard "H" style "Padded Rip-Cord" suspenders.

There shall be four attachments total – 2 front, 2 back. The suspender attachments shall be constructed of black Ara-Shield® material measuring approximately ½ inch wide by 3-inches long. They shall be sewn in a horizontal position on the ends only to form a loop. The appearance shall be much like a horizontal belt loop to capture the suspender ends.

A pair of "H" style "Padded Rip-Cord" suspenders shall be specially configured for use with the pants. The main body of the suspenders shall be constructed of 2-inch-wide black webbing straps. The suspenders shall run over each shoulder to a point approximately shoulder blade high on the back, where they shall be joined by a 2-inch-wide horizontal piece of webbing measuring approximately 8-inches long, forming the “H”. This shall prevent the suspenders from slipping off the shoulders. The shoulder area of the suspenders shall be padded for comfort by fully encasing the webbing with aramid batting and wrap-around black aramid.

The rear ends of the suspenders shall be sewn to 2-inch-wide elasticized webbing extensions measuring approximately 8-inches in length and terminating with thermoplastic loops. The forward ends of the suspender straps shall be equipped with specially configured black powder coat non-slip metal slides with teeth. Through the metal slides shall be the 9-inch lengths of strap webbing "Rip-Cords" terminating with thermoplastic loops on each end. Pulling on the "Rip-Cords" shall allow for quick adjustment of the suspenders.

Threaded through and attached to the thermoplastic loops on the forward and rear ends of the suspenders shall be black aramid suspender attachments incorporating two snap fasteners. The aramid suspender attachments are to be threaded through the suspender attachment loops on the inside waistband of the pants. The aramid suspender attachments shall then fold over and attach to themselves securing the suspender to the pants.

REVERSE BOOT CUT

The outer shell pant leg cuffs shall be constructed such that the back of the leg is approximately 1 inch shorter than the front. The liner shall also have a reverse boot cut at the rear of the cuff and a concave cut at the front to keep the liner from hanging below the shell. This construction feature shall minimize the chance of premature wear of the cuffs and injuries due to falls as a result of "walking" on the pant cuffs.

Pants that have “cut-outs” in the back panel rather than a contoured boot cut shall be considered unacceptable.

THIRD PARTY TESTING AND LISTING PROGRAM

All components used in the construction of these garments shall be tested for compliance to NFPA Standard #1971 by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Underwriters Laboratories shall certify and list compliance to that standard. Such certification shall be denoted by the Underwriters Laboratories certification mark.

LABELS

Appropriate warning label(s) shall be permanently affixed to each garment. Additionally, the NFPA certification label shall include the following information:

Compliance to NFPA Standard #1971 Underwriters Laboratories classified mark.

Manufacturer's name Manufacturer's address Manufacturer's garment identification number Date of manufacture Size

ISO CERTIFICATION / REGISTRATION

The protective clothing manufacturer shall be certified and registered to ISO Standard 9001 to assure a satisfactory level of quality. Indicate below whether the manufacturer is certified and registered by checking either "Yes" or "No" in the space provided.

_____Yes _____No

WARRANTY

The manufacturer shall warrant these jackets and pants to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for their serviceable life when properly used and cared for.

HOOK AND LOOP SUPPORT PROGRAM

Support program shall cover hook or loop tape that has begun to fray or otherwise degrade from normal wear.

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