Request for Information .docx

Request for Information (RFI) 03424 Non-Custom Uniforms and Accessories

September 5, 2025

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Non-Custom Uniforms and Accessories

ANNOUNCEMENT

The State of Washington is in the process of developing specifications for non-custom uniforms and accessories and is requesting input from the business community. The current statewide contract title non-custom uniforms and accessories #01417 is due to expire on July 2, 2025.

BACKGROUND

This statewide contract is for non-custom uniforms and accessories by State Agencies and qualifying organizations who have signed the Contracts Usage Agreement (CUA). A list of CUA members is available at CUA Members.

Under this contract, non-custom first responder uniforms, associated clothing, high visibility rainwear, belts, holsters, headgear, general protective gear, accessories, boots, and footwear will be procured. Services include silk screen embroidery, customizing, and alterations.

Current sales approximate $3,500,000.00

QUESTIONS:

1. Scope and Categories. Please describe your product offerings and the brands you offer. From the list of brands below, mark X by the ones you can offer. Are there new brand options? Please list them in the spaces provided or add brands/spaces as needed.

5.11 Tactical

Hanes

Aker

Lion

Bates

New Era

Bianchi

Olympic Uniform

Blackhawk

PM Belts

Blauer

Port and Company

Boston Leather

Port Authority

Bulwark

Red Kap

Carhart

Richardson Cap

Danner

Rothco

Dickies

Safariland

Edwards

Schoeller

Fechheimer

Speiwak

Flying Cross

Stratton

Haix

Thorogood

Walls

Vertx

Work

2. Locations. What areas of Washington State can you service? Which areas of Washington State do you service most often?

3. Pricing. What are the main pricing factors and components for non-custom uniforms and accessories (shipping, transportation, labor rates, distance, cost of material, etc.)?

4. Added Value. Identify areas of value added service that you provide relating to apparel and accessories for this solicitation?

5. Delivery. Please describe your general approach to delivery services. What is your timeline for delivery? How do you optimize the delivery process to reduce travel time and total trips?

6. Diversity. Are you a Washington small or Veteran owned business?

7. Sustainability and Green Purchasing Practices. Please describe how you identify sustainable apparel and related product. Please identify any certifications for sustainable products that you offer. Please describe your ability to provide sustainable products (no excessive packaging, toxic pigments or dyes, or priority toxic chemicals; is it biodegradable; and does it contain recycled content)?

8. Customer Service. Please describe your approach to customer service. What opportunities for added value does your firm provide?

9. Insurance. What types of insurance coverages are common in this industry and what limits does your company have for each type of insurance coverage?

10. Barriers. Identify any barriers for your business to bid on this opportunity.

11. Other feedback. Please provide any information you believe is relevant for Enterprise Services to consider in developing a solicitation for goods/services.

RFI PROCESS

Please submit responses to this RFI electronically to the RFI Coordinator listed below no later than September 20, 2024.

Businesses may also contact the RFI Coordinator to set up a time to discuss this solicitation and provide answers to the RFI questions directly to DES. Please be aware that the RFI Coordinator may have limited time, and this would not be a discussion of the proposed solicitation. This meeting would be focused on DES learning more about the industry and advice on the solicitation.

A response to this RFI is not a mandatory requirement for participation in any subsequent solicitations released by the State of Washington. The results of this RFI may be used in development of future solicitations. All business community communications concerning this RFI must be directed to the RFI Coordinator.

April Cole RFI Coordinator Dept. of Enterprise Services PO Box 41411 Olympia, WA 98504-1411 360-407-8120 DESContractsTeamFir@des.wa.gov

PUBLIC RECORDS

All documents (written and electronic) submitted to Enterprise Services as part of this RFI are public records. Unless statutorily exempt from disclosure, such records are subject to disclosure if requested. See RCW 42.56, Public Records Act. Enterprise Services strongly discourages businesses from unnecessarily submitting sensitive information (e.g., information that businesses might categorize as ‘confidential,’ ‘proprietary,’ ‘sensitive,’ ‘trade secret,’ etc.). For the purposes of this RFI no information considered confidential or proprietary should be included.

NO OBLIGATION TO CONTRACT

Release of this RFI in no way obligates the state of Washington to award a contract.

TO SUMMARIZE

The state of Washington appreciates your thoughts and input and would also welcome any additional thoughts and comments related to this commodity.

Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Page 1 of 3 (Rev 2/12/2024)

Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Page 3 of 3 Rev. 08/14/2024 image1.jpeg