RFI Officer Sweaters.doc

Request for Information

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Department of Corrections Procurement

Correctional Officer Sweaters Request For Information

This Request for Information (RFI) seeks to obtain information on officer sweaters specifications This information gathered is intended to assist the State of Michigan to better understand (a) types of sweaters, (b) various testing methods (d) industry best practices, Anticipated Timeline Issue Date

January 14, 2021 Deadline to Submit Questions

3:00 p.m. EDT

January 21, 2021 Anticipated Date State Will Post Answers to Questions

January 26, 2021 Deadline to Submit Response 3:00 p.m. EDT February 5, 2021 The information in this document is subject to change. Check www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS for the current information.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE STATE. The sole point of contact concerning this Request for Information (RFI) is:

Arnold Vande Mark, Buyer VandemarkA@michigan.gov 517-335-2083

2. QUESTIONS. Questions concerning the RFI must be emailed to CarrC@michigan.gov no later than the time and date specified on the cover page of this document. Answers to questions will be posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS.

Questions should be submitted using the following format:

3. RESERVED.

4. DELIVERY OF RESPONSE. Vendors should provide an informational response on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS no later than the date and time located on the cover page of this document. All documents should be created using tools that are compatible with the Microsoft Office Suite 97 standard desktop tools, without need for conversion. System prompts for pricing attachments and information can be disregarded.

Questions on how to submit information or how to navigate in the SIGMA system can be answered by calling (517) 373-4111 or (888) 734-9749.

5. ORAL PRESENTATION AND SAMPLES. The State reserves the right to invite some vendors for oral presentations or request samples.

6. GENERAL RESPONSE CONDITIONS. The State will not be liable for any costs incurred in preparation of vendor’s response, delivery of the response, and any follow-up discussions with the State. This RFI is not an offer to enter into a contract.

7. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT. All portions of a response are subject to disclosure as required under the Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act, 1976 Public Act 422.

8. RIGHTS TO INFORMATION CONTAINED IN RESPONSES. All informational responses will be considered the property of the State.

STATE OF MICHIGAN

Request For Information Correctional Officer Sweaters The purpose for this Request for Information (RFI) includes, but is not limited to, collecting market information to better understand available correctional officer sweaters The information gathered may be used to assist the State in developing program strategy and possibly developing a Request for Proposal (RFP).

The State of Michigan plans to post an upcoming bid for correctional officer sweaters in the near future. If you have a comparable product, please respond to this RFI. Vendors may provide more than one option provided that they supply the specifications for each option. The State will determine, in its sole discretion, which if any, products are incorporated into the upcoming bid document.

Response Preparation

Please respond to the following topics and questions in a “Question and Answer” format, providing thorough information for each, when possible.

1. Company full name and address:

2. Name, telephone number, and email address of the individual(s) who will serve as your company’s authorized contact;

3. Please identify who was involved in developing the response to this RFI:

4. Brands or trade names are for identification purposes only and do not limit the Vendor to such brands or trade names. Vendors should attach a copy of their products specifications. The State will determine, in its sole discretion, which if any redlines or alternative specifications are incorporated into the upcoming bid document.

Program Overview The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Michigan State Industries (MSI) provides sweaters to correctional officers. Officer sweaters must be approved by a Corrections Uniform Committee. Current approved sweaters are Cobmex style 2020 and 2030. Pictures are available at MSI website at www.michigan.gov/msi.

A. General Specifications Specifications are the same for all sweaters except where noted.

· Lightweight commando sweater

· Rib knit

· Fleece lining

· V-neck

· Long sleeves

· Color: Black

· Shell fabric: 30 - 60% Polyester, 20- 35% wool, 15 - 40% acrylic.

· Elbow area and shoulder area shall be reinforced with nylon or similar fabric.

· Sleeves shall be the Set-in style sleeves.

· Cuffs and bottom hem of sweater shall be straight with stretch binding on cuff and bottom hem.

· Collars shall be folded over double with rib knit to match garment. Collars shall be approximately one inch long of rib knitting, after folding.

· Sweater must be machine washable.

· Sweater must have label(s) sewn in that provide fabric content, washing instructions, and size.

· Two black Epaulets and one 2” x 4” name badge piece shall be included with each sweater. The name badge shall be black with Velcro or similar material included. Velcro must not be attached to the name badge.

Pull over style

· No pockets

· Standard Unisex sizes:

SM – 8XL Regular

M – 8XL Tall Zipper style

· YKK (or equal) full length separating zipper. Zipper shall be in the center front of garment from the collar to the bottom of the hem.

· Two inset pockets on front of sweater near the waist.

· Standard Unisex sizes:

SM – 8XL Regular

M – 8XL Tall

5. What sizes do you provide as standard size?

6. What sizes are special orders?

7. Please provide your estimated lead time. If lead time is different for some sizes or styles, please note that in your response.

8. Please provide a specification sheet that includes the material make up and washing instructions.

9. Please provide a picture of both the front and back of the sweater.

10. Please provide a sample sizing chart.

11. Do you provide sweaters to military or other law enforcement agencies?

12. Please provide any additional pertinent information.

13. If an RFP is issued for provision of this service, is it likely that your company will bid on it? If no, why not?

Version 1 Revised: 07-28-2017