RP025_26 RFP.pdf

RP015-24 Inv - v2 -

Fire comments & DWR comments.docx

August 28, 2026

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RP025-26

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is soliciting competitive sealed proposals from qualified suppliers for the Provision of Firefighter Turnout Gear on an Annual Contract with four (4) options to renew for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Proposals must be returned in a sealed container marked on the outside with the Request for Proposal number and Company Name. Proposals will be received until 2:50 P.M. local time on October 7, 2026, at the Gwinnett County Financial Services - Purchasing Division – 2nd Floor, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. Any proposal received after this date and time will not be accepted. Proposals will be publicly opened and only names of submitting suppliers will be read at 3:00 P.M. The opening will be virtual ONLY. To access the opening virtually, click here or dial +1 323-676-6170 and enter conference ID 915 995 558#. A list of suppliers submitting proposals will be available the following business day on our website www.gwinnettcounty.com.

A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. local time on September 23, 2026, at Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters, 408 Hurricane Shoals Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. Fittings will be conducted at pre-proposal conference. All suppliers are urged to attend. Questions regarding proposals should be directed to Diana Turner, Purchasing Associate II, at Diana.Turner@GwinnettCounty.com no later than 3:00 P.M. local time on September 28, 2026. Proposals are legal and binding upon the supplier when submitted.

One (1) unbound single-sided original, five (5) exact bound copies, and one (1) electronic copy on a USB flash drive should be submitted.

A fitting session will be conducted following the pre-proposal conference. Further information and instructions are included within the specifications.

Gwinnett County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to its programs or activities. Any requests for reasonable accommodations required by individuals to fully participate in any open meeting, program or activity of Gwinnett County Government should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center, 770-822-8165.

The written proposal documents supersede any verbal or written prior communications between the parties.

Selection criteria are outlined in the request for proposal documents. Gwinnett County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive technicalities, and to make an award deemed in its best interest.

Award notification will be posted after award on the County website, www.gwinnettcounty.com, and suppliers submitting a proposal will be notified via email.

We look forward to your proposal and appreciate your interest in Gwinnett County.

Diana Turner Purchasing Associate II

The following pages should be returned as part of your proposal package:

Delivery ARO Response, Pages 17-18 Supplier Information, Page 19 References, Page 20 Code of Ethics, Page 26 Contractor Affidavit and Agreement, Page 27 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/229712095042654?p=xlal3bqxFLHEG2Agz0 http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/ mailto:Diana.Turner@GwinnettCounty.com http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/

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I. GENERAL

A. Scope

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners (The County) is seeking proposals from qualified suppliers for the provision of protective clothing worn by Firefighters engaged in fire suppression activities. It is the intent of this Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a supplier that delivers the best overall value to The County, considering the evaluation factors in this RFP by demonstrating best performance, guaranteed availability and delivery, customer service excellence, accountability, knowledge, experience and cost. The protective clothing will be evaluated by users in live-fire scenarios and other activities related to job tasks detailed in attachment A.

B. Adherence to Specifications

The specifications set forth in this proposal are not designed to be restrictive. However, these specifications should be used to guide suppliers through the process of selecting and proposing turnout gear that will best suit the County needs. Statements using “must,” “will,” or “shall” are non-negotiable and failure to comply with these requirements may result in a low score given in the “Understanding and Adherence to Specifications” portion of scoring criteria. All exceptions to specifications must be clearly spelled out in the proposal submission.

II. PRICING

A. Prices shall remain firm for 12 months after award. This contract has four (4) optional renewals.

Renewal of this contract will be based on the following: 1) terms, conditions and pricing remain the same (or as indicated in the original pricing schedule); 2) service is satisfactory; 3) both parties are willing to renew; and 4) Board of Commissioners’ approval, if required.

III. AWARD

A. Recommendation to award the highest scoring supplier will be submitted to the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners at the completion of the evaluation process. Contract to begin upon award.

B. Awarded supplier must deliver a complete fitter line by the contract effective date to the user department. Fitter line must be clearly marked with “RP025-26 Fitter Line” and include a packing slip of garments in the shipment. Shipped to:

Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services 450 Hosea Rd Lawrenceville GA 30046

C. Requirements of Successful Supplier After Award

1. It is the intention of the County to place an order upon award of this contract. This gear is required to replace the County’s safety stock and replacement of our fitter line and recruits; therefore, the successful supplier will be required to provide gear no more than 30 days after receipt of the purchase order. The purchase order will be for gear with common sizes and sizes will be specified at the time of order.

2. The manufacturer should have in place a computer-maintained traceability program that provides for the assignment of a production control number for each garment. The traceability program should be capable of tracing the garment through production, from the bolts of cloth used in all three layers of the garment composite construction, to the assignment of the garment to the individual firefighter. This production control number should be visibly located on the garment label and on other protected areas of garment.

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3. To ensure a perfect fit, sizing should be based on actual measurements taken of the firefighter by a trained measurement specialist, or sizing try-ons, or both. Fittings/sizing measurements are to be provided during normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday at designated location (Resource Management Warehouse: 450 Hosea Rd, Lawrenceville GA 30046 or Fire Academy: 3608 Braselton Hwy, Dacula, GA 30019). The successful supplier should be responsible for measuring Gwinnett County employees for proper fit as required per department and maintain record for each employee fitted regardless of order quantity or total price. The successful supplier should also train Resource Management personnel in the proper method for measuring Gwinnett County employees for proper fit as required per department.

IV. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

A. Suppliers are invited to submit their latest design that meets or exceeds these specifications.

B. Suppliers may submit more than one product, however suppliers must have a separate proposal for each product proposed addressing criteria requested under Section VI of the RFP “Preparation of Proposals”. All samples submitted are at NO cost to The County. Samples must be submitted for each product proposed.

V. FITTINGS/SAMPLES

A. Suppliers will provide samples according to sizing obtained at the pre-proposal conference.

These samples will undergo tests as per Attachment A.

B. Samples must be provided at no cost and must be sized specifically to the employee.

C. The samples will be evaluated in real-life scenarios and may be damaged.

D. Samples may be returned at the Supplier’s expense after the evaluation is completed or the supplier has been eliminated from the process.

E. The fittings process for the nine (9) samples will be conducted directly following the pre-proposal conference. If suppliers are unable to attend the pre-proposal conference, contact Diana Turner to schedule fittings. Fittings should be completed by September 25, 2026.

F. The wear test will be done as a blind product test. Evaluators will be assigned an identifying number. Short-listed suppliers moving on to phase 2 will be assigned an alphabet letter when wear test sets are requested. The suppliers are to cover the NFPA label with a piece of fabric made of the same liner material labeled with the supplier alphabet assignment and assigned evaluator number.

G. Short-listed proposers have 6 weeks from the date of request to deliver the nine (9) samples to

Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services. Samples are to be sent separately and directly to:

Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services ATTN: Rob Medina 450 Hosea Road Lawrenceville, GA 30046.

Failure to deliver the nine (9) samples by the close of business on the dates specified in the request may be cause for rejection of proposal.

H. All samples must be submitted in sealed boxes clearly marked with the RP#, company name, and

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“SAMPLES”.

I. All samples will be subject to performance exercise testing in conjunction with the use of SCBA, boots, helmets and gloves as may be required.

J. Samples submitted for evaluation shall represent what the supplier is offering to The County.

VI. PREPARATION OF PROPOSALS

Cover Letter At the beginning of the proposal, provide a cover letter to include description of the supplier’s history, and the manufacturer’s facility and scope of operations

PHASE 1: TECHNICAL EVALUATION

A. Delivery Terms

The manufacturer should provide a user information guide for the garments, which complies with user information requirements of NFPA 1970 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting, Work Apparel, Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) 2025 Edition (hereinafter referred to as NFPA 1970). Topics should include, but not necessarily be limited to:

pre-use information, preparation for use, inspection frequency and details, don/doff, use consistent with NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program 2021 Edition (hereinafter referred to as NFPA 1500) and NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Structural Fire Fighting Protective Ensembles, 2020 Edition (hereinafter referred to as NFPA 1851), maintenance and cleaning, and retirement and disposal criteria and considerations. This document should be packaged with each garment along with a specification summary sheet describing garment custom options, sizing and production details.

Supplier shall state the Delivery ARO in the format below for the given ordering scenarios. Given quantities are estimates and could change based on County needs and the allocation/availability of funds. Please specify whether or not Delivery ARO will change based on the scenario and provide additional information as needed. Suppliers may include additional sheets in the proposal submission to cover this information.

Approximately 25 recruits ordered twice per year

Delivery ARO:

Approximately 90 second sets of gear ordered once at the beginning of the calendar year

Delivery ARO:

Approximately 100 sets of gear to replace expirations ordered once at the beginning of the calendar year

Delivery ARO:

Replacement sets as needed Delivery ARO:

B. References

Suppliers should include a list of references as part of the proposal submission. Suppliers are required to demonstrate successful performance of the proposed turnout gear and customer service level by submitting references from three (3) user departments during the past three (3) years. The supplier should provide references from user departments of similar size, climates, with comparable number of employees, similar call type and volume.

Name and contact numbers must be for a liaison within the respected Fire Department who has

RP025-26 Page 5 an intimate working knowledge of the performance and wear/tear of the proposed turnout gear.

References should be provided as part of the initial proposal. Reference checks are part of the technical evaluation for all suppliers. Please ensure references are prepared to respond timely.

C. Understanding and Adherence to Specifications

Include a section in the proposal that demonstrates the supplier’s understanding of the basic scope of services and performance requirements stated in the RFP. Include in this section information on service and FOB delivery terms.

Scoring the composite makeup of PPE gear and the level of thermal insulation provided will be based on the adherence to specs and the overwhelming factor of safety. It is the County’s preference that no materials that may contribute to a loss of protective performance over time and/or after exposure to heat, sweat, etc., should not be used in the construction of the PPE garment composite.

Submit a comprehensive and detailed description of the proposed product. Include manufacturing materials, procedures, testing, specifications, diagram, drawings and/or photos.

Describe your company’s process for fitting and sizing throughout the contract period. Any exception or variation in construction, materials, performance, testing, or items of equipment between this specification and the proposal shall be detailed and submitted on a separate sheet(s) along with the proposal in sequence, citing page and item number. Suppliers must explain in detail and with full supporting data how the proposed deviation meets or exceeds the specifications.

1. Gear Misc.

i. Coat and pants shall be manufactured by the same company to ensure uniformity, complete protection and compatibility. NO EXCEPTIONS.

ii. The composite sizing available will be scored. Include the available size increments for both men and women and detail the percentage of gradation for the proposed product.

iii. This request for proposal defines the minimum requirements for blood borne pathogen resistant (BPR) firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) to provide limited protection to fire fighters against adverse environmental effects during structural firefighting operations and certain other emergency operations where there is a threat of fire or where certain physical hazards are likely to be encountered, such as during non-fire-related rescue operations, emergency medical operations, and victim extraction, as defined by NFPA 1970. In the absence of comment on a particular point, industry standard practice should be presumed to prevail. Workmanship and material should be first quality throughout. Supplier must provide documentation for minimum THL and TPP in Coat and Pants and minimum CCHR in knees and shoulders.

In the absence of comment to a specific point, the supplier is required to furnish a wholly compliant garment.

iv. The protective gear as a set (coat & pant) shall meet the NFPA 1970. Supplier should include in the response the THL and TPP overall composite of the proposed gear.

v. Protective gear shall meet NFPA 1970 Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test. Supplier should include in the response the Cleaning Shrinkage Resistance Test results.

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vi. Current NFPA standards applicable to this product specification express values for measurement requirements in SI (metric-based) units, followed by US (inch-pound) approximate equivalents in parentheses. For the convenience of the fire department, this product specification reverses the order and presents the more familiar US approximation first, followed by the SI requirement in parentheses.

vii. Labels shall be permanently and integrally printed onto materials that meet all the requirements for labels of NFPA 1970. The garment shall be clearly labeled to fully identify the material content of all three layers: outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner.

viii. Labels on each separable part of the garment should include a standard style interleaved 2 of 5 barcode containing (at a minimum) an individualized serial number for asset tracking purposes.

ix. The manufacturer should furnish, free of charge, reasonable quantities of NFPA

1970-certified thread, materials and other supplies to allow the department to manage its own ongoing internal maintenance efforts. Also, the manufacturer should provide on call at no charge, during normal business hours, a liaison for the repair department to assist the Fire Department on a telephone consultation basis, on all maintenance or repair questions that might arise. Additionally, the manufacturer should agree to expedite, on its own cost-only basis, all repairs that must be performed at the manufacturer’s plant, rather than in department, over the life of the contract. All thread used in structural seams should be Nomex® or approved equivalent of minimum Tex size T-70. Thread should match the fabric as close as possible.

x. Reinforcements made of Ara-Shield or approved equivalent shall be provided at cuffs, knees and pockets and should meet the requirements of NFPA 1970.

a. For cuff reinforcements only: Manufacturer must provide cuff reinforcements made of Ara-Shield or approved equivalent material at no additional cost. If the purchaser specifies reinforcements made of materials other than outer shell material, the manufacturer should identify any additional cost for the specified material.

b. For pocket reinforcements only: Ara-Shield or approved equivalent material must be used in the reinforcement of the pocket.

c. For Knee reinforcements only: Ara-Shield or approved equivalent material must be used to reinforce knee area of pants.

xi. Excluding where required by NFPA standard, necessary for functionality, or specifically called out in the custom option sections, all materials used in the construction of the garments should be breathable and all moisture barrier material must be as specified in the following materials section.

xii. The breathability requirement includes but is not limited to collar, chinstrap, storm shield, fly, water wells, front coat facings and reinforcement cushioning where applicable.

xiii. Areas where non-breathability is allowed (absent Custom Features specifications):

trim, hook and loop fastening, hardware or hardware backing, and external pocketing.

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xiv. All points of stress shall be reinforced with sturdy heavy duty bar tacks or approved equivalent. Rivets are not acceptable because of their potential for rust and electrical or heat conduction.

xv. All Hook and Loop material used for closures shall have finished edges. Unfinished edges will not be accepted.

xvi. To assure maximum freedom of movement and reduced kinetic resistance, the coat and pants ensemble should provide comfort and mobility during EMS / firefighting activities and be natural shaping to promote free movement of arms and legs.

xvii. Coat construction should be designed in an ergonomic cut to limit physiological stress on the wearer and so as not to interfere with movement while wearing SCBA over coat.

xviii. Pants should follow this ergonomic cut design to not interfere with movement of legs while bending crawling stooping or walking during wear.

xix. The Gwinnett County Department of Fire & Emergency Services has determined that the following are the preferred combinations of materials to be used which provide desired data on the THL, TPP, RET, and other protective measures outlined in the NFPA 1970.

a. Outer Shell

Flex7 ™ Powered by PBI with FreeFAS Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish produced by TenCate Protective Fabrics: 6.9 oz/yd2, Kevlar®/PBI®, Gold color or approved equivalent determined by department

b. Thermal Lining

Titanium® SL2 produced by TenCate Protective Fabrics: 7.7 oxy (260 gsm);

Aramid, FR Rayon, Nylon; Woven Facecloth Quilted to Non-Woven Batting or approved equivalent determined by department

c. Moisture Barrier Stedair 4000 produced by Stedfast Advanced Barrier Technologies; woven 3.2 oz/yd2 meta-aramid pajama check substrate with an enhanced bi-component membrane or approved equivalent determined by department

xx. If exterior pockets are specified in either the COAT CUSTOM FEATURES

SPECIFICATIONS & PLACEMENT or in the PANT CUSTOM FEATURES SPECIFICATIONS & PLACEMENT section, the following requirements should apply to all such custom option specified exterior pockets:

a. All pockets and flaps shall be reinforced at the top corners with heavy duty bar tack or approved equivalent stitching or approved equivalent.

b. All pockets shall have enlarged tabs or rolled edge for easier grip with a gloved hand.

c. All pockets shall be reinforced with an extra layer of NFPA-certified outer shell, moisture barrier, or other NFPA-certified reinforcement material for extra durability. The exact location of the reinforcements shall be identified in the custom features specification section(s) as indicated above.

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d. All pockets shall have a means to drain water and should have a means of closure.

e. All pocket closures shall be made either with hook and loop fastener tape a minimum of 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide, with a flap, or with snaps. The specific placement of the closure system should be declared at the time of order.

xxi. Particulate blocking shall be included in the construction of the Coat cuffs and cuffs of the pants only. The particulate blocking material shall not be included at the waist of the coat. Each particulate barrier shall be constructed of material that is at least 90% efficient at blocking .1-.01-micron size particles at each interface. The closures on each interface should be constructed in a manner to which they will inhibit the products of combustion from entering into the ensemble through the coat cuffs, coat and pant interface and the cuffs of the pants. The installed system shall be tested to be compliant with NFPA 1970 for particle inward leakage testing on the entire PPE ensemble.

2. Coat Custom Features Specifications & Placement

i. The coat composite (all layers) should not gap when the firefighter is bending, crawling or climbing. Gapping should be determined as defined by NFPA 1500 with both arms fully extended overhead and wearer bending to rear, sides and front. The actual length of coats (shorter or longer) will be determined by each individual’s torso length. Coat must interface properly with standard height pants.

ii. Garments should feature a tailored ergonomic cut design throughout the outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner layers. Garments featuring alternative assembly or construction will be evaluated but care should be taken not to create irritation to the wearer while wearing an SCBA. To facilitate individual tailoring needs, the major A & B seams joining the one-piece back to the right and the left front body panels (outer shell and all interior layers) should be located at the most lateral position when the coat is laid flat for inspection.

iii. Specifications as stated within this section will supersede any previous specification as long as the required certifications are not compromised.

a. Coat cuffs should be reinforced with Ara-Shield or approved equivalent material

b. Liner label should be configured as an inside liner pocket.

c. Trim pattern should be Project FIRES style, Lime Yellow 2-Tone Scotchlite or approved equivalent. All trim shall be attached with lock stitching.

d. An embroidered American Flag patch shall be sewn on the right shoulder with stars facing forward and shall be made of FR material

e. Provide a sewn-on lettering back patch made from black Kevlar/Nomex or approved equivalent outer shell material with sewn on, three-inch, Lime Yellow Scotchlite or approved equivalent letters: “GWINNETT”

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f. Centered on the bottom rear of the coat provide a replaceable, snap attached, made from two layers of black Kevlar/Nomex or approved equivalent outer shell material. There should be four snaps, one at each corner to help secure the patch. Each patch should have sewn on, Lime Yellow, two-inch Scotchlite or approved equivalent letter: “FF LAST NAME” or “1st INITIAL + LAST NAME” which will be indicated at the time of order. The patch will be provided by the gear manufacturer.

g. Outside storm flap closure should be by means of four evenly spaced snap hooks and “D” rings with the inner facings closure accomplished by use of an YKK or approved equivalent zipper with an oversized zipper pull.

h. On the lower front coat facings provide outer shell material half hi bellows pockets that are approximately 7” H x 9” W x 1.5” D lined on all four sides with 8-ounce Kevlar 2/1 twill. Pocket flaps should close by means of 1.5-inch hook and loop, full hook across the top leading edge of the pocket body with three vertical strips of hook and loop pile evenly spaced beneath the pocket flaps.

Flaps should have a rolled edge or pull tab for ease of use with a gloved hand.

On the right-hand pocket, there shall be placed a metal D-style attachment to clip accessories onto the pocket. The D-style metal attachment shall be rivetted on the bottom front corner of the pocket.

i. Hand warmer pockets shall be provided behind each bellows pocket and lined with Nomex fleece or approved equivalent.

j. There shall be an outer shell radio pocket positioned on the right chest approximately 9”H x 4.5” W x 3” D with the pocket flap notched towards the wearer’s right. The radio pocket shall be divided into two segments, one measuring 1” wide and the other 3.5” wide. The height shall be full height of the pocket.

k. Center a 0.5” H x 2.5” W outer shell mic tab above the radio pocket.

l. On the left chest there should be a large downward facing snap hook on an outer shell patch which is then sewn to the coat. Place an outer shell w/hook and loop flashlight strap below the snap hook.

m. On the left chest center a another 0.5”H x 2.5” W mic tab above the snap hook and even with the mic tab on the right chest.

iv. A firefighter Drag Rescue Device shall be installed in each coat, which shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 1970. The design and functionality of the DRD of the proposed gear should be large enough to fit a gloved hand in the loop.

v. Wherever garment linings are specified, including but not limited to thermal linings and moisture barriers, each such lining layer should be tailor-graded to fit within the overall garment composite of all layers without causing bunching or binding when the garment is worn.

vi. The liner system should incorporate snaps at the lower right front body panel to allow for field inspection of the “internal” condition of the moisture barrier membrane, seam sealing and thermal insulating layer / quilt stitching.

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vii. The moisture barrier/thermal liner shall be completely detachable from the outer shell for ease of cleaning by the use of snaps. There should be a zipper down each front facing, snaps along the neck to interface with collar as well as snaps at each sleeve end. No hook and loop will be accepted in sleeve ends.

Liner sleeves should be attached at the outer shell cuff by means of snaps on two (2) sets of outer shell fabric tabbing strips per cuff. These snaps should be isolated by the tabbing material so that they will not abrade against the outer shell. Hook and loop attachments will not be accepted in the cuffs of the coat.

To provide continuous moisture protection and pathogen protection at the neck, the liner should be positioned so that it is sandwiched between an outer-facing pathogen shield and an inside facing of the specified outer shell material, both folded over and sewn in at the neck seam.

The liner system design should not allow products of combustion or other contaminants to move into the liner interior between the moisture barrier and thermal liner. For instance, separately hemmed and bar tacked liner and moisture barrier with open edge designs would not be acceptable.

Attachment should be by means of four (4) glove straps or zipper attachment that penetrates only the layer of the attachment facing towards the liner, so that metal contact at a wearer’s neckline is completely eliminated.

viii. The collar should be of layered construction, which meets or exceeds the minimum requirements set forth in the NFPA 1970. Please describe the construction of the proposed gear’s collar in the proposal submission.

ix. There should be no vertical or horizontal seams or stitching in the body of the collar, since this may weaken collar integrity. Left outside of collar should have a sewn piece of 3-inch x 5-inch (7.6-cm x 12.7-cm) hook and loop fastener hook tape to ensure maximum adjustability when engaging chinstrap-to-collar closure. Each collar should be graded to individual coat sizes.

x. Chinstrap should be 8” long across the top corners, 11” long across the bottom corners, and a minimum 4” vertical height measured at the center. The chinstrap should be mounted to the collar by means to allow the chinstrap to be adjustable to accommodate different neck sizes and provide proper coverage.

xi. An 80-pound (36.3 kg) tear strength hang-up loop should be provided at the interior collar seam. The loop should be constructed of triple layers of the specified outer shell material, lock stitched to the coat. Webbing is not acceptable.

xii. To prevent stove piping, sleeves should be individually graded by coat size and sleeve length. For maximum freedom, sleeve design should feature extra full cut one-piece outer shell set-in sleeves with built-in bellows. To reduce the chances of possible top seam failure in that high thermal exposure area, the sleeve Major A seam should follow the underside of the arm and should not cross over the outside of the elbow joint.

Sleeve seam and sleeve attachment to coat body in all layers should be 100% double feld and double stitched for maximum strength.

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xiii. Every coat should feature a 100% Nomex or approved equivalent knit inner wristlets protected by a flame-resistant and moisture-resistant water well. This water well must pass the NFPA 1970 Whole Garment Liquid Penetration Test. This inner water well assembly should be interfaced capable with the appropriate glove to provide wrist protection. Please describe in detail in the proposal submission the construction and materials used for the inner wristlet and water well of the proposed gear.

xiv. There should be long style Nomex or approved equivalent knit inner wristlets which should provide a thumb attachment by means of Nomex or approved equivalent tabbing material bar tacked or approved equivalent at each end approximately 2” apart at the cuff opening. Knit wristlet material should not cover the palm of the wearer’s hand. Wristlets should come in variable sizes and custom ordered to accommodate a range of hand sizes. Only full-knit wristlets will be considered.

xv. Every coat should feature a 100% Nomex or approved equivalent knit outer wristlet, which should be mounted to the end of each outer shell sleeve to prevent liquid and debris movement up the sleeve between the outer shell and the moisture barrier/ thermal liner assembly.

xvi. Two-inch-wide (5.1 cm-wide) panels of breathable moisture/ pathogen barrier and specified thermal liner materials should be provided at coat front closure facings to preclude any type of break in the protective envelope. The entire circumference of a closed coat should consist of specified shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner materials.

xvii. The proposed PPE must pass the required NFPA 1970 Whole Garment Liquid

Penetration Test and should pass the Particle Inward Leakage Test. Please indicate in the proposal submission the construction methods used to achieve this standard

xviii. A dead air space or other thermal protection system shall be provided in the high heat load areas of the upper back/ shoulder/ chest, outside of the upper arm with a break at the elbow and continue down the top of the forearm to the end of the thermal liner/ moisture barrier.

xix. Closure of coat will primarily close with a zipper with hook-and-D as secondary (no hook and loop/Velcro)

xx. Installation of 2 take-up straps on the side of the jacket to allow for additional fit adjustment.

3. Pant Custom Features Specifications & Placement

i. The pant should be of a traditional waist-high-only design to facilitate full torso ventilation of front, rear and sides of trunk for maximum body cooling effect to help minimize firefighter heat stress, which meets, or exceeds the NFPA standards.

ii. Garments should feature a tailored outer shell with moisture barrier and lining. A pant with a four-piece moisture barrier and thermal liner should be provided, at no additional charge, when and if an individual’s tailoring needs require it.

iii. Specifications as stated within this section will supersede any previous specification as long as the required certifications are not compromised.

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a. The pants should have 3”, circumferential cuff trim, Lime Yellow 2-Tone Scotchlite or approved equivalent and should be attached using lock stitching.

b. Pant cuffs should be higher at rear in all three layers and should be reinforced in the high wear areas with black Ara-shield or approved equivalent. Cuffs should interface with boots in a manner that prevents “riding up” on the boots risking exposure to external environment or carcinogens.

c. On the out seam of each thigh provide outer shell material bellows pockets that are approximately 9” H x 9” W x 1.5” D lined on all four sides with 8-ounce Kevlar 2/1 twill. Pocket flaps should close by means of 1.5-inch hook and loop full hook across the top leading edge of the pocket body with three vertical strips of hook and loop pile evenly spaced beneath the pocket flaps.

d. Right pocket will be used as a bail out pocket. Pocket should be same dimensions as left pocket, should have oversized flap to protect bailout components and internal organization features to accommodate bailout system components. Flaps should have a rolled edge or pull tab for ease of use with a gloved hand.

e. Left pocket will be designed to hold tools (screw drivers, cutting tools, etc.) and be reinforced to prevent damage to pocket from external or internal items. Flap does not need to extend length of pocket. Flaps should have a rolled edge or pull tab for ease of use with a gloved hand.

f. Design of a tool pocket on the right lower leg above the cuff trim, centered on the seam side at 11:00 o’clock position to hold a small cutting tool. Flap should close by hook and loop and lay flat (no rolled edge).

g. The pants should be adapted for the “Fire Innovations” Arapaho Class II harness or approved equivalent. There should be 7 evenly placed 1.0 inch retaining tabs placed around the waist. The pants should have NFPA 1970 compliant attachments to attach the harness on the inside of the pants. There should be loops on the inside of the outer shell to fasten the leg loops of the harness to the outer shell.

h. Each pant shall be provided with a Kevlar or approved equivalent Class II harness which closes at the front by means of a military grade, COBRA style parachute buckle with length adjustment. The harness should be made by Fire Innovations or approved equivalent, Model: Arapaho Class II escape harness.

Harness should be certified to NFPA 2500 Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services.

i. Pants will have a built-in retainer to secure harness buckle and loop in a fixed location.

iv. The moisture barrier and thermal liner assembly should be attached to the outer shell at the cuff by means of two (2) Nomex or approved equivalent webbing snap assemblies per leg, and to the waistband, at the waist, with snap attachment. Snaps should be color coded or marked to ensure gear is assembled correctly.

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The liner system design should not allow products of combustion or other contaminants to move into the liner interior between the moisture barrier and thermal liner. For instance, separately hemmed and bar tacked liner and moisture barrier with open edge designs would not be acceptable.

The liner system should incorporate a hook and loop port at the right side of the fly to allow for field inspection of the “internal” condition of the moisture barrier membrane, seam sealing and thermal insulating layer / quilt stitching.

v. Wherever garment linings are specified, including but not limited to thermal linings and moisture barriers, each such lining layer should be tailor-graded to fit within the overall garment composite of all layers without causing bunching or binding when the garment is worn.

vi. Pant should have a wide-style, traditional bunker pant fly that close in the opposite direction, with a left-over-right motion. The inner fly positive closure should be a zipper with oversized zipper pull and for the outer fly closure use 1.5-inch hook and loop with one glove snap located at the top leading outside edges of the fly.

The outer shell fly should be lock stitched to the left side of the front opening and should be in proportion to waist size and crotch rise in both length and width. Fly inner lining should extend at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) to the left of the outer shell fly attachment seam and should be constructed of certified breathable moisture barrier and thermal liner. The right front pant opening should have an internal facing extending at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) to the right and constructed of specified fabric. In combination with the liner, the system should offer 360-degree protection without gaps during movement of the outer shell moisture barrier and thermal liner.

Closure should be by means of a minimum 1.5-inch-wide (3.8-cm-wide) hook and loop fastener, and all construction techniques used should provide liquid penetration protection under the NFPA 1970 Whole Garment Liquid Penetration Test and pass the Particle inward leakage test. The fly should be graded to the waist size of garments and crotch rise.

vii. Trouser knee design should be constructed with a comfort/mobility design in all layers and consist of:

a. Use the specified outer shell material to provide the reinforcement at the sides of the knee pads and use black Ara-shield or approved equivalent down the center

b. Outer Ara-shield or approved equivalent material should have reinforced stitching lines to prevent stitch unraveling. These reinforcements and/or designs should move seams away from abrasion or wear areas of the knee.

c. The area of reinforcement should be a minimum of 12”H x 8’W (30 cm x 20 cm).

d. Knee area shall be padded under the Ara-shield or approved equivalent.

e. Pads shall be secured in place to prevent movement.

RP025-26 Page 14

f. An additional layer of a thermal liner shall be sewn to the knee area between the moisture barrier and the thermal liner. The additional layer of thermal liner shall be approximately one inch smaller than the knee reinforcement on the outer shell.

g. Include in the proposal the type of material used, construction details, and the design elements of the reinforced cushioned knee used in the proposed PPE.

viii. Provide outer shell horizontal suspender loops placed on waist. Attachment should be by means of heavy-duty bar tacks or approved equivalent

ix. Install 8-point attachment, quick adjusting, padded shoulders suspenders made from two-inch wide cotton webbing and two-inch wide heavy-duty elastic. The suspenders should also include 2” wide lime yellow, 2-tone Scotchlite or approved equivalent trim in the upper chest, shoulders and upper back. Attachment to the suspender loops inside the pant waist should be accomplished by the end of each elastic strap being passed through the suspender loop and snapping to itself by means of two 12-pound glove snaps per elastic strap. This type of attachment will prevent the suspender of rotating when pants are being donned.

D. Innovation

This is defined as additional features not listed in the requirements that are deemed beneficial to the Department or personnel. Such benefits include but are not limited to: features that improve physiological performance to the wearer, cancer prevention features, care and maintenance programs, or additional warranty. Documentation explaining features in detail must be provided.

PHASE 2: WEAR TEST

E. Wear Test

After Phase I (Technical) is evaluated and scoring according to criteria above, the selection team may short list to the highest scoring suppliers to participate in the wear test. Please note: After the pre-proposal conference, the fitting process will be completed. This will be done in an effort to minimize lead time. Any preparation performed by the supplier prior to receiving confirmation that the supplier has been shortlisted will be at the supplier’s risk. The County will not be responsible for reimbursing any samples. Nine (9) fire personnel will evaluate the gear based on the above listed criteria. This test will be done independently of Phase 1 and 3. The results will be reported to the evaluation team along with any supporting documentation of the wear test.

The evaluation process will consist of 12 scenarios (8 non-fire activities, 4 live fire activities). Fire personnel will wear each sample while performing daily operations where there is a threat of fire or when certain physical hazards are likely to be encountered, such as non-fire-related rescue operations, emergency medical operations, and victim extrication. The evaluation will include live fire exercises. Each evaluator will score each sample independently and an average of these scores will be recorded as the final score for this portion of the evaluation. The wear test evaluation process is estimated to be completed by March/April 2027.

Note Attachment A for more details of how the Wear Tests will be performed and how they will be scored.

VII. Certification/Affidavits

The supplier’s proposal shall be responsive to the specific range of requirements described in this RFP. Suppliers are asked to read the RFP carefully to ensure that the specific requirements of this

RP025-26 Page 15 request are addressed and all requested information is submitted. Proposals shall address the following informational requests and should include the following certifications, justification, understanding, etc.:

A. Include supplier’s understanding of the NFPA 1970, for coats and pants.

B. Confirm all materials and construction meet or exceed NFPA 1970. All materials used in construction of the garments shall be tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and proof of certification shall be denoted by the UL certification label.

C. The following standards in their active versions on the date of invitation for bid should form a part of this specification to the extent specified herein.

STANDARD TITLE

ASTM D 6193-97 Standard Practice for Stitches and Seams

NFPA 1500, 2021

Edition

Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program

NFPA 1851, 2020

Edition

Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting

NFPA 1970, 2025

Edition

Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Firefighting, Work Apparel, Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services, and Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)

NFPA 2500, 2027

Edition

Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services

D. The manufacturer must certify that the garments proposed meet or exceed all requirements of

NFPA 1970. The manufacturer must also list and label this product with Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

E. UL or Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), as the third-party certification organization prescribed in

NFPA 1970. All certification testing and test preconditioning must have been performed by an ISO 17025-certified laboratory. UL, SEI or a UL Authorized Client Test Data Program laboratory will fulfill this requirement.

F. Certification shall include, by definition, the scope of protection as follows: Coat shall provide limited protection resistance to bloodborne pathogens to the upper torso including the arms but excluding the head and neck interface area and the hand and wrist interface area. The pant shall provide limited protection resistance to the lower torso including the legs but excluding the foot and ankle interface area. The coat and pant overlap shall provide limited protection resistance to the coat/pant interface area.

G. The manufacturer must provide, on request, third party certification of the required interface bloodborne pathogen resistant capability.

H. The manufacturer must include evidence that they are registered to the current ISO 9001, Quality

Management Systems – Requirements, to assure a satisfactory level of quality.

I. The manufacturer should provide a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship and submit with the proposal package. Include warranty policies.

RP025-26 Page 16

Part Criteria Points

Phase 1 – Technical Evaluation

1. Delivery Terms 20

2. Quality of References 10

3. Understanding and Adherence to Specification 5

4. Innovation 5

Phase 1 Sub-Total 40

Phase 2 – Wear Test

5.

Workability: fit, dexterity, mobility, weight and DRD.

Protection: thermal exposure, saturation, tear resistance, visibility, breathability.

Durability: repeated thermal exposure, tear resistance, closure components, ease of maintenance. (See Attachment A for a sample of the wear test requirements)

Phases 1 & 2 Sub-Total 80

Phase 3 – Fee Evaluation

6. Cost 20

Total Score 100

Phase 1 - Evaluation Team will have access to all proposal materials. Using the Proposed Evaluation Criteria that follows, the Team will evaluate all responsive technical proposals based on the Phase 1 evaluation criteria.

A short-list may be established. The short-listed suppliers will advance to Phase 2 of the evaluation process. Gear should be received 6 weeks from the date of request.

Phase 2- Wear Test will be conducted following Phase 1. Nine (9) fire personnel will evaluate the gear based on the criteria listed in this RFP. This test will be done independently of Phase 1 and 3. The wear testers will score the criteria individually and will then provide results to the Evaluation Team along with any supporting documentation of the wear test.

The scores of Phases 1 and 2 will be tallied, the proposals will be ranked, and a short list may be established. The short-listed firms will advance into Phase 3 of the evaluation process. The number of proposers advanced into the third phase will be at the discretion of the Evaluation Team.

Phase 3 - Fee Schedules will be requested from the proposers that advance to Phase 3. Fee Schedules should be received within 7 business days from the date noted in the request.

The County may negotiate terms and/or pricing of the contract with the highest scoring supplier(s).

The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, to negotiate changes in the scope of services and to waive any technicalities as deemed in its best interest.

RP025-26 Page 17 FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE WHEN REQUESTED BY THE COUNTY MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF PROPOSAL.

COST PROPOSAL

(TO BE SUBMITTED ONLY UPON REQUEST)

Company Name

ITEM

APPROX.

ANNUAL

QTY

DESCRIPTION

MANUFACTURER

& NO.

DELIVERY A.R.O. UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE

1. 327 EA Protective Coats

2. 327 EA Name Patch

3. 327 EA

Protective Pants with Belt, Harness, and Suspenders

GRAND TOTAL $

REPLACEMENT PARTS (not included in Grand Total)

4. Drag Rescue Devices $

5. Suspenders $

6. Harness or Harness Components $

7. Belt $

*NOTE: All quantities are approximate and may or may not be adjusted based on the allocation/availability of funds. Items may be ordered on an as-needed basis.

Delivery will be F.O.B. Destination Freight Pre-Paid and Allowed to: Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services, 450 Hosea Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

RP025-26 Page 18 FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE WHEN REQUESTED BY THE COUNTY MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF PROPOSAL.

COST PROPOSAL CONTINUED

(TO BE SUBMITTED ONLY UPON REQUEST)

Gwinnett County requires pricing to remain firm for the duration of the initial term of the contract. Failure to hold firm pricing for the initial term of the contract will be sufficient cause for Gwinnett County to declare proposal non-responsive. Contract to begin upon Board of Commissioners’ approval.

Unless otherwise noted, quoted prices will remain firm for four (4) additional 12-month periods. If a percentage increase/decrease is a part of the renewal options, please note this in the space provided together with an explanation.

Renewal Option 1: % Increase % Decrease Explanation Renewal Option 2: % Increase % Decrease Explanation Renewal Option 3: % Increase % Decrease Explanation Renewal Option 4: % Increase % Decrease Explanation

RP025-26 Page 19

FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE AS PART OF YOUR PROPOSAL DOCUMENT MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF PROPOSAL.

Please include this page as part of the Technical Response document and NOT with the Cost

Proposal

Supplier Information

In compliance with the attached specifications, the undersigned acknowledges all requirements outlined in the "Instructions for Vendors" and all documents referred to therein, offers and agrees, if this proposal is accepted by the Board of Commissioners within one hundred twenty (120) days of the date of proposal opening, to furnish any or all of the items upon which prices are quoted, at the price set opposite each item, delivered to the designated point(s) within the time specified in the fee schedule.