Structural_Firefighting_Turnout_Gear.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FDX009268

STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING TURNOUT GEAR

CITY OF BRIDGEPORT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PURCHASES

999 BROAD STREET

BRIDGEPORT CT 06604

Submission Deadline:

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 by 2:00 pm

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Work

3. Submission Guidelines

4. Evaluations

5. Evaluation Criteria

6. Selection Process

7. Terms and Conditions

8. Pricing Proposal

9. Required Response Format

10. Vendor Questionnaire

11. Appendix A

12. Appendix B

Attachments:

A - City of Bridgeport Contractor Agreement

B - Bridgeport FD PFAS Gear spec 2025

C - NO CONFLICTS FORM 10-2018 and 02-2025

1. Introduction

The City of Bridgeport seeks proposals for Structural Firefighting Turnout Gear.

The requirements of this project are outlined in greater detail under Scope of Work.

The selected awardee must meet all municipal, State and Federal practices and requirements.

The initial term for the contract will be one (1) year with two (2) one-year renewal options, for a potential total term of five (5) years. Written acknowledgement from vendor will be required.

Please note the City of Bridgeport encourages Minority business enterprises (MBE), Women business enterprises (WBE) and City-based businesses (CBB) to submit proposals. MBE, WBE or CBB State and/or City certification(s) showing the vendor’s current M/WBE and/or CBB status must be included as part of the proposal package at the time of submission for such status to be considered. For details, please see City Ordinance 3.12.130D (setting an attainable goal of 30% for prime contractor utilization of certain target groups for contracts stemming from

QBS selection process and City Ordinance 3.12.130E (setting a possible award of 10 additional points to the evaluation criteria scoring).

1.1. City Background

Bridgeport, the most populous city in Connecticut and the fifth-most populous in New England, is situated in eastern Fairfield County at the mouth of the Pequonnock River on Long Island

Sound. With a population of 148,654 in 2020, it is 60 miles from Manhattan and 40 miles from

The Bronx, forming part of the New York metropolitan area. The city borders Trumbull to the north, Fairfield to the west, and Stratford to the east. Bridgeport is a significant part of the

Greater Bridgeport Planning Region and the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-Danbury metropolitan statistical area, the second largest in Connecticut.

Since the early 21st century, Bridgeport has seen extensive redevelopment in its downtown and other neighborhoods. Bridgeport is home to several educational institutions, including the

University of Bridgeport, Housatonic Community College, Paier College, and part of Sacred

Heart University, as well as the state's only zoo, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. The city is also nicknamed "Park City" for its 35 public parks, covering 1,300 acres, including two large parks.

Despite not being headquartered in the city, over a dozen Fortune 500 companies are based in the metropolitan area shared with Stamford.

Bridgeport is a culturally vibrant city with three museums, numerous parks, and significant venues like Seaside Park, the Total Mortgage Arena, and the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.

The Barnum Museum and Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo are notable attractions, enhancing the city's cultural and recreational appeal. Recognized for its diversity, Bridgeport is consistently ranked among the 25 most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the United States.

1.2. Project Overview and Summary

The City of Bridgeport Fire Department (BFD) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors and/or manufacturers to supply at least 30 to 50 new sets of structural firefighter turnout gear in accordance with City specifications. Required items include firefighting turnout coats and turnout pants. The final quantity of sets may be different based on the awarded contract price for each item, and more may be included if budget allows.

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Project Description

The purpose of this invitation is to solicit proposals for Structural Firefighting Turnout Gear for the City of Bridgeport Fire Department, as outlined in this solicitation.

2.2. Legal Right to Specify

The Fire Department (for the remainder of this section referred to as the “specifier”) chooses to exercise its Legal Right to Specify as determined by the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmation of the decision handed down in the case of Whitten Corp. vs. Paddock, by the U.S. District Court of

Massachusetts, the First Federal District Court, which in effect states:

A. As trained professionals, specifiers make informed judgments on products that they feel best serve their needs. Also, that proprietary specifications (if chosen) DO NOT violate any antitrust laws. Technically, very few brands of material or equipment are exactly alike, and if the specifier wants to limit the specification to one source, he has the right to do so and enforce it.

B. Only the specifier has the responsibility and judgment for determining whether a proposed substitution is an “or equal”.

C. That from start to finish in the purchasing process, only the specifier can ultimately decide if another desirable product is available in lieu of the specification.

D. Finally, that the courts concluded “the burden is on the supplier or manufacturer, who has

NOT been specified, to convince the specifier that their product is equal for the purpose of a particular project”. The specifier has determined that this product specification shall represent the product to which all offerings shall be compared. Since firefighting is an

ULTRAHAZARDOUS, UNAVOIDABLY DANGEROUS activity, only trained Fire

Department personnel with specific knowledge in Personal Protective Equipment shall be allowed to make the final determining decision on the selection of the appropriate product to serve the Fire Department’s needs.

2.3. Warranty

The manufacturer must provide a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship with the bid package.

2.4. Product Country of Origin

For liability reasons, garments must be manufactured in the United States of America or Canada by companies with their assets and incorporation within the United States of America or Canada.

2.5. Traceability Program

The manufacturer shall have in place a computer-maintained traceability program that provides for the assignment of a production control number for each garment. The traceability program must 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 shall be visibly located on the garment label and on other protected areas of garment.

Vendors shall provide a wear trial(s), number of wear trial sets to be determined by the

Administration constructed to these specifications before the bid for review by Bridgeport Fire

Department. This will not be returned to the manufacturer. Failure to provide this shall result in the disqualification of a vendor for no other reason.

2.6. Special Instructions to Vendor/Manufacturer

Garments shall be manufactured in the United States of America, All garments shall be delivered to 30 Congress Street, Bridgeport CT 06604

The Bridgeport Fire Department at its sole discretion will award a contract to the vendor conforming to this solicitation. The Bridgeport Fire Department reserves the right to accept any bid, in its sole discretion, or any part thereof, or reject any or all bids.

Successful bidders guarantee delivery time of less than 60 Calendar days from the day the order was placed, and every order made thereafter.

2.7. Scope

This specification details design and materials criteria to afford protection to the upper and lower torso, excluding feet, hands, and head, against adverse environmental effects during structural firefighting.

All materials and construction will meet or exceed both NFPA Standard #1971 (2018 revision) and OSHA for structural fire fighter protective clothing.

The protective jacket and pants shall be tested for compliance to NFPA Standard #1971 2018 revision by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Underwriter’s Laboratories shall certify and list compliance to that standard. The Underwriters Laboratories certification label shall denote such certification.

2.8. ISO Certification/Registration

The protective clothing manufacturer shall be certified and registered to ISO Standard 9001 to assure a satisfactory level of quality.

2.9. Sizing

To ensure that every member of the department can safely perform to the maximum of their ability without extra bulk and without restriction, Jackets and Pants shall be available in all sizes and dimensions as follows:

Jackets: Color of All garments (coat and Pants, All Ranks) to be black

Gender: Gender specific Men’s and Women’s patterns shall be available.

Chest: Even sizes

Back Length:

Men’s 29”, 32” (STD), 35”

Women’s 29”

Sleeve: 1” increments

Pants:

Gender specific Men’s and Women’s patterns shall be available.

Waist: Even sizes

Inseam: Even sizes

Both male and female sizing samples and a tape measurement shall be on hand and used while sizing to provide an accurate fit and less chance of error. The vendor shall be available to perform all sizing requirements within 96 hours of written notice via email. Measuring with a tape measure to also include sizing sets for members to try on will be the preferred method and considered acceptable. The Bridgeport Fire Department may require both services during sizing.

2.10. High Temperatures Thermal Insulating Materials Requirement

Because thermally stable materials are essential to maximizing protective performance in firefighters’ PPE, and because NFPA only states “minimum” performance requirements, all thermal liner or thermal enhancing materials used in the garments shall also meet the following criteria after the 500-degree F oven test:

Material shall remain intact and flexible, no portion of the material shall crack, crumble, or flake 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 42 and a THL rating of not less than 284.

2.11. Coat Construction

The coat shall be designed to provide maximum functionality and mobility and relieve firefighter working stress. The Active Posture™ Design shall incorporate an arm forward pattern designed to accommodate the firefighter in their real working position. The pattern shall include underarm gussets and darts in the elbows for unrestricted movement. The shoulder seams on shell and liner shall be graded by chest size so that the seam is placed close to the collar in a modified Raglan pattern to mimic the natural location of the shoulder joint and minimize coat rise and extend range of motion when wearing an air pack. The sleeves shall be two-panel construction. The coat sleeve shall be naturally tapered, designed and manufactured to provide unrestricted movement while bending the arm. The outer shell shall include four darts at the elbow area two above and two below the natural bend of the elbow along the sleeve seams. The thermal/moisture barrier liner shall be specially designed to work in conjunction with the shell with a fuller cut pattern.

The body of the shell and liner shall be four-panel construction. The front two shell and liner panels shall extend up to the top of the collar and be an integral part of the collar in a Shawl collar design. All seams joining the main body panels shall be felled and double needle lock stitched. The stitch type shall be a 301, double needle lockstitch as defined by Federal Standard

751a and seam type LSC-2 as defined by Federal Standard 751a, ensuring that all stitches penetrate four layers of cloth at the joining. All seams shall be sewn with an average of nine stitches per inch. All threads shall be 100% Tex 80 Nomex thread. No chain stitching shall be allowed due to the chance of unraveling if one stitch is broken.

The jacket shall incorporate a built-in bellows or “action” style construction to ensure maximum upper body freedom of movement, including complete arm mobility when reaching up and/or forward. Built-in bellows or “action “shall be used on all layers of the coat - its outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner. This system is being specified to limit coat rise, give better comfort to the wearer, and omit extra seams.

2.12. Outer Shell Material (Coat and Pant)

The following outer shell material(s) specifications will be deemed acceptable as a minimum standard for the Bridgeport Fire Department:

-6.5 oz TECGEN71 Black

- 6.0 oz PBI Max Black

- 6.8 oz Horizon Black

2.13. Thermal Liner Material Coat and Pant

The following Thermal Liner material(s) specifications will be deemed acceptable as a minimum standard for the Bridgeport Fire Department:

• 7.1 oz Core CXP™ 2-layer

• 7.4 oz Glide Ice 2 Layer

2.14. Moisture Barrier

• 5.7 oz Assure

• Steadair clear

Two 7 inch by 9-inch pockets, constructed of self-material and lined with moisture barrier material, shall be affixed to the inside of the jacket thermal liner on the right and left side by means of a single needle stitch.

Extra thermal protection will be provided by sewing strips of thermal liner fibers in a minimum of 4 rows through the shoulder area to reduce compression and maintain dead air insulation.

2.15. Stitching

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. Stitching in all seams shall be continuous. 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.

2.16. Sleeves

The sleeves shall be of three-piece construction, with a top sleeve consisting of one piece and the underside consisting of two pieces. The sleeve shall be graded in proportion to the chest size.

For unrestricted movement, on the underside of each sleeve there shall be an outward facing dart located in the elbow area of the sleeve on the shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier. The moisture barrier dart shall be seam sealed to assure liquid resistance integrity. Neither stovepipe, nor raglan-style sleeve designs shall be considered acceptable. 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).

2.17. Wristlets

There shall be Nomex hand and wrist guards (over the hand) no less than 7 inches (including inner and outer wristlet) in length and of double thickness. A thumb tab will be provided to ensure that the wristlets stay securely over the hand. The wristlets will be black or grey in color.

The wristlets shall be sewn to flame resistant moisture barrier 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 moisture barrier 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. Two Nomex snap tabs will be sewn into the juncture of the sleeve well and wristlet. The tabs will be spaced equidistant from each other and shall be fitted with female snap fasteners to accommodate corresponding male snaps in the liner sleeves. This configuration will ensure there is no interruption in protection between the sleeve liner and wristlets.

2.18. Sleeve Cuff Reinforcements

The sleeve cuffs shall be reinforced with a layer of black Arashield/Dragonhide® material. The cuff reinforcements shall not be less than 1 ½ inches 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.

2.19. Thermal Liner/ Moisture Barrier Attachments Points

The thermal liner and moisture barrier, as a unit, shall be completely removable from the jacket and pant shell for laundering purposes

The thermal liner and moisture barrier shall be completely removable from the jacket shell. A zipper removal system to separate the liner from the outer shell is acceptable or 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). Snaps shall be protected from exterior heat by moisture barrier fabric. The remainder of the thermal liner/moisture barrier shall be secured with a zipper or snap fasteners appropriately spaced on each jacket facing and snap fasteners at each sleeve end.

There shall also be 2 snap fasteners at the bottom of the coat, securing the bottom of the shell to the liner system. 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 snap tab in the liner for ease of matching the liner system to the outer shell (pant legs and wristlets of coat sleeves) after inspection or cleaning is completed.

2.20. Storm Flap and Jacket Front Closure System

The coat front closure shall consist of a thermoplastic heavy duty high-temp smooth-gliding

YKK Vislon® zipper or a heavy duty black, oxide coated brass zipper on the coat fronts and hook and loop fastener tape on the storm flap. The teeth of the zipper shall be mounted on

Nomex cloth and shall be sewn to the right front body panel and left jacket facings. The zipper parts shall be bar tacked at the top and bottom for strength. The storm flap measuring at least 3 ½ and no more than 7” shall close over the left and right body panels and is secured by hook and loop fastener tape. A 1-1/2" X 24" strip of loop fastener tape shall be sewn to the underside of the storm flap and correspond to a 1-1/2” piece of hook fastener tape sewn to the right front body panel of the coat. Both pieces of hook and loop shall be sewn using double needle lock stitching.

The coat shall also have front facings that extend from the collar to the hem area. These facings shall be 2" wide and be comprised of outer shell material and corresponding moisture barrier material. The outer shell material shall face the wearer’s body when the jacket is in the closed position. The moisture barrier shall be sewn to the back of the outer shell portion and face the inside of the coat body panel. A 4" piece of moisture barrier material shall be sewn into the coat facing and extend the length of the coat opening. This additional moisture barrier material shall ensure that there is no gap in coverage between the coat closure system and the wearer’s body.

The thermal liner/moisture barrier assembly shall be attached to these facings by means of snap fasteners. The interior edges of the facing shall be serged and finished leaving no raw edges.

2.21. Cargo/Handwarmer Expansion (Bellows) Pockets

Each jacket front body panel shall have a 2 inch deep by 7 inch wide by 10-inch-high expansion pocket, (full Hook & Loop Closure vertical hook-on flap) stitched to it and shall be located such that the bottom of the pockets is 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. A "Rolled" Flap - 1/2" Foam in Flap will be installed on each pocket flap closure for ease of use with a glove. All pockets will have Kevlar lining on all 4 sides.

Additionally, a separate hand warmer pocket compartment shall be provided under the expandable cargo pocket(s). This compartment shall be accessed from the rear of the pocket and shall be lined with Nomex® Fleece for warmth and comfort. Shell material linings or thermal liner materials shall not be considered acceptable. (32” or shorter length) Retroreflective trim shall run over the bottom of the pockets so as not to interrupt the trim stripe. Black Dragonhide or Arashield will be added to the Front of Expansion Pocket.

2.22. 6-Inch Extension Panel

The hem of the jacket and liner system shall be constructed with extension panels incorporating all 3- layers of the system (outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier). The panel will be a continuous part of the coat or sewn to the hem, including moisture barrier and thermal liner and will extend 6 inches lower in the back than the front of the jacket providing and maintaining proper overlap when bending or crawling. The bottom of the 6-inch outer shell panel will be complete with a 2-inch to match the garment trim color located at the bottom edge of the panel.

The appropriate member’s last name will be Velcro patch panel directly above the bottom 2-inch trim and under the project fires 2 style stripping on the bottom of the jacket. The name will be 3-inch (2-inch) if name if name is large) scotchlite lettering to match the stripe color of the garment. If the last name is duplicate of another member, a first initial shall be indicated before the last name. Three (3) snap fasteners will join the bottom edge of the outer jacket material to the inner thermal liner. This will prevent the liner from riding up.

2.23. Collar and Integrated Overlapping Throat Tab

The collar and integrated overlapping throat tab shall consist of a minimum four-layer construction and be of one-piece design. There shall be two layers of moisture barrier material sandwiched in between two layers of outer shell fabric. 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 in height and graded to chest size. The left leading edge of the collar shall extend up evenly from the leading edge of the jacket front body panel, while the right side of the collar incorporates the integrated overlapping throat tab so that no gap occurs at the throat area. The collar back layers of the outer shell and moisture barrier shall be joined to the body panels with a minimum of two rows of stitching. The collar front layers of outer shell and moisture barrier fabric shall have a series of 6 snap fasteners spaced equidistant to minimize gaps on the lower edge of the collar. 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. There shall be 6 corresponding snap fasteners on a moisture barrier leader, which is sewn to the thermal liner system to engage the snaps on the collar. This moisture barrier leader on the thermal liner system 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.

The integrated overlapping throat tab shall be an extension of the collar and constructed of a minimum of two plies of outer shell material with two center plies of moisture barrier material. There shall be 1 piece of 1 inch by 3-inch FR hook fastener tape sewn horizontally to the integrated overlapping throat tab to secure the tab to the collar. There shall be a corresponding piece of FR loop fastener tape measuring approximately 1 ½ inch by 3 inches at the opposite end of the collar. There shall be an Ara-Shield® collar pull tab measuring approximately ¾ inches by 3 inches, folded in half to form a loop which shall be single stitched to the end of the throat tab.

A hanger loop constructed of a double layer of outer shell material shall be sewn to the top inside of the collar at the center.

2.24. Drag Rescue Device (DRD)

A Firefighter Drag Rescue Device shall be installed in each jacket. Two ends of a Kevlar strap will be sewn together to form a continuous loop. The strap will be installed in the jacket between the liner system and the outer shell that when properly installed will loop each arm. The strap will be accessed through a portal between the shoulders on the upper back where it is secured in place by a Velcro strap. An outside flap will cover the access port with beveled corners designed to fit between the shoulder straps of an SCBA. The flap will have a compliant reflective patch sewn to the outside to clearly identify the feature as the DRD.

2.25. "Survivor Style" Flashlight Holder

Each jacket shall be equipped with a “Survivor” flashlight holder. An inward facing safety hook, attached to a double layer self-material strap, shall be double stitched in a vertical position to the upper chest. The inward facing safety hook will accommodate the clip portion of the flashlight. Below the safety hook will be a strap constructed of outer shell material measuring approximately 1 ¾ inches high and 9 inches wide and will hold the barrel of the flashlight. The lower strap will be equipped with a 1 ½ inch by 2 ½ inch FR hook and loop closure at the front of the strap to facilitate easy removal of the flashlight. There shall be approximately 3 ½ inches between the upper safety hook and lower strap. The "Survivor" flashlight holder shall be sewn to the jacket on the right chest.

2.26. 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. The pocket flap shall be closed by means of FR 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 flame resistant neoprene coated cotton/poly 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 3 inches deep by 3.5 inches wide by 9 inches high and shall be installed on the left chest. The radio pocket shall be trimmed for an uninterrupted trim band on the chest.

2.27. Mic Tab/Accessory Hang Loop (4)

A. 1x3" triple layer self-fabric mic tab bartacked each end.

Item Location: (above radio pocket even with collar)

B. 1x3" triple layer self-fabric mic tab bartacked each end.

Item Location :(On Storm flap - 5 1/2" above chest trim)

C. 1x3" triple layer self-fabric mic tab bartacked each end.

Item Location :(Left side above flashlight holder even with collar)

D. 1x3" triple layer self-fabric mic tab bartacked each end.

Item Location: (Below front chest trim on right side of coat next to storm flap) On storm flap and even with the bottom flap of Hand pockets 2" above the top of the Bottom trim

E. 1x3" triple layer self-fabric mic tab bar tacked each end. (2) will be located on the coat collar with the coat collar up they will be on the inside of the collars and measure

F. The tabs (other than the collar mic tabs) shall be reinforced with extra stitching and made of aero shield/ or similar product as they will be used to hang equipment.

2.28. Reflective Trim Requirements

Each jacket shall have an adequate amount of retro reflective fluorescent trim affixed to the outside of the outer shell to meet the requirements of NFPA #1971 (2018 edition) and OSHA.

The trim shall be 3M™ Scotch Lite™ Comfort Trim, Red/Silver for Officers and Lime /Silver for Firefighters. Trim style shall be Trim Style 3" NFPA Trim.

“BRIDGEPORT” will be located Straight across the shoulder with 3-inch lettering on the back of the jacket panel on the shoulder area in the standard location. (Sewn directly to the coat) in

Scotchlite material trim. (Yellow or Orange)

“BRIDGEPORT” and “MEMBERS NAME” will be the same color as the garment trim in

Scotchlite material trim. (Yellow or Orange)

2.29. Rank Shall Be as Follows for Chief Officers

The Rank will be indicated under the “BRIDGEPORT” centered appropriately: ex. ASST. or DEPUTY

CHIEF CHIEF

Assistant Chief will be indicated as ASST. CHIEF

Deputy Chief will be indicated as DEPUTY CHIEF

Chief of Department will be indicated as CHIEF

The Chief Officers Last name will be indicated on the Tail of the coat by the Last name only:

ex. SMITH

The trim for officers: Lieutenants and Captains including chief officers will be Oralite Orange

Rank for Lieutenant and Captain will not be indicated, Last name only on the tail of the coat.

The members’ name will be applied on a Velcro patch located on the tail section of the coat.

2.30. Pant Design (Styling) and Construction

The pant shall be of a traditional mid-rise or low-rise waist-high-only design to facilitate full torso ventilation of front, rear and sides of trunk for maximum body cooling effect to minimize firefighter heat stress. For this reason, other than waist-high pants shall not be considered acceptable or “equal,” since additional trunk wrapping traps heat and moisture, increasing heat stress buildup while also creating mechanical resistance when covering the natural torso flexion point of the waist. The same Thermal Liner and Moisture Barrier used in the coat will also be used in the construction of the pant.

2.31. Pant Construction

The body of the shell and liner shall be constructed of seven separate body panels, consisting of four front panels, two back panels and one full length continuous inseam panel. The body panels shall be shaped to provide a tailored fit, thereby enhancing body movement, and shall be joined by double stitching with

Nomex® thread. The body panels shall be graded to size to assure accurate fit in a broad range of sizes. The inseam panel shall measure approximately 4 inches in width, extending from inner cuff to inner cuff.

The front body panels shall be wider than the rear body panels to provide additional fullness over the knee area. This is accomplished by providing two separate sections on the front panels for shaping and is enhanced by rolling the outside leg seams to the rear of the pant. The slight taper shall prevent premature wear of the inseams by pushing them back and away from the primary high abrasion areas encountered on the sides of the lower legs.

The rise of the rear pant center back seam from the top back of the waistband to where it intersects the inside banded seam at the crotch, shall exceed the rise at the front of the pant by approximately 6 inches. The longer rear center back seam provides added length in the seat for mobility without restriction when stepping up, kneeling, or crawling and maintains proper alignment of the knee, directly over the knee pads without twisting. The pant shall have a stripe of retroreflective fluorescent trim encircling each leg below the knee 5 inches above the bottom hem of the pants to comply with the requirements of) NFPA #1971 (2018 Revision) the stripes shall be in three inches wide.

2.32. Liner System (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, because 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 flame-resistant neoprene coated cotton/poly material coated bias cut tape and joined 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.

2.33. Liner Attachments and Inspection Port

The moisture barrier and thermal liner assembly shall be attached to the outer shell at the cuff by means of two Nomex webbing snap assemblies per leg, and to the waistband, at the waist, with seven (7) evenly spaced glove snaps or zipper system attachment for the waistband.

2.34. External/Internal Fly Flap

Each pant shall have an external fly flap constructed of one layer of quilted Nomex® batt and one layer of moisture barrier sandwiched between two layers of outer shell material. The fly flap shall be a continuous part of the left front body panel beginning at the top of the waist and extending down to a depth of approximately 12". The flap shall be approximately 3-1/2" wide at the top, tapering down to width of approximately 2" at the bottom where it shall be triple bar tacked to the outer shell for maximum strength and durability. The flap shall be a part of the pant closure system, which shall be: Inner Zipper / Outer Hook and Loop - A heavy duty black, oxide coated brass zipper shall be used to close the pants. The zipper shall be approximately 10" in length and shall be sewn to the left and right front body panels. The teeth of the zipper shall be mounted on Nomex® cloth. The zipper parts shall be bar tacked at the top and bottom for reinforcement. The fly flap shall be held closed by means of pile fastener tape sewn to the underside of the flap which shall correspond to a strip of hook fastener tape sewn to the right front panel of the outer shell. Both pieces of hook and loop shall be sewn with double needle lock stitching. Additional snap shall be added in the fly section between the inner and outer shell to avoid a gap under the hook and loop in the fly area. An Additional Fabric Zipper Pull Closure

Options Snap at top of closure.

2.35. Additional Liner and Pant Options

• Liner Options Two Additional Snap Tabs at Cuff and Liner

• Liner Options PCA Colored Alignment Tabs (Gold/Black)

• Liner Options Neoprene Reinforced Liner at Pant Cuff, 6"

• Liner Options Pant Particulate Barrier

• Pattern Options Reinforced Crotch with Shell Material 10" x 12"

• Pattern Options Black PCA Inseam Trim to Cuff 1" x 7.5"

• Liner Options Clean Finish Liner

2.36. Belt Loops

The pants shall be equipped with a series of outer shell material belt loops spaced evenly around the waist to accommodate the Kevlar belt. (The Rappelling Harness Loops will be acceptable for the waist belt attachment point if they are placed in the correct position to accept a Class 1

Harness

Escape belt.)

2 Wide Belt Loop: 4" x 5" Shell

Add the two wide belt loops one on each waist in hip area where take up straps are usually located.

2.37. Escape Belt

The pant shall have an integrated Escape Belt (class 1), which is independently certified as meeting the belt requirements of NFPA 1983, Standard on Life Safety Rope and Equipment for

Emergency Services. The Escape belt shall be comprised of Kevlar® webbing with a hook and an adjustable D-ring closure, graded for the waist size of the pants. The hook and dee closure system of the Escape Belt also serves as the positive front closure for the pants, eliminating redundant closure systems.

Strap Setup for Fire Innovations' Ladder Belt Harness Lakota Escape / Ladder Belt or other approved class 1 escape belt with a closure /capture that is set up to accommodate that belt option as an affixed secure part of the pant.

2.38. Reverse Boot Cut

The outer shell pant leg cuffs will be constructed such that the back of the leg is approximately 1 inch shorter than the front. The liner will 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 will minimize the chance of premature wear of the cuffs and injuries due to falls because of

“walking” on the pant cuffs.

2.39. Pant Cuff and Pocket Reinforcement

The cuff and bottom of the pockets will be reinforced with an extra layer of Dragonhide, or

Arashield material.

2.40. Pant Pockets

• Pant Front Left -Full Bellow Pocket 8" x 8" x 2" Left

• Pant Front Left Reinforcement PCA

• PCA Reinforcement Pant Front Left Flap "Rolled" Flap - 1/2" Foam in Flap

• Pant Front Left Closure Full Hook & Loop Closure (vertical hook-on fl

• Pant Front Left Liner Full Kevlar® Lining (All 4 Sides)

• Pant Front Left Compartment 3 - Compartment

• Pant Front Left Reinforcement Color Black

2.41. Escape System Pocket

Pant Front Right -Egress Pocket: 12” Deep Rope Pocket, Universal Hook Pocket, Universal

Descender Cradle, (Use with RIT, Sterling, Petzl or CMC) No Bellow Pocket Included Right

Pant Front Right Reinforcement (EGR) PCA Reinforcement on Bottom of Egress Pocket Pant

Front Right Reinforcement Color Black

The pocket shall be turned slightly to the front of pant leg to have the escape system sit closer to the top of the thigh. (right pocket)

2.42. Expansion Pocket Reinforcements

The lower half of the expansion pockets shall be reinforced on the outside with a layer of black

Arashield or Dragonhide. (Right and left pocket)

2.43. Suspenders and Attachment

Internal Double Fabric Suspender Tabs .75" x 5.5" Attachment Suspender Style Fabric Flex

Back.

2.44. Liner Knee Thermal Enhancement

• Knee Reinforcement- Size 11" STS

• Knee Reinforcement Color Black

• Knee Reinforcement Flex Channel Padded Knee (Thermal Channels Encapsulated in

Moisture)

• Knee Reinforcement Material TenCate Arashield

2.45. Hook and Loop Support Program

Support program shall cover hook or loop tape that has begun to fray or otherwise degrade from normal wear. This program shall remain in effect for a period of five years from the original date of manufacture of the garment. This support program shall cover the repair or replacement, without charge, of any hook and/or loop on the garments produced by the manufacturer providing the garments are otherwise serviceable.

This support program does NOT cover damage from fire, heat, chemicals, misuse, accident, or negligence. Failure to properly care for garments shall serve to void this support program.

2.46. 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

2.47. Qualification Expectations

Eligible respondents must be able to demonstrate the following:

2.2.1 Demonstrated experience with similar projects. To be qualified, the proposed project awardee for this project must have recently and successfully completed recent projects with similar scope and complexity and shall provide references for those projects.

2.2.2 Demonstrated experience with municipalities comparable to the City of

Bridgeport. Any additional information which demonstrates the respondent’s ability to perform the required work not already mentioned herein, must be provided.

2.2.3 Assigned Staff and office support must have the necessary experience, organization, and professional skills and facilities to successfully perform the required services described in the scope of work in this RFP. Description of the firm’s composition with identification of roles of all anticipated employees and/or subcontractors, if any. Resumes of key personnel are required for all key personnel.

2.2.4 No pending criminal litigation or criminal charges against the firm, Principal

Owners, Partners, Corporate Officers, or management Personnel.

2.48. Pricing

All pricing must be valid for no less than one hundred and twenty (120) days from the RFP opening date. Services and materials for this project are exempt from State of Connecticut sales tax.

3. Submission Guidelines

3.1. Contacting the City of Bridgeport

The exclusive means by which all prospective respondents may obtain RFP packages, direct inquires, request and receive addenda and supplemental information, and submit proposals shall be through the City of Bridgeport’s bidding platform.

The City of Bridgeport has made it possible for vendors to view our solicitations, download bid packages and ask questions, free of charge.

Instructions to do so are as follows:

1. Go to https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct

2. Click on any bid you see. It will take you to that bid’s page.

3. On the right-hand side of the page, click on Register now for free!

4. After you register, you'll be able to view/download or ask questions on any bid you have interest in.

If you have any trouble registering, please contact OpenGov using the chat feature or send an email to procurement-support@opengov.com

Addenda Notification: Respondents are required to register on OpenGov. Once the respondent has completed registration, they will receive addenda notifications in their email. Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of each respondent to periodically check the site for any addenda.

3.2. Electronic Submission Instructions

THIS METHOD IS PREFERRED.

Submissions are encouraged to be made electronically through the OpenGov site at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct no later than 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Questions and Answers: It is the responsibility of each firm to inquire about additional information or clarification as to any aspect of the RFP or the Project by submitting questions. The City of Bridgeport will receive questions until Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) and will promptly provide answers to such questions no later than Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 4:00 pm by publishing them on the Procurement Portal and the

All firms are obligated to become familiar with such questions and answers and to submit or revise their proposals accordingly. The City of Bridgeport assumes no responsibility for a firm’s failure to read questions or answers and to revise their responses accordingly.

Late Submissions: City will not assume responsibility if a submission is misdirected, or its delivery is delayed. It shall be the sole responsibility of the submitter to pay for any type of delivery service charge, and to see that the Office of the Purchasing Agent receives his/her submission on time. The clock used shall be the Purchasing Agent’s official date and time stamp clock. The City does not assume financial responsibility for late deliveries by the U.S. Postal

System or any other delivery service.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct

Expenses: The City shall not be responsible for and/or shall not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submission, or presentation of any submission, or costs incurred by the responding firms during the interview and negotiations phase of the solicitation process

Information and Materials: Any information or materials submitted to this RFP shall become the property of the City of Bridgeport and will not be returned. All submitted materials will be available for public review.

Dates: Please keep in mind dates are estimates only and are subject to change.

3.3. Paper Submission Instructions

Submissions may also be made as follows:

ONE (1) ORIGINAL, THREE (3) COPIES AND ONE (1) ELECTRONIC VIA

THUMBDRIVE MUST BE SUBMITTED.

Sealed submissions must be received and time-stamped by the Department of Public Purchases prior to RFP closing time. No submission received after closing time will be considered. The opening will be in the City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases’ Conference Room. To ensure proper handling and avoid misdirected delivery, please mark your RFP envelope as follows:

FDX009268-Structural Firefighting Turnout Gear

Send your submissions to:

Pedro Silva City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases 2nd floor, 999 Broad Street Bridgeport, CT 06604

RFP submissions are due:

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)

3.4. Timeline

Release Project Date: July 21, 2025

Question Submission Deadline: August 7, 2025, 4:00pm

Question Response Deadline: August 12, 2025, 4:00pm

Response Submission Deadline: August 19, 2025, 2:00pm

4. Evaluations

Selection of the successful proposal will be based upon submission of proposals meeting the evaluation criteria shown in the Evaluation Criteria Section. Proposal evaluations will be based on a points scale, using the Evaluation Criteria listed.

As part of the evaluation process, the City may ask questions of a clarifying nature from Offerors as required. The City may also request an oral presentation to explain the proposal and answer questions.

The City Reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time or reject an or all proposals received as a result of this RFP if it is in the best interest of the City. The City reserves the right to waive any informality in any proposal.

5. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated utilizing an evaluation matrix based on a City Selection Committee’s project specific or weighted criterion. Typical decision criteria are listed in the chart below. The decision criteria in the chart below are for demonstration purposes, only. The decision criteria can vary based on project scope or request for proposal (RFP) type.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Compliance with proposal specifications and requirements

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 44 (44% of Total)

2. Price Proposal

Price proposal as requested on the Price

Proposal Section 6.

Points Based 46 (46% of Total)

3. MBE Credit

Reference Introduction Section

Points Based 10 (10% of Total)

6. Selection Process

The City Selection Committee will review the responses to compliance with the required documentation to determine responsiveness. MBE firms, or firms that form a joint venture with non-MBE prime, and who are entitled to Evaluation Credits pursuant to City ordinance, will be determined and evaluation credits will be issued for purposes of selection.

The City Selection Committee, comprised of key internal stakeholders, will review, evaluate proposals, and score them and rank the responses on a 100-point scale with any evaluation credits awarded. Upon completion of the evaluation and scoring, the City Selection Committee may conduct post-evaluation interviews with the most qualified suppliers prior to a final decision. The City of Bridgeport reserves the right to reject any or all submissions and cancel this request for proposal (RFP), without liability.

Provide a timeline for when a decision will be made and the process for how suppliers will be notified.

The submissions will be reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of 3 people within the City of Bridgeport. The selection committee will be evaluating the factors described in the specifications of this RFP.

• Deputy Chief

• Fire Captain

• Fire Captain

7. Terms and Conditions

7.1. Terms and Conditions

Contractual terms and conditions are included in Attachment A of this RFP.

7.2. Payment Terms

Payment terms are Net 45 Days.

7.3. Warranty and Support

The manufacturer must provide a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship with the bid package.

7.4. Openness of Procurement Process

Written responses, other discussions, correspondence, and all other pertinent records shall be handled as public records in compliance with State and Federal open records statutes and regulations.

7.5. Errors and Omissions

Once a response is submitted, the City of Bridgeport may consider requests by any contractor to correct errors or omissions but shall retain sole discretionary authority to determine the outcome of such a request.

7.6. Collusion

By offering a response to this RFP the suppler certifies that no attempt has been made or will be made by the consultant to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a proposal for the purpose of restricting competition. All persons interested in this project, principal or principals being named therein, and no other person have an interest in this project or in the

Agreement which they may participate in. No person or agency has been employed or retained to solicit or secure…