15ED002: Personal Protection Equipment (Northern California)

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) initiated Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 15ED002) for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Fire Retardant Clothing (FRC) rental and maintenance services targeting Northern California Enforcement Division field staff. The procurement specifically seeks a contractor to provide weekly rental, laundering, maintenance, and delivery services for specialized protective clothing, including 67 coveralls, 26 shirts, and 26 pants in various sizes. Equipment must meet specific Arc Thermal Performance Value requirements, with minimum standards set at level 8. The solicitation covers jurisdictions including Sacramento County and San Francisco City, with bids due on February 22, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. Potential bidders were required to submit questions by February 9, 2016, and the selected contractor must be prepared to begin work by March 14, 2016, with full services starting no later than April 1, 2016. The contract term is set for 24 months, with evaluation likely focusing on compliance with technical specifications, pricing, and service capabilities.

The procurement includes Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation incentives, offering 1% to 5% incentives based on DVBE involvement, though no minimum DVBE requirement exists. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including $1 million per occurrence commercial general liability, $1 million automobile liability, and required workers' compensation insurance. The estimated budget for this project is $17,100, with pricing structured to include scheduled weekly service, PPE/FRC replacement items, and unscheduled pick-up/delivery services. Mission Linen and Supply was ultimately identified as the intended awardee in a Letter of Intent to Award dated February 26, 2016. The contract requires the selected vendor to maintain a robust inventory of fire-resistant clothing in multiple sizes to accommodate the ARB Enforcement Division's operational needs, with clear expectations for ongoing maintenance, laundering, and timely delivery of replacement items.