1904-26 (RFP) Uniform Program for Custodial, Maintenance & Security Staff

East Hartford Public Schools (EHPS) in Connecticut is soliciting responses to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a multi-year indefinite-quantity uniform supply contract through a competitive procurement process. The procuring agency seeks to establish a contract with a local clothing provider to supply uniforms and related apparel items for 90+ employees in the Custodial, Maintenance, Security, and other Facilities Division positions. The goods and services include the annual purchase of approximately 300+ uniform sets (consisting of 5 shirts and 5 pants per employee), custom embroidered polo shirts in dark grey/charcoal (sizes S-2XL and larger), and cargo-style work pants in dark blue (waist sizes 28-42 and above). Ancillary services encompass annual employee outfitting by October 1st, on-site measurement services conducted at all 18 EHPS properties during July/August, delivery of uniforms to individual buildings upon order receipt, provision of uniforms for new employees, and procurement of non-standard items with negotiated discounts. The vendor must maintain a principal place of business within 30 miles of the EHPS Department of Facilities office. Evaluation criteria include RFP response quality, ability to meet program goals, relevant experience with similar scope, strength of client references, and pricing competitiveness. Key deadlines include the vendor question submission deadline of March 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT, publication of addendums by March 30, 2026, proposal due date of April 14, 2026 at 12:30 PM EDT at 734 Tolland Street in East Hartford, anticipated award in May 2026, and service commencement on July 1, 2026.

No set-aside designations or restrictions specific to disadvantaged enterprises are identified in the solicitation documents. The procurement does not indicate any incumbent contractors or current vendors, suggesting this may be a new contract or a change in service providers. The contract structure includes a base period of three years with two optional one-year renewal terms, allowing for a potential five-year total contract duration. Pricing must be submitted using the provided Appendix A format with unit costs covering all services outlined in the scope without additional charges permitted, and vendors must provide discount percentages off manufacturer's list price for miscellaneous items. All pricing must exclude Connecticut sales tax and be delivered Free On Board Destination. The solicitation documents do not specify an estimated total contract value or award amount, requiring vendors to submit detailed pricing proposals for evaluation. Proposals must be submitted in physical form (one signed original) and electronic format (one copy on thumb drive) and must include general company information, a detailed solution description, three client references with similar scope, completed pricing appendix, and acknowledgment of any addendums.