A26-0606 - FirefightingHelmets-Boots

The City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish are issuing an Invitation to Bid (A26-0606) for an annual contract to supply firefighting helmets and boots to the Baton Rouge Fire Department. The procurement seeks Traditional Structural Fire Fighting Helmets comparable to Bullard USTM models and Fire Fighting Boots (HAIX Fire Eagle Air or approved equivalents) that comply with NFPA 1970-2018 standards for structural firefighting. Estimated annual usage includes 150 units each of glossy white helmets, black matte helmets, replacement leather fronts, replacement leather brow pads, replacement face shields, replacement hardware, replacement retroreflective trim, men's boots in all sizes, and women's boots in all sizes. Bidders must demonstrate that helmets meet specified technical standards, with sample helmets required within seven days of request. The inquiry period closes at 5:00 p.m. CST on April 22, 2026, with sealed bids due by 11:00 a.m. CST on April 29, 2026. The contract is awarded on an all-or-none basis with a one-year firm period and potential extensions for second and third years by mutual agreement, with delivery required within 14 days of order receipt to 8011 Merle Gustafson, Baton Rouge, LA 70807. Pricing must remain firm for at least 60 days, with payment terms of Net 30 days following invoice or delivery, whichever is later, and all prices must be quoted excluding state and local taxes since East Baton Rouge Parish is exempt from sales tax.

The solicitation strongly encourages participation by certified Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses (MBE/SBE/WBE) and requires proposers to submit a good-faith effort plan demonstrating utilization of these businesses as subcontractors. Bidders must be registered in the City-Parish Vendor Self Service (VSS) system and submit completed W-9 forms along with standard federal compliance documentation, including debarment and suspension certifications, equal employment opportunity compliance statements, and fair chance hiring standard certifications. The contract includes standard federal compliance requirements applicable to contracts exceeding relevant thresholds. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents. The Purchasing Division retains the right to award items separately, grouped, or on an all-or-none basis, or to reject all proposals if deemed in the best interest of the City-Parish. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation.