Addendum #001 Responses to Written Questions

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB-24-017) for mattresses and pillows to be used in correctional institutions throughout the state, with Leon County serving as the primary jurisdiction. The procurement seeks both non-incentivized and incentivized mattress and pillow products, with estimated annual quantities of 4,000 non-incentivized mattresses, 800 incentivized mattresses, and 4,000 pillows. Vendors must meet strict technical specifications, including flammability requirements per CFR 1632/1633, heat release limits per ASTM E1590, and detailed construction standards involving vinyl covers and specific core materials. All bidders are required to submit product samples with their proposals, with all sample preparation and shipping costs to be borne by the vendor, and these samples will not be returned. The bid solicitation indicates that proposals are due on February 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with Addendum #001 providing clarifications and responses to vendor questions. Out-of-state vendors must submit a Florida Preference Letter to be considered responsive to the bid.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Pricing must be firm and include all packaging, handling, shipping, and applicable fees, with orders to be placed quarterly or as needed by individual correctional facilities. While the specific budget range is not detailed in the provided documentation, the procurement suggests a significant annual investment in mattress and pillow products for the state's correctional system. The technical specifications indicate a preference for high-quality, fire-resistant products that meet rigorous safety standards. Vendors will be evaluated based on their ability to meet the comprehensive technical requirements, provide competitive pricing, and demonstrate capability to supply the estimated annual quantities across Florida's correctional institutions. The quarterly ordering approach suggests flexibility for individual facilities to manage their specific inventory needs within the established contract parameters.