Apparel and Linen Fabrics, Vinyl, and Other Bulk Textiles

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB-25-005) for bulk textiles to support correctional institutions statewide, specifically seeking vendors to provide various fabric and textile materials. The procurement covers six distinct groups of items including poplin fiber fabric, twill fabric, sheeting, mesh, thread for clothing and mattresses, elastic for pants waistbands, clear vinyl, cord locks, and nylon cord. Estimated annual quantities include 200,000 yards of postman blue poplin, 15,765 yards of mesh, and 163,569 yards of elastic, among other materials. The bid evaluation will be based on the lowest Grand Total Price from responsive and responsible vendors who bid on all items, with a potential 5% price preference for Florida-based vendors. Key procurement dates include vendor questions due by December 30, 2024, with bid submissions required by February 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and an anticipated contract award in March 2025. The resulting contract will be valid for up to five years with potential renewal for an additional five years, and vendors must commit to delivering materials within 30 days of purchase order issuance.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged businesses, but does require vendors to comply with e-Verify usage and various security protocols. Contractors must provide production samples of each bulk textile listed in the price sheet before contract award and submit quarterly sales reports. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the contract has significant potential value given the scale of textile needs across Florida's correctional system. Pricing must be firm and inclusive of all packaging, handling, shipping, and delivery charges. Vendors will need to demonstrate the capability to supply large quantities of industrial-grade textiles consistently and meet strict delivery timelines. The procurement includes provisions for protest filing under Florida Statutes Chapter 120, with specific instructions for submitting challenges to the Agency Clerk at the Office of General Counsel in Tallahassee. Though specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the volume of materials suggests a substantial multi-year contract opportunity for qualifying textile suppliers.