Ballistic Plates for Officers

The City of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, has issued a Request for Bids (RFB 23-PD38) to procure sixty total sets of Level IV ballistic plates for its police department. The procurement seeks composite, multi-curve ballistic protective panels that can be worn with external vests and are compatible with soft body armor. Vendors must provide plates in two size configurations: 8"x10" (maximum weight 1.47 pounds) and 10"x12" (maximum weight 2.1 pounds), with each set including front and rear panels. The plates must meet stringent protection standards, specifically capable of defeating M193 (5.56 mm) and M80 (7.62 mm) rifle ammunition. Bidders are required to submit proposals by September 8, 2023, at 2:00 PM, with delivery of the plates expected by November 1, 2023. Qualification requirements include maintaining a permanent business, demonstrating appropriate technical experience, and having a satisfactory performance record. The bid remains open for acceptance for sixty days following the bid opening, with the City reserving the right to reject any or all submissions.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. Eight vendors responded to the solicitation, including Ray O'Herron Company, Midwest Defense Solutions LLC, Keisler Police Supply, Palisades Group LLC, Body Armor Outlet, Top Pack Defense, Streicher's Inc., and Princip Defense, LLC. The City of Sun Prairie has indicated its intent to award the contract to Midwest Defense Solutions LLC, subject to final approval by the City Common Council and successful contract negotiation. While specific contract value details were not disclosed, the procurement involves sixty plate sets with separate pricing for 8"x10" and 10"x12" configurations. The successful vendor must provide a minimum five-year warranty on the plates and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 in Commercial General Liability, $1,000,000 in Automobile Liability, and $5,000,000 in Umbrella Liability. Payment terms stipulate invoices will be processed within thirty days of delivery, installation, and acceptance of goods.