BL026-26, Purchase of Firefighter Helmets and Replacement Parts on an Annual Contract

Gwinnett County's Board of Commissioners is soliciting competitive sealed bids for an annual contract to purchase firefighter helmets and replacement parts for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The procurement specifically seeks MSA Cairns 1836 Traditional Composite Fire Helmets or approved equivalents meeting NFPA 1970 standards, along with compatible leather front shield frames and inserts. Approximate annual quantities include 95 helmets with defender visors, 40 leather front frames, 40 leather front inserts, 150 additional frames for Cairns 1010 compatibility, and 25 additional inserts for Cairns 1010 compatibility. Sealed bids must be submitted by 2:50 P.M. local time on January 21, 2026, to the Gwinnett County Financial Services - Purchasing Division in Lawrenceville, Georgia. A virtual public bid opening will occur at 3:00 P.M. on the same date, with the contract beginning March 3, 2026, or upon Board of Commissioners approval. Bidders must submit a completed Bid Schedule, references, a Code of Ethics Affidavit, and a Certification of Non-Collusion. All products must be manufactured no more than 60 days prior to purchase, with a preference for manufacturing upon receipt of purchase order.

The solicitation includes specific restrictions on eligible vendors, explicitly stating that firms on the Gwinnett County ineligible source list are prohibited from submitting bids. Contractors providing labor or services exceeding $2,499.99 must submit a notarized Contractor Affidavit and Agreement certifying compliance with worker verification requirements. The county will award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, reserving the right to reject any or all bids, split awards, or negotiate terms with the lowest responsive vendor. Vendors may propose percentage increases or decreases for renewal periods with written explanation. Samples must be provided within five business days of request at the vendor's expense. The contract includes an initial one-year term with four optional one-year renewal periods, allowing for potential long-term procurement stability. Vendors must quote all unit pricing on an F.O.B. Destination, freight prepaid and allowed basis, with pricing remaining firm for the initial contract term and the four renewal options. While specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the procurement is structured to allow flexible ordering with no minimum order requirements.