Child, Youth and Adult Life Vests (DGS-OTA)

The California Department of General Services Procurement Division, acting on behalf of the California Department of Public Health, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB #4265-0000001122) for Child, Youth and Adult Life Vests. The procurement seeks Type III United States Coast Guard (USCG)-approved life vests in three specific size ranges: Child (30-50 lbs), Youth (50-90 lbs), and Adult (over 90 lbs), with precise quantity requirements of 1,414 child vests, 1,980 youth vests, and 2,262 adult vests. Bid responses are due by 2:00 PM on May 3, 2016, with a mandatory question submission deadline of April 26, 2016. Deliveries must be completed to multiple California entities during May and June 2016, with final shipments required by June 15, 2016. The contract term will be effective upon agreement start date through June 30, 2016. All life vests must include a minimum one-year warranty from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), with potential extension options. Pricing must be F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid, with no additional charges for delivery, drayage, insurance, or other associated fees.

The procurement includes provisions for small business preferences and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) incentives, with a 5% preference for qualified small businesses or non-small businesses demonstrating at least 25% California Certified Small Business participation. Bidders must respond within 45 calendar days from the bid opening date and comply with specific procurement guidelines outlined in the Alternative Protest Process per Public Contract Code Section 12125. Sales tax should not be included in initial bid pricing but will be added at invoicing based on specific delivery location rates. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the life vest procurement suggests a significant investment in safety equipment for various California public health and safety entities. Potential bidders must carefully review all documentation, including the detailed Life Vest Distribution List (IFB Attachment #4), to ensure full compliance with the solicitation requirements and to understand the precise delivery specifications for these life-saving devices.