CHOKO COLD WEATHER GLOVES - Master Agreement

The State of Maine is soliciting bids for Choko Cold Weather Gloves (Model #96-2580-00 or approved equivalent) under a Master Agreement with bids due February 3, 2011. The contract covers approximately 50 pairs of winter nylon gloves in sizes XS through 2XL and is structured as a one-year agreement with two optional one-year renewals, effective immediately through January 31, 2012. All vendors must complete and notarize a Code of Conduct compliance affidavit certifying workplace law compliance, freedom of association, and human rights obligations at manufacturing and assembly facilities, and submit it by fax to 207-287-6578 prior to bid opening.

The gloves must feature a waterproof, breathable Oxford nylon shell with Teflon protective finish, 100-gram Thinsulate insulation, a removable AERO-TEX lining, and elastic wrist closure with hook-and-loop strap. Bidders submit separate unit pricing for each of six size variations (X-Small Regular through 2X-Large Regular) and must propose a delivery timeframe. Vendors must guarantee delivery within 10 working days of order receipt and cover all transportation charges with pricing firm throughout the contract period and delivery FOB destination.

Bid submission occurs through the Vendor Self Serve system, with substantive questions required to be posted at least 48 hours before the bid deadline. Awards go to the lowest responsible bidder based on best value considerations including quality, conformity with specifications, and ultimate cost. All vendors awarded contracts for apparel, footwear, or textiles are subject to a 1% administrative fee of the total contract amount to support Maine's Code of Conduct anti-sweatshop program, payable within 30 days of purchase order execution or quarterly for term contracts. Failure to pay this fee may result in contract termination or loss of future state contracts. Vendors must accept the State of Maine Procurement Card as payment without surcharge and complete quarterly reports.