Clothing, Textiles - Inmate & Patient - Amended 12/9/2024

The State of Maine, through the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of State Procurement Services, is issuing a Request for Quotations (RFQ #18P 241122-124) for clothing and textile items to be used in inmate and patient facilities. The procurement seeks a comprehensive range of products including blankets, pillows, shirts, socks, sweatpants, sweatshirts, towels, aprons, bathrobes, boots, boxers, bras, coats, gloves, hats, laundry bags, nightshirts, shoes, and various undergarments across multiple sizes and colors. Vendors must submit detailed product data, cost response sheets, and completed appendices, with specific requirements for sample items like navy blue polyester blankets, cotton blankets, flame-resistant pillows, and poplin shirts. The RFQ mandates that bids must include 98% of the requested 821 line items, with pricing submitted on a Free on Board (FOB) - Destination basis and all shipping charges included in the bid price. Responses are due by December 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. local time, with an anticipated contract term from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026, and two optional two-year extension periods available through December 31, 2029. The State will evaluate submissions on a best value basis, considering factors such as delivery timeframes (which should be within fourteen calendar days after order receipt) and vendor performance history.

The procurement does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. However, vendors are required to submit a notarized Code of Conduct Affidavit for all clothing items and must pay a quarterly anti-sweatshop fee of 1% of the total dollar value of goods purchased. Bob Barker Company appears to be the current contracted vendor, with pricing documents showing unit prices ranging from $2.28 for basic washcloths to $215.32 for fitted sheets. While no specific total contract value is provided, the extensive product list and volume requirements suggest a significant procurement opportunity. The State reserves the right to make multiple awards if deemed in its best interest and explicitly states it may not award to the lowest-priced bidder if the vendor has documented poor performance or a contract terminated within the last five years. The procurement covers statewide locations and includes items with specific technical requirements such as fabric weights, flame resistance ratings, and various size and color options to meet institutional needs across multiple state facilities.