Contract: Gore Tex Rain Gear.

The State of Maine Division of Purchases, procuring on behalf of the Department of Conservation/Marine Resources & Inland Fisheries, is requesting bids for Gore Tex rain gear (jackets/parkas and pants) under RQS 648, with bids due December 21, 2009, and a contract period running through December 31, 2010 with two optional one-year renewals.

The scope covers uniform rain gear in dark green, sized small to 3XL in both regular and tall configurations, with an anticipated quantity of approximately 100 pairs over the contract duration. Samples must be submitted by the bid opening date. All jacket and pant specifications are minimums; the State reserves the right to accept approved equivalents. Vendors must deliver all ordered items within 10 working days of receiving purchase orders, with all garments inspected before shipment to ensure first-class condition upon delivery.

Pricing must be quoted net, fully prepaid by the contractor with transportation charges included, delivered FOB destination, and remain firm for the contract duration. The State accepts Procurement Card payment with no surcharges permitted. Vendors awarded contracts for apparel, footwear, or textiles are subject to a 1% anti-sweatshop fee applied to the total contract value, payable within 30 days of purchase order execution or quarterly for term contracts. Delivery orders up to $5,000 will be emailed directly to vendors; larger orders require Division of Purchases approval.

Awards will be made to the lowest responsible bidder based on best value to the State, considering quality, conformity with specifications, delivery date, and ultimate cost. In the case of tied bids, in-state bidders or those offering commodities produced or manufactured in Maine receive preference. Sealed bids must be received at Division of Purchases, Room 119, 9 State House Station, State Office Building, Augusta, Maine. Electronic submissions are required. All bidders must submit a completed, notarized State Purchasing Code of Conduct Affidavit disclosing all plants where clothing is assembled and certifying compliance with wage, labor, environmental, safety, non-discrimination, and human and labor rights laws.