Countywide Safety Footwear

Sarasota County is issuing an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for a countywide safety footwear contract designed to assist county employees with sizing, selection, and purchase of safety footwear. The procurement seeks one or more suppliers to provide a comprehensive safety footwear solution over an initial three-year contract term. Bidders must offer safety footwear meeting OSHA, NFPA, and ASTM standards, with a wide range of men's and women's sizes and widths. Evaluation criteria include the highest minimum percentage discount off Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with contractors required to maintain current manufacturer price lists, adequate inventory, and provide a one-year warranty on materials. Vendors must either maintain a brick-and-mortar location within five miles of county boundaries or operate a mobile unit capable of visiting county sites regularly. The bid documents were posted on September 18, 2024, with a proposal due date of October 17, 2024. Contractors must provide specific insurance coverages, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, and Business Automobile Liability.

The solicitation does not appear to have specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, and multiple vendors can potentially be awarded the contract. Existing bidders include Global Trading, Inc., Red Wing Shoes, Pinecraft Shoe and Repair, Way Out West, and Safety Shoe Distributors, LLP, with discount percentages varying from 0% to 28% depending on the manufacturer and vendor. While a specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, the bid allows for multiple awards and potential authorization of an initial contract amount beyond submitted pricing. The county reserves the right to make multiple awards, providing flexibility in vendor selection. Vendors must demonstrate capabilities through mobile units, physical store locations, and manufacturer authorization letters. The procurement appears designed to provide county employees with flexibility in selecting safety footwear from multiple brands through authorized dealers, with an emphasis on competitive pricing and local business participation.