DPS Hearing Protection Program

The State of Minnesota Commissioner of Administration, acting on behalf of the Department of Public Safety, is requesting proposals for commercially off-the-shelf battery-operated hearing protection products to serve state agencies and Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV) members, with proposals due October 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time via the Supplier Portal. Preference points totaling 18 percent are available for targeted group businesses, economically disadvantaged businesses, veteran-owned businesses (12 percent), and eligible DEED/DHS providers (6 percent).

The primary product line is the 3M Peltor TEP-100-80 or approved equal. All products must meet ANSI/ASA S12.6-2016 standards, feature in-ear canal design with a minimum Noise Reduction Rating of 25 decibels and maximum output of 80 decibels, include rechargeable or replaceable batteries, and be commercially available with commercially available replacement parts. Responders may submit up to five hearing protection product lines. Intended recipients include Peace Officers, Firefighters, and Qualified Emergency Medical Service Providers as defined by Minnesota statute. Delivery is structured across three regions—Metro, North, and South—covering all 87 Minnesota counties, with delivery required within 7 business days of order approval on a FOB Prepaid basis. Responders must be an Original Equipment Manufacturer, authorized representative, or authorized distributor.

The contract runs November 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027, with options for extension up to an additional 48 months in increments determined by the State. The State makes no guarantee of minimum or maximum order volumes. Pricing is evaluated as 500 points out of 1,000 total evaluation points and must remain firm for 180 days. Additional evaluation covers acceptance of State terms and conditions (200 points), order processing capabilities (200 points), and delivery turnaround (100 points). The sample contract shows a base product cost of $300.00 with a 3.5% discount resulting in $289.50; all pricing must be quoted as a discount off Original Equipment Manufacturer or dealer's list price in U.S. currency, with no sales tax applied.

Questions are due October 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time to kara.ramm@state.mn.us. A non-mandatory pre-proposal Microsoft Teams meeting is scheduled for October 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, with RSVPs required by October 9. Responders must submit Attachment A (Responder Declarations), Attachment B (Exceptions to State Terms and Conditions), Attachment D (Responder Forms), Attachment E (Additional Details), Attachment F (Order Processing), and Exhibit D (Price Schedule), along with Workforce and Equal Pay Certificates or exemption documentation from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Evaluation and selection are anticipated to be completed by November 1, 2026.