Fire Fighter Uniforms-UPDATED

The State of Tennessee, specifically the Memphis Tennessee Air National Guard, is seeking a three-year contract for firefighter uniforms and related apparel through an Invitation to Bid (ITB). The procurement involves 15 line items including navy and white t-shirts, navy cargo pants, rigger belts, work socks, safety-certified work boots, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirts, polo shirts, a 3-in-1 jacket, fleece beanies, navy caps, and fleece job shirts. All items must meet specific technical requirements, including NFPA 1975 (2019 edition) certification, material composition standards, and customization specifications such as embroidered badges with rank designations and unit identification. The bid period opens December 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CST and closes January 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST, with all items to be delivered to the National Guard Armory in Memphis by December 15, 2025. Bidders must submit pricing for each unit, complete a diversity business participation form, and affirm compliance with the Iran Divestment Act. The primary contacts are Melinda Nelson (615/313-0521) and Joseph Dimauro (901-291-7245), with bids to be submitted through the Tennessee EDISON system.

The contract appears open to various vendors, with an emphasis on diversity business participation. Bidders must be registered with the State of Tennessee Supplier Portal and comply with Tennessee contractor licensing requirements. The procurement encourages participation from different business types, requiring completion of a diversity business participation form with bid submissions. The estimated total contract liability is $84,346.20, with the contract effective from January 23, 2026, and extending for 36 months, with a potential 180-day extension option. Preferred vendors include 5.11 Tactical, Blauer, HANES, BLACKHAWK, Converse, CHAMPION, GILDAN, TRICOR, and Port Authority, though equivalent alternatives are permitted. Respondents must provide a certificate of insurance covering workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and automobile liability, or prove self-insurance. The successful contractor must maintain records for five years and be subject to audit by the State and Comptroller of the Treasury. Uniform items must be available in extended sizes (small through 3XL) with specific customization requirements for embroidery and stitching.