Flat back mesh for prisoner shorts

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), Michigan State Industries (MSI) division, issued a Request for Information (RFI) on April 18, 2019, seeking market information on flat back mesh specifications for use in manufacturing prisoner shorts distributed throughout MDOC correctional facilities. The procurement involves Grand Traverse County and three Lansing City jurisdictions within Michigan. Vendors are required to submit detailed product information for flatback polyester mesh meeting specific technical requirements, including 100% polyester composition, 6.25 ounces per square yard (plus or minus 5%), a width of 62"-64" in cuttable length, and either 150/34 SD or 80/34 SD polyester in Pantone 10-1362 color. Deliverables include one square yard samples with specification sheets, Certificates of Analysis, alternative specifications with detailed justifications, testing methodologies documentation, and evidence of experience with correctional facilities. Vendors must submit responses through the SIGMA system by May 1, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. EDT, with vendor questions due by April 23, 2019, and answers posted by April 24, 2019. The State reserved the right to invite selected vendors for oral presentations and indicated potential issuance of a formal Request for Proposal based on information gathered. Physical samples must be sent to the designated address in Lansing, Michigan.

The RFI contains no pricing requests, contract value information, or identified budget ranges, as this phase is designed solely for technical market information gathering and industry best practices assessment. No specific set-asides or restrictions on organization types eligible to respond are identified in the procurement documents. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are listed. All vendor responses become the property of the State and are subject to disclosure under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act. The State incurs no liability for vendor costs associated with preparing or delivering RFI responses, and the RFI itself does not constitute an offer to enter into a contract. This procurement represents an initial information-gathering phase intended to inform future formal procurement strategy and potential RFP development.