Footwear

The State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is conducting a solicitation (24PSX0085) for a footwear contract through a two-phase online reverse auction process managed by EASiBuy, LLC. The procurement is specifically for footwear products, with respondents required to submit manufacturer reseller authorization letters and optional product catalogs/price lists. Phase 1 of the solicitation requires vendors to submit all required documents excluding pricing information by May 9, 2024, at 2:00 PM EDT, with questions due by May 1, 2024, at noon EST and answers to be posted by May 2, 2024. The second phase, a reverse auction for pricing, is scheduled for May 21, 2024, at 10:00 AM EDT, where qualified respondents will submit pricing. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible qualified respondent based on multiple evaluation criteria, including pricing, conformity to specifications, past performance, and financial responsibility. Deliverables will be determined by individual purchase orders, and the contract will replace the existing contract 20PSX0159 in part or in total.

The solicitation does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. The contract includes mandatory extension to political subdivisions of the state, schools, and not-for-profit organizations, which broadens the potential user base. Payment terms are set at Net 45 days with Free On Board Destination delivery terms, and the State of Connecticut is exempt from federal and state excise, transportation, and sales taxes. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the solicitation indicates that this is a replacement for an existing contract. No precise award value or budget range is specified in the documents, with quantities listed as estimates only and not representing a commitment to purchase specific amounts. Respondents will be required to complete detailed questionnaires about their company, including information on debarment status and criminal convictions, and must provide three business references from organizations outside of Connecticut state agencies.