High visibility clothing for public works

The Town of Manchester, located in Hartford County, Connecticut, is soliciting competitive bids for high-visibility (Hi-Vis) clothing for its Public Works staff through an Invitation to Bid. The procurement encompasses eight specific clothing categories, including Hi-Vis Class II T-Shirts, Hi-Vis Classic Black Bottom T-Shirts, Premium Wicking Hoodie Sweatshirts, Four-Way Black Bottom Bomber Jackets, Five-Point Break-Away Two-Tone Mesh Vests, Class III Raincoats, Class E Black Bottom Rain Pants, and Lined Bib Style Coveralls. All garments must be imprinted with "MANCHESTER PUBLIC WORKS" on the back in a single color. The bid requires vendors to provide unit prices that include the garment, imprinting, setup costs, and delivery to the Town's Field Services facility. Key evaluation criteria include the ability to deliver complete orders within forty-five business days and compliance with all bid specifications. Critical dates include a deadline for questions on December 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., with bid responses due electronically by December 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The contract will be awarded for an initial term through January 31, 2027, with potential extensions for five additional one-year periods by mutual agreement.

The solicitation does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Pricing provisions allow for annual price adjustments based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index, with prices remaining firm during the original contract term. While specific budget ranges are not detailed, the procurement is structured as an as-needed ordering arrangement, suggesting flexible purchasing based on the Public Works Department's requirements. Vendors must comply with Connecticut's prevailing wage requirements and complete documentation, including monthly certified payrolls and proof of a 10-Hour OSHA Construction Safety and Health Course completion for employees performing manual labor. Acceptable manufacturers for the high-visibility clothing include Tingley, Occunomix, ERB, and Utility Pro, providing some flexibility in product sourcing. The bid emphasizes strict compliance with specifications, with provisions that only complete orders will be accepted and partial or back orders are prohibited without departmental approval.