High visibility clothing for public works RE-bid

The Town of Manchester, Connecticut, located in Hartford County, is issuing Invitation to Bid (ITB 25/26-55) for high-visibility clothing for the Public Works Department on an as-needed basis. The procurement encompasses eight categories of hi-vis garments, including Class II and Class III rated t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, vests, raincoats, rain pants, and coveralls, with estimated quantities ranging from 50 to 125 units per category across five size ranges (S through 5XL). All garments must be imprinted on the back with "MANCHESTER PUBLIC WORKS" in one color, and specific manufacturer references are provided with acceptable alternatives from vendors such as Tingley, Occunomix, ERB, and Utility Pro. Unit prices must be net delivered prices including the garment, imprinting, setup costs, and inside delivery to the Town's Field Services facility at 321 Olcott Street, Manchester, Connecticut, with no additional freight charges, fuel surcharges, or energy surcharges permitted. The contract term extends from the date of award through April 30, 2027, with options to extend annually for up to five additional one-year periods at the same terms and conditions by mutual agreement, with annual price adjustments based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. Delivery must occur within 45 business days of order receipt, with complete orders only; partial orders or backorders are not permitted unless approved by the Public Works Department. Questions must be submitted by April 8, 2026, with bids due electronically by 11:00 a.m. on April 13, 2026, and bidders must submit sample garments for inspection upon request at no charge, with virtual bid opening occurring via Zoom.

The contract documents do not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to disadvantaged enterprises or specific organization types; however, the Town reserves the right to award the contract to vendors located within a 60-mile radius of the Public Works facility and may award by item, total, or group as deemed in the Town's best interest. Bidders must submit a completed IRS Form W-9, company information including Federal Employer Identification Number and SAM registration number, and identify the manufacturer of uniforms being bid. Prevailing wage requirements apply to this public works procurement under Connecticut General Statutes Section 31-53, necessitating compliance with wage certification and documentation requirements. Bid prices are firm and non-subject to increase due to tariffs or trade restrictions imposed after submission, with the seller assuming all risk. The Town is exempt from Federal Excise Taxes and Connecticut Sales Tax, which must not be included in bid prices. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation documents, and no specific budget range or award value is disclosed, with pricing to be determined competitively through the bidding process.