High Visibility & Safety Apparel

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is seeking competitive sealed bids for a comprehensive high visibility and safety apparel contract through an Invitation to Bid (ITB) released on December 8, 2025. The procurement covers 51 different apparel items including vests, shirts, jackets, rain gear, and headgear, which must comply with ANSI/ISEA standards and be available in sizes ranging from small to 5XL. Electronic bid submissions are due by January 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST, with a public bid opening scheduled for 10:00 AM EST the same day. Technical questions must be submitted in writing by December 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST. The contract will span three years, with potential renewal for an additional three-year period, and requires delivery within 30 calendar days of purchase order receipt at FDOT warehouses throughout Florida. Bidders must provide firm, net pricing with no adjustments allowed during the contract term, and include in-house printing and embroidery services without subcontracting. All items must come with a 90-day warranty against defective materials and workmanship.

Participation is restricted to vendors actively registered in MyFloridaMarketplace, with out-of-state vendors required to provide written legal opinions regarding state preferences. Bidders must complete mandatory forms including E-Verify compliance, Scrutinized Companies Lists certification, and Ordering Instructions. The procurement includes an in-state preference component and requires sample submissions within two weeks of award notification for quality assurance testing. The estimated annual purchase value is approximately $160,000, with FDOT reserving the right to award by individual item, group of items, or all items to one or multiple vendors. A MyFloridaMarketplace transaction fee will be applied to all vendor payments. Notably, the solicitation includes specific requirements for compliance with Florida Statutes, including an Inspector General provision mandating contractor adherence to state regulatory standards. Vendors must follow strict communication restrictions, prohibiting contact with executive or legislative branch employees between solicitation release and 72 hours after the intended award notice, with violations potentially resulting in bid rejection.