IFB 34009 - Accoutrements (DGS-OTA)

The California Military Department is conducting a one-time procurement (Invitation for Bid #34009) for comprehensive uniform accoutrements and accessories for the California Cadet Corps (CACC), targeting military badges, insignia, shoulder ranks, patches, ribbons, medals, and related uniform items. The procurement covers multiple categories of uniform components with specific technical specifications, requiring bidders to provide detailed descriptive literature and pre-production samples for 16 line items within 30 business days. Manufacturers must demonstrate at least five continuous years of business experience in similar product manufacturing, and total delivery must be completed within 180 calendar days of purchase order receipt. The solicitation was posted on August 1, 2025, with bid responses due by August 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT, and a proposed Notice of Intent to Award date of August 22, 2025. The procurement will utilize an "All or None" award method, selecting the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on comprehensive evaluation of technical specifications, cost worksheets, and narrative responses. Delivery will be directed to the California Cadet Corps location in San Luis Obispo, with specific notification and security clearance requirements.

The procurement includes several socioeconomic preference and incentive programs, specifically targeting Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) and Small Businesses, with a total potential preference cap of 15 percent or $100,000, whichever is less. Bidders can qualify for a 5 percent preference by being a certified small business or committing to 25 percent California Certified small business subcontractor participation. The solicitation requires bidders to complete a comprehensive Narrative Response detailing Generative AI usage, state preference eligibility, and business entity information. Participants must perform a Commercially Useful Function and provide documentation including Secretary of State Business Entity Numbers and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Retailer's Seller Permit numbers. While specific contract values are not explicitly stated, the extensive list of uniform items suggests a substantial procurement spanning multiple uniform components for the California Cadet Corps. The procurement will be conducted under the Alternative Protest Process, allowing bidders to challenge the proposed award through a specific administrative procedure.