IFB Work Uniforms, Outerwear, Accessories and Polo Shirts

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority is conducting an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for Work Uniforms, Outerwear, Accessories, and Polo Shirts under BidBuy Bid #26-557THA-PROCU-B-49299. The procurement seeks comprehensive uniform solutions for male employees, encompassing approximately 50 line items including work shirts, oxford dress shirts, tee shirts, high-visibility garments, pants, jumpsuits, parkas, jackets, hoodies, sweaters, and polo shirts. The contract will cover sizes ranging from small to 6XL, with specific requirements for fabric types, construction standards, colors, emblems, and customization options. Bidders must complete a Specification Compliance Questionnaire and Pricing Specifications Guideline, with failure to do so resulting in a non-responsive bid. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of October 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM, with electronic bid submissions required through the BidBuy platform. The contract has an initial two-year term from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, with potential two one-year renewals, creating a maximum total contract period of four years. Many uniform items must meet ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 high-visibility standards, and bidders must provide detailed manufacturer and style information for each line item.

The solicitation includes a 3% Business Enterprise Program (BEP) participation goal, encouraging participation from businesses owned by minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. The State of Illinois has an aspirational goal of awarding at least 30% of total contract dollar amounts to certified diverse businesses, with additional emphasis on service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small businesses. Vendors must submit a Utilization Plan demonstrating good faith efforts to include diverse businesses, either through self-performance, subcontracting, or documented engagement attempts. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the procurement involves estimated quantities ranging from 20 to 5,000 units per item, suggesting a potentially significant contract value. The solicitation allows for custom length charges and sizes beyond standard ranges, with pricing to be entered exclusively through the BidBuy platform. Specific brand references include Carhardt, Red Kap, Port Authority, and Blaklader, with "or approved equal" language permitting alternative manufacturers. Vendors must also complete mandatory disclosure forms, including the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, which requires detailed reporting on business relationships, potential conflicts of interest, and operational practices.