Institutional Mattresses

The State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for institutional mattresses for the Department of Correction (DOC), Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and Department of Education. The solicitation (21PSX0064) seeks new mattresses with specific technical requirements, including 100% hermetically sealed seams, flame retardant properties exceeding California Technical Bulletins 117, 129, and 603, odor resistance, antimicrobial properties, virus barrier protection, and a foam core (no egg crate design). Bidders must provide a comprehensive package of documentation, including current and past state/federal mattress contract histories, return/refund policies, manufacturer authorizations, and proof of financial stability. The solicitation was posted on September 24, 2021, with a vendor Q&A period running from September 24 to October 5, 2021, and final bid responses due by November 10, 2021, at 2:00 PM EST. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible qualified bidder, with evaluation criteria including pricing, conformity to specifications, delivery terms, past performance, and financial responsibility.

The contract includes a significant set-aside provision, with 50% designated for Connecticut Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) certified by the State's Supplier Diversity Program. Additionally, the solicitation offers price preferences for micro-businesses, with up to a 10% advantage for businesses with annual revenues under $3 million and up to a 15% preference for veteran-owned micro-businesses. The contract will replace the current Contract 12PSX0329, which expires on December 31, 2021, and has generated approximately $2 million in executive branch invoices over the past four years. Pricing will be submitted as a percentage off the manufacturer's price list, with all costs including packing, transportation, and delivery charges (FOB destination). The resulting contract will be available to all using state agencies, political subdivisions, towns, municipalities, schools, and not-for-profit organizations, with a potential two-year term and options to renew for up to three additional one-year periods.