Invitation for Bid #: 54-DM-17052

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has issued Invitation for Bid #54-DM-17052 for a comprehensive steel toe safety shoe contract to outfit its employees across up to 100 counties. The procurement seeks to establish a five-year term contract with multiple vendors to supply safety footwear for employees engaged in construction, maintenance, and work near heavy equipment. Vendors must provide a diverse range of safety shoes including men's and women's work boots, oxfords, athletic shoes, and specialized footwear with features like metatarsal guards and waterproofing. The shoes must meet ASTM F2413-18 safety standards, with at least 75% of shoes priced at or below the state's safety shoe reimbursement rate ($150 for a 1-year purchase or $225 for 2-year purchase). Mobile shoe trucks are required to visit NCDOT locations at least twice per year, offering at least 8 shoe styles and ensuring puncture-resistant options for employees. The solicitation is scheduled to open on March 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET, with Procurement Specialist Desmond McCleese overseeing the process, and bids are due by April 10, 2025.

While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the documents, the procurement appears open to multiple vendors who can meet the technical specifications. The contract allows for multiple vendor awards and potential separate awards for different line items, suggesting flexibility in vendor selection. The initial contract term is five years, with options for two additional one-year renewals, providing potential long-term revenue opportunities for successful bidders. Although specific budget ranges were not detailed, the reimbursement rates suggest a per-shoe budget between $150-$225, with potential system-wide procurement impacting numerous NCDOT employees across 100 counties. The procurement emphasizes safety and job-specific protective equipment, with a focus on providing employees with high-quality, standards-compliant footwear that meets various workplace protection needs. Vendors will need to demonstrate capability to provide comprehensive shoe offerings, maintain mobile unit inventories, and meet stringent safety and technical requirements outlined in the solicitation documents.