JHO-NOI-26 Notice of Intent - Waive Solicitation and Approve Single Source_Purchase and Reconditioning of Athletic Helmets

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) in Maryland has filed a Notice of Intent to waive competitive solicitation and approve a single-source contract for the purchase and reconditioning of athletic helmets and related equipment, with challenges to the single-source justification due by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 28, 2026. BCPS recommends Riddell as the sole source provider.

The procurement serves BCPS and five additional school jurisdictions: Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, Charles County Public Schools, Howard County Public Schools, and potentially other county systems. Scope includes athletic helmets, shoulder pads, hardware, and accessories; services encompass helmet and equipment reconditioning, recertification, repair, painting, and cleaning. The contract term extends five years across fiscal years 2027 through 2032, with annual purchase amounts potentially exceeding $200,000 in any given year.

BCPS justifies single-source selection on the basis that more than 90 percent of football helmets currently in use across BCPS are manufactured by Riddell, and standardization on a single helmet brand will maintain uniformity and compatibility across all athletic programs. BCPS reserves the right to require additional information from responding suppliers and will evaluate whether bona fide competition exists. If the single-source justification is validated following vendor review, BCPS will recommend the contract to the Board of Education of Baltimore County for approval. The commodity code is 49000000 (Sports and Recreational Equipment and Supplies and Accessories). Interested suppliers wishing to challenge the single-source determination must submit alternative solutions by the August 28 deadline.