Mattresses for Higher Education

The South Dakota Board of Regents is conducting a comprehensive mattress procurement across multiple state universities, seeking to replace residence hall mattresses at three distinct campuses: University of South Dakota, Dakota State University, and South Dakota State University. The procurement involves acquiring a total of 422 dual firmness foam mattresses with specific technical requirements, including a 5-zone 2-inch convoluted high-density plush topper and a 4-inch firm high-density foam core. Each mattress must meet rigorous fire retardant and safety standards, including Federal Specification DOC-FF-4-72, California Technical Bulletin #117, and various CPSC and UL lab certifications. Delivery is uniformly scheduled for no later than July 15-17, 2025, with strict delivery protocols requiring 24-hour advance notice and deliveries between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM at each campus's designated location. Vendors must provide mattresses with specific technical specifications, including XP FR - FB 210 Denier polyurethane-coated nylon ticking, inverted seam lock stitch construction, and a minimum two-year warranty. The procurement also mandates that mattresses be entirely recyclable and have no vents to prevent bed bug intrusion.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, though the State of South Dakota's Vendor Manual suggests a commitment to supporting minority business enterprises. While no incumbent vendors are directly identified, the procurement documents indicate that universities reserve the right to request product samples before finalizing orders, suggesting a competitive and thorough vendor selection process. The Vendor Manual outlines three potential procurement methods: Request for Quotation (for purchases under $50,000), Invitation for Bid (for purchases over $50,000), and Request for Proposal (for complex requirements). The total procurement value appears to be substantial, with an estimated investment ranging between $100,000 and $200,000 based on the number of mattresses and potential per-unit costs. Vendors must comply with state corporate registration requirements, provide non-discrimination statements, and meet specific insurance and performance security standards. The contract opportunity is posted in Kingsbury County and covers multiple jurisdictions within South Dakota, with a submission deadline of May 20, 2025.