NES boots for mdoc

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN 190000000013) on December 14, 2018, for the procurement of officer boots through an authorized distributorship arrangement with Rocky Boots via the intended source Lehigh Outfitters LLC. This procurement seeks to establish an ongoing manufacturer-authorized distributorship rather than a one-time purchase order, with the contract structured for an initial three-year term plus two optional one-year renewal periods. The boots must meet specific technical requirements including leather uppers, lightweight non-insulated three-season construction, protective non-metal black polish toe, non-marking rubber lug soles for traction, and availability across a wide range of sizes to accommodate officer recruits. The MDOC training unit has approved only Rocky boots for this application, establishing the exclusive basis for this procurement. Potential bidders believing equivalent products exist were required to submit written responses demonstrating product equivalency by December 14, 2018, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, with written questions regarding the solicitation due to Cathy Carr, Solicitation Manager, by December 11, 2018, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, with answers posted on www.michigan.gov/SIGMAVSS. Bidders are not permitted to propose equal or alternative boot products; the solicitation specifically requires Rocky brand products through a manufacturer-authorized distributor with associated significantly discounted pricing terms.

The documentation does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting responses to particular categories of organizations such as disadvantaged enterprises. No incumbent vendor or current contractor is identified in the available materials, indicating this represents a new contractual relationship for MDOC with Rocky Boots suppliers. The solicitation is classified under commodity code 80008 for leather boots and emphasizes transparency by inviting potential competitors to demonstrate product equivalency before award. The specific pricing structure, contract values, annual quantities, and total funding ranges are not disclosed in the posted notices, with only the general contract framework and boot specifications detailed in the available documents. At the time these addenda were issued, no award had yet been made, indicating the solicitation remained open for responses and evaluation of qualified bidders meeting the manufacturer authorization requirements.