Notice of Intent to Award RFP 20*2065 LED PFD & Hypothermia

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued Notice of Intent to Award RFP 20-2065 for Law Enforcement Flotation and Hypothermia Gear on September 4, 2020, with a response deadline of September 10, 2020. This procurement sought a contractor to supply flotation and hypothermia equipment for DNR Law Enforcement operations, including HIT inflatable Personal Flotation Devices, four-pocket flotation vests in standard and extended sizes, classic flotation bomber jackets with reflective tape in standard and extended sizes, anti-exposure coveralls and worksuits in standard and extended sizes, catalyst flotation jackets in standard and extended sizes, and HIT inflatable compact tactical life preservers. The RFP was initially posted on SIGMA VSS on July 31, 2020, with an original proposal due date of August 14, 2020. The evaluation process was conducted on a pass/fail basis, with contract award to be made to the lowest-priced responsible and responsive bidder meeting all mandatory specifications. The contract term is three years with up to two one-year renewal options, and all goods are to be delivered FOB Destination to the State.

Two bidders submitted proposals for this solicitation: Global Equipment Company, Inc. from Port Washington, New York (non-Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business) and Patriot Solutions, LLC from Grand Rapids, Michigan (Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business). Global Equipment Company, Inc. received a fail rating due to providing non-hydrostatic inflatable personal flotation devices that failed to meet mandatory specifications for the two highest-use items. Patriot Solutions, LLC received a pass rating on all requirements and was recommended for award at a total contract price of $218,381.63, which includes delivery of all deliverables to the State, with items 8 through 11 priced at $0.00 as the DNR determined these items were no longer required. The evaluation panel consisted of the Solicitation Manager, DNR Law Enforcement Division Support Services Supervisor, DNR Law Enforcement Division Assistant Chief, and the LED Uniform Committee Chair. While no explicit set-aside designations are noted in the solicitation overview, the recommendation favored the Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business contractor that met all technical requirements.