OPD Soft Body Armor

The City of Owensboro, Kentucky, located in Daviess County, is soliciting bids through Request for Bid (RFB) #4457 for the procurement of concealable soft body armor designed for use by the Owensboro Police Department. The procurement seeks to supply NIJ Level II and/or NIJ HG1-certified soft body armor vests for both male and female law enforcement personnel, with an estimated annual requirement of 35 sets per year over a five-year period (fiscal years 2025-2026 through 2029-2030). The preferred specification is the AXII-4 model by Point Blank or an equivalent product meeting equivalent performance standards. Bidders proposing the specified Point Blank AXII-4 model may submit bids with minimal additional documentation, while those offering alternative manufacturers must provide comprehensive product descriptions, technical specifications, drawings, photographs, and physical samples for both male and female vests to demonstrate equivalency. The ballistic panels must be warranted for a minimum of five years, and removable covers must carry a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase. Bid submissions must be completed through the City's Bonfire portal at https://owensboro.bonfirehub.com, with the bid opening scheduled for February 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time. Prospective bidders must submit any questions or clarification requests at least seven days prior to the bid due date. The contract will be effective for one year from the award date, with options for four additional one-year renewal periods at the current bid price, subject to mutual agreement and negotiated price increases supported by written justification.

Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specifications, with successful vendors required to maintain specified insurance coverage including $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate commercial general liability, $1,000,000 commercial automobile liability, and current workers' compensation insurance at statutory limits, with the City named as an additional insured. The successful bidder must also obtain a City business license within 10 business days of the award letter and provide a certificate of insurance within the same timeframe. Bidders are subject to compliance certifications required under Kentucky Revised Statutes, including a Vendor's Statement of Compliance (KRS 45A.343) certifying no violations within the preceding five years related to corporate taxes, sales and use taxes, income taxes, wage and hour regulations, occupational safety, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation, as well as a sworn statement (KRS 45A.395) affirming compliance with campaign finance laws. The manufacturer must provide a minimum of $20,000,000 in product liability insurance coverage. Pricing must be quoted exclusive of applicable taxes with items delivered F.O.B. Destination and no additional freight charges permitted, with prices remaining firm for a minimum of 90 days following bid opening. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or women-owned businesses are identified in the procurement documents, nor are incumbent vendors or current contractors listed.