Personal protective equipment, hearing, purchase/delivery

Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Purchasing Department, is issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the purchase and delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) related to hearing protection under a term contract. The procurement seeks firm, fixed pricing for three specific items: earmuffs with a minimum 29dB noise reduction rating (estimated 167 units annually), corded foam earplugs with a minimum 33dB rating (estimated 5,000 pairs annually), and corded foam earplugs with a minimum 30dB rating (estimated 3,200 pairs annually). All items are specified by manufacturer as Honeywell Safety Products with allowance for equal alternatives. The successful vendor will be awarded a 12-month initial contract with the option to renew for four additional 12-month periods, subject to mutual written agreement and appropriation of funds. Delivery is required within ten business days of receipt of a delivery order, with F.O.B. destination to the Palm Beach County Purchasing Warehouse, and all unit prices must include freight, shipping, handling fees, and surcharges. Quotations must be submitted by November 30, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. local time. Award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible quoter on an all-or-none basis.

The County has established specific set-aside designations and preferences for qualifying vendors, including Small/Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (S/M/WBE) provisions that grant a preference for certified small businesses within 10% of the lowest price, and Local Preference provisions providing a 5% price reduction to qualified local vendors. All vendors must register with the County's Vendor Self Service system and provide certifications including drug-free workplace certification, business tax receipts, and compliance with employment eligibility verification requirements. The County is exempt from federal and state taxes and reserves the right to inspect all delivered items, return nonconforming products at vendor expense, and cancel back orders if not fulfilled within a reasonable timeframe. No incumbent vendors or specific budget ranges are listed in the procurement documentation. Vendors responding to this solicitation must demonstrate capability to meet specifications and delivery requirements while complying with all applicable county purchasing regulations and contractual obligations.