Purchase of field athletic equipment

The Town of Manchester, located in Hartford County, Connecticut, is seeking to procure field athletic equipment through Invitation to Bid (ITB) #23/24-45 for newly created fields at New State Road. The procurement encompasses a comprehensive list of 21 line items including baseball and softball field equipment such as maintenance rakes, field tarps, windscreens, pitchers rubbers, bases, line markers, and related field accessories. Vendors are required to submit electronic bids through the Town of Manchester's ProcureNow portal by February 12, 2024, at 11:00 am, with equipment delivery mandated on or before March 8, 2024. Bidders must provide list prices, percentage discounts, and manufacturer information for each item, and are expected to comply with federal and state safety standards and regulations. Key evaluation criteria include pricing, delivery time, and overall bid responsiveness, with the town reserving the right to reject any or all bids and make awards deemed in its best interest. Vendors must also provide their System for Award Management (SAM) registration number and be prepared for potential procurement funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The procurement includes a mandatory Living Wage Certification form requiring bidders to declare their status as a "Covered Employer" under Manchester's Living Wage Ordinance. Potential bidders have specific exemption options, including being a nonprofit organization, employing fewer than 25 eligible employees, or having an annual contract value under $25,000. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the living wage requirements create certain participation barriers and compliance expectations. The bid does not indicate incumbent vendors or specify precise budget ranges, though the detailed line-item pricing structure suggests flexibility in potential contract award. Vendors must understand that quantities listed are estimated, with potential for additional orders, and must be prepared to demonstrate compliance with local wage regulations and federal procurement standards. The town's approach suggests a competitive, transparent procurement process focused on obtaining high-quality athletic field equipment while maintaining local economic and labor standards.