SCDA Safety Footwear Program

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) is seeking proposals for a Safety Footwear Program to supply approximately 150 employees with various safety shoes and boots. The procurement involves establishing a vendor source that can provide non-slip shoes, steel toe boots and shoes, and rubberized boots, with each employee receiving an annual allowance of $200. Vendors must develop an online ordering website with secure payment processing that complies with PCI DSS 4.0 requirements and conduct at least two on-site try-on events annually. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on March 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with questions due by March 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Proposals are due March 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with the award to be posted on March 20, 2025. The initial contract term will run from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Evaluation criteria will focus on technical capabilities and cost-effectiveness, with the award going to the highest-ranked, responsive, and responsible offeror.

The RFP does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must submit detailed pricing for safety footwear items under $200, along with costs for online portal development and on-site try-on events. The total annual budget for the program is $30,000, calculated based on 150 employees receiving $200 each. The successful vendor will be required to maintain a flexible return and exchange policy to ensure employee satisfaction. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, the RFP indicates a need for a comprehensive solution that can effectively manage safety footwear procurement through an online platform and in-person fitting events. Potential vendors should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to meet the SCDA's specific requirements for safety footwear distribution and employee accessibility.