Single Source Standardization for Original Watermen

The City of Tampa's Parks and Recreation Department is pursuing a single-source procurement for Original Watermen aquatic staff uniforms through a standardization contract. The procurement specifically targets board shorts, Super Girl shorts, and Racer Tank Elite women's swimwear for Aquatics personnel, with a focus on high-performance, durable garments. Original Watermen's uniforms are distinguished by their quick-drying materials, UPF 50+ sun protection, fabric resistance to pool chemicals and sun fading, and engineered performance features that provide modest and appropriate staff attire. The solicitation (project number 26-P-00018) requires an authorized manufacturer's distributor or dealer capable of quoting products, providing warranty service, maintenance, and repairs. Key submission requirements include comprehensive insurance documentation, including Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Worker's Compensation coverage. The procurement's critical dates include a posting date of October 20, 2025, with responses due by October 23, 2025.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the documentation. The estimated total contract value is approximately $6,000, with funding allocated from account 0110-225700-552003. Uniform pricing ranges from $22 to $40 per item, with slight increases for larger size ranges (XS-XL and 2XL-4XL). Original Watermen, Inc. is positioned as the sole source vendor, asserting that no equivalent or substitute product exists in the market. The vendor must provide a Certificate of Insurance and demonstrate authorization as a distributor for the specific product. While no incumbent vendor is identified, the procurement emphasizes the unique, proprietary nature of Original Watermen's uniform design and manufacturing process, which justifies the single-source selection.