White Tube Socks-Tabor City Sewing Plant

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction is seeking competitive bids for white tube socks to be used at the Tabor City Sewing Plant through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) issued on June 26, 2025, with responses due on July 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET via a Microsoft Teams meeting. The procurement targets white socks with specific technical specifications: 60% cotton and 40% polyester composition, 21" in length, 6" rib length, and a minimum weight of 64 grams per pair. The contract will have an initial three-year term with no guaranteed minimum or maximum order quantities, and the estimated annual requirement is 2,400 boxes (15 dozen per box). Evaluation criteria will focus on lowest responsive bidder meeting specifications, with consideration given to delivery promptness and overall vendor capability. Vendors must submit a sample "Head End" of the proposed product before bid opening and complete detailed attachments including pricing forms, customer references, and financial condition certifications.

The solicitation includes a notable domestic production requirement, mandating that 10% of the first-year contract be produced in the United States. While specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are not explicitly detailed, the bid documents include HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) participation information, suggesting potential opportunities for diverse vendors. The procurement spans jurisdictions including Clay County and Teachey Town in North Carolina, with pricing to remain firm for 180 days from the contract effective date. Although specific budget ranges are not provided, the annual requirement of 2,400 boxes indicates a significant procurement opportunity for qualified sock manufacturers. The state reserves the right to make award decisions based on comprehensive vendor assessments, emphasizing not just price but also production capabilities, product quality, and delivery reliability.