Wildland PPE

The California Department of General Services (DGS) and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) are soliciting bids for a statewide Wildland Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) contract through Invitation for Bid (IFB) #0000033987. The procurement seeks to acquire specialized wildland firefighting protective ensembles, specifically including 28,350 units of Wildland Dual-Compliant Tactical Pants, 8,400 units of Wildland Dual-Compliant Work/Uniform Pants, and 16,500 Wildland Jackets. All PPE must meet stringent National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards, with specific technical requirements for fabric composition, including 7 oz. blends of Meta-Aramid, Polyamide, Para-Aramid, and flame-resistant materials. The contract will be awarded to the lowest-cost, responsive, and responsible bidder, with potential for a second award within 10% of the lowest total net cost. Bids are due by July 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT, and the resulting contract will have a three-year term with two optional one-year extensions. Bidders must provide comprehensive documentation, including technical literature, NFPA certifications, and product samples, with all equipment being new and current production models.

The solicitation includes socioeconomic preferences, specifically accommodating Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) and Small Business participants, with a DVBE incentive available. Approved manufacturers for the PPE include CAL PIA, Crew Boss, Workrite, and Cascade Propper, with sizing ranges from XS to 4XL for jackets and specific waist and inseam options for pants. The contract allows for price adjustments based on the Producer Price Index, permitting increases after the first 12 months if the index rises by at least 7%. Vendors must commit to monthly reporting on contract usage, Small Business/DVBE participation, and aging debt. Emergency incident-based deliveries are permitted, with a maximum delivery fee of $250 per delivery, and all products must be delivered within 30 calendar days of order receipt. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the procurement involves significant quantities of specialized protective equipment, suggesting a substantial contract value for the three-year term.