This is an Invitation for Bids (IFB) from the City of Austin for tactical uniforms, ballistic vests, accessories, and gear. Items will be ordered on an as-needed basis. Key requirements include contractor experience, a local retail facility, and the ability to provide sewing, embroidery, and alteration services. Ballistic vests must meet specific NIJ certifications and design standards. Orders are to be fulfilled within 10 business days, with alterations and repairs completed within 5 days of drop-off. The contract term is an initial 12 months, with up to four additional 12-month extensions at the city's option. Offers are due by Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT, and will be opened on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM CT. Questions are due by Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT.
The bid notice states that the contractor shall have all orders ready for pickup or shipment within ten 10 business days after receipt of order from the department project manager, excluding weekends and city approved holidays, including items requiring embroidery, patch application, or name tab customization.
The bid notice states that all proper invoices received by the city will be paid within 30 calendar days of the city's receipt of the deliverables or of the invoice, whichever is later.
The bid notice states that the contractor warrants and represents that all deliverables sold the city under the contract shall be free from defects in design, workmanship or manufacture, and conform in all material respects to the specifications, drawings, and descriptions in the solicitation, to any samples furnished by the contractor, to the terms, covenants and conditions of the contract, and to all applicable state, federal or local laws, rules, and regulations, and industry codes and standards. Unless otherwise stated in the contract, the deliverables shall be new or recycled merchandise, and not used or reconditioned.
The bid notice states that the city will evaluate the bids based on best value to the city, including consideration of offerors headquarters local businesses and size small businesses.
The bid notice states that the contractor shall be a manufacturer, authorized dealer/reseller, or supplier of the products offered, shall have and operate a full-time, permanent business address with the ability to be reached by email and telephone, shall maintain at least one brick and mortar retail facility located within Travis, Hays or Williamson counties, and shall have experience providing similar services for similar volume sized agencies for a minimum of the past three 3 years and should provide documented proof with their proposal in the form of references.
The bid notice states that failure to consistently meet delivery timelines and service requirements may result in contract termination.
The bid notice states that the city may hold one or more site visits to allow prospective offerors to inspect the locations where work under any resulting contract will be performed and to receive verbal questions. The solicitation cover sheet will display if a site visit is being held and if attendance at this meeting is mandatory.
The bid notice states that any protest regarding the solicitation prebid protest shall be filed no later than five 5 business days before the opening of bids. Any protest regarding the evaluation of bids shall be filed with the city no later than five 5 business days after the opening of bids, or notification that the protestors status as an offeror has changed. Any protest regarding the award of the contract shall be filed no later than ten 10 business days after the date of award.
The bid notice states that vendors with documented poor performance, including but not limited to late deliveries, failure to meet service requirements, or unresolved customer issues, may be deemed nonresponsive and not considered for award.