This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the State of Vermont, Office of Purchasing and Contracting, for winter jackets for the Vermont State Police. The contract period will be for two years with an option to renew for up to three additional twelve-month periods. The anticipated start date is May 1, 2026. Bidders are required to submit questions in writing by April 1, 2026, and proposals are due by April 15, 2026. Samples are due by April 23, 2026. All notifications and addendums will be posted online, and it is the bidder's responsibility to check these websites. The RFP details specific requirements for both the outer jacket and the softshell inner jacket, including color, material, insulation, zippers, pockets, and patches. Bidders must also comply with cybersecurity standards and may be asked to provide a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Awards will be made based on the best interest of the state, with preference given to resident bidders, products made in the state, US-made products (if federal funds are used), and bidders with clean energy practices. Bidders must be registered with the Vermont Secretary of State and have a contractor's business account number. Payment terms are net 30 days. A warranty of at least one year is required. The state reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
The RFP responses are due by April 15, 2026, at 4:30 PM EST. Samples are due by April 23, 2026, at 4:30 PM EST.
The bid notice states that payment terms are net 30 days from the date the state receives an error-free invoice with all necessary and complete supporting documentation.
The manufacturer shall include with its proposal a written warranty for each product that it intends to furnish. Warranties must be based on commercial use, and shall extend for a minimum term of one 1 year from the date a product is available for use by the purchaser; however, longer term warranties are desirable and will be given favorable consideration, all else being equal.
Awards will be made under the provisions of 29 V. S. A. 903. The state may award one or more contracts and reserves the right to make additional awards to other compliant bidders at any time if such award is deemed to be in the best interest of the state. All other considerations being equal, preference will be given to resident bidders of the state and/or to products raised or manufactured in the state, purchase of goods, products, or materials produced in the United States, and bidders who have practices that promote clean energy and address climate change.
To be awarded a contract by the State of Vermont, a bidder, except an individual doing business in his/her own name, must be registered with the Vermont Secretary of State's office and must obtain a contractor's business account number issued by the Vermont Department of Taxes.
A bidders conference will not be held.
Please send one size large outer jacket without VSP patch and one size large softshell inner jacket without VSP patch to the Vermont Office of Purchasing and Contracting OPC. The sample package must include prepaid return shipping labels and be delivered no later than April 23, 2026.
