Professional Work Boots

MANDATORY SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

005-RFB-2729-2026

Background Information

This RFB is designed to provide Bidders with the information necessary for the preparation of competitive Bids. The RFB process is for the Lead Agency’s and Participating Agencies’ benefit and is intended to provide the Lead Agency with competitive information to assist in the selection process. It is not intended to be comprehensive. Each Bidder is responsible for determining all factors necessary for submission of a comprehensive Bid.

The State of Iowa Department of Administrative Services is seeking eligible Bidders to establish a Master Agreement for work boots. This solicitation may be awarded to multiple Bidders. The resulting Master Agreement(s) will be available to all State Agencies and Political Subdivisions. State of Iowa Agencies include nine (9) Correctional Institutions and eight (8) Human Services Facilities.

This solicitation may be a multiple Award in order to mitigate risks to the State of Iowa’s requirements. Any Bidder that meets the requirements of this RFB is encouraged to submit a bid.

Three-year contract usage:

Current Year 12-month average – 795 pairs purchased.

Last Year 12-month average – 632 pairs purchased.

Previous Year 12-month average – 470 pairs purchased.

SECTION 3 – SPECIFICATIONS

All items listed in this Section are Bid Specifications. A successful Bidder must be able to satisfy all specifications to be deemed a Responsible Bidder.

Samples may be requested by the contracting official during the evaluation process. If requested, two (2) sample pairs of each bid boot shall be provided by Bidder at no charge to the State for testing purposes and can be returned at the vendor’s expense. The samples will be evaluated to confirm the general requirements are met by the proposed footwear. The samples will be worn and evaluated by the State for their fit, feel and function.

3.1 Bidder Requirements

The Requirements listed below will be considered minimum and shall be identified and addressed in your bid.

3.1.1 Bidder shall insure all boots to be the proper size.

3.1.2 The successful Bidder shall have no minimum order quantity requirement. Orders can be as small as one pair.

3.1.3 Bidder shall have the necessary production facility or inventory to be able to provide below list of items to Agency in a timely manner and in full accordance with the material specifications in Section 3.2.

3.1.4 In the event that the manufacturer makes noticeable changes to an item, or an item currently on Contract is discontinued by the manufacturer, the Bidder shall notify the issuing officers of this RFB or DAS Central Procurement immediately within fifteen (15) days. Failure to do so immediately may result in cancellation or termination of the Contract.

3.1.5 Boots and related products shall be new, first quality, unused and without flaws or defects that adversely affect appearance, durability, fit and function, first quality no seconds or irregulars shall be accepted.

3.1.6 All Bidder Footwear shall be constructed of durable and commercially acceptable materials, such as Leather, Nylon, PVC, Polyurethane, Nitrile, and Rubber or other manufactured materials, etc.

3.1.7 All items shall be in accordance with all governmental standards, to include, but not be limited to, those issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute of Occupational Safety Hazards (NIOSH).

3.2 Professional Work Boot Requirements and Pricing

3.2.1 All boot brands are allowed for bid. Bidders shall indicate Brand of item in Bid Response. The State reserves the right to request samples of product for evaluation. The bidder shall certify that the product offered meets the minimum specifications listed.

3.2.2 Bidder shall enter a price for each commodity line, per pair.

3.2.3 All Bidder boot sizes shall be industry standard and meet criteria according to the Federal

Commercial Standard. Bidder shall not deviate from sizes ordered. All sizes shall be

standard and run true to size. Boots shall be made available in sizes ranging from 7

through 16, D, E, EE, EEE, 4E-6E (men’s) and sizes 4 through 11, Medium, Wide (women’s), where applicable. Boots shall be available in Black and/or Brown. Bid shall detail sizing and colors available. Boots with anti-slip sole shall be identified on bid.

3.2.4 Bidder shall provide supporting documentation for all footwear and accessory items bid.

Information shall include but is not limited to:

• Brand Name

• Style Number/SKU

• Color(s) – Black or Brown

• Specify material construction: Leather, Nylon, PVC, Polyurethane, Nitrile, and Rubber

• Size(s) available

• Width(s) available

• Packaging (pair)

• Photo and/or product catalog of item bid.

• Warranty for item bid.

• Options to include:

o Composite Toe

o Steel Toe

o Plain Toe

o Pull-over Rubber

3.3 Order Processing

3. 3.1 Orders will be accepted via email, online or in person at the Bidders office. Bidders may enter the link in the Bid response to the Bidder's online order system for review.

3.3.2 All Bidders may provide an internet site for on-line ordering with the State Pcard. All Internet-based ordering mechanisms provided shall be free of charge and shall comply with the state's Pcard protocol explained in Section 4.4 of this RFB.

3.3.3 The Bidder shall email an order confirmation to t he Agency when an order has been placed, within twenty-four (24) hours following receipt of the order. This email service shall be available from all Bidders who accept purchase orders via phone or email at no additional charge to the Agency. Internet based orders will receive confirmation via email.

3.4 Acceptance and Returns

3.4.1 All boot items found to be defective, or not in accordance with specifications related

to this RFB, although accept ed through oversight or otherwise, within thirty (30) days of receipt, shall be returned and replaced free of charge at the Bidders expense including all transportation and restocking costs.

3.4.2 All boot items found to be defective, or not in accordance with specifications

Related to this RFB, although accepted through oversight or otherwise, within thirty (30)

days of receipt, shall be returned and replaced free of charge at the Bidders expense

including all transportation and restocking costs.

3.4.3 Bidder shall have the ability to resolve any questions or problems with fit, sizes and

correct any and all order errors within thirty (30) days of receipt of order to Agency. The

State of Iowa shall not be assessed restocking charges or any other form of return

charges.

3.4.4 Bidder shall have a packing slip accompany all deliveries.

3.5 Customer Service Requirements

Bidder Customer Service shall respond to all inquiries from the Agency within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of inquiry.

3.6 Backorders

Bidder shall notify the Agency within twenty-four (24) hours by email or fax when an item or order is on backorder or out of stock once the Bidder is aware of the backorder. This fax or email service shall be available from all Bidders who accept orders.

3.7 Stock Buyout

The State of Iowa will not buyout any Bidder's stock or inventory at the end of the resulting contract.