Market Research Notification: Prince George’s County Fiscal Year 2026

Location:	Maryland
Posted:	Feb 14, 2026
Due:	Feb 23, 2026
Agency:	State Government of Maryland
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	42 - Fire Fighting, Rescue, and Safety Equipment
Solicitation No:	BPM055395
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

ID:	BPM055395
Title:	Market Research Notification: Prince George’s County Fiscal Year 2026 – Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) – Structural Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Status:	Open
Due / Close Date:	2/23/2026
Publish Date:	2/13/2026 1:55:41 PM
Main Category:	Personal safety and protection
Solicitation Type:	Public Notice
Issuing Agency:	Prince George's County Government

Solicitation Summary

Title

Market Research Notification: Prince George’s County Fiscal Year 2026 – Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) – Structural Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

BPM055395

Alternate ID

Lot #

Round #

Status

Open

Due / Close Date (EST)

Feb 23 2026 5:00PM

Solicitation Type

Public Notice

Main Category

Personal safety and protection

Issuing Agency

Prince George's County Government

Procurement Officer / Buyer

Arielle DOUGLAS

aldouglas@co.pg.md.us

Solicitation Summary

The Supplier Development & Diversity Division (SD3) of the Prince George’s County Office of Procurement is conducting market research to qualified manufacturers and distributors (“Contractors”) capable of supplying structural firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that meets the operational, safety, and durability needs of the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD).

The County intends to gather industry input related specifically to LION® V-Force® structural firefighting coats and pants, which have been identified through internal testing as the preferred PPE for PGFD personnel. Responses to this Request for Information (RFI) may be used to support the development of a future competitive solicitation. This notice is for market research purposes only and is not a solicitation.

Additional Instructions

Background
In late 2022, the Field Test Committee (FTC), in partnership with the PGFD Health & Wellness Office, Logistics & Supply, and the Safety Office, began an initiative to evaluate structural firefighting PPE. The goal was to identify modernized equipment that improves safety, mobility, durability, and comfort for PGFD personnel.
Two manufacturers were selected for a six-month wear test:

Wear testers participated across various ranks, stations, and operational environments. The PPE was used during routine emergency responses, training evolutions, and suppression activities.

During testing: User feedback overwhelmingly favored LION® PPE, citing superior mobility, increased comfort, improved coverage, and higher durability. A structured voting process resulted in: Customer service performance was also a significant consideration. LION demonstrated exceptional responsiveness, timely delivery, and accurate sizing. The alternative manufacturer experienced delays and multiple sizing/alteration issues.
Based on operational testing, feedback, and logistical performance, the FTC formally recommends adoption of LION® V-Force® structural firefighting PPE.

Purpose
The goal of this RFI is to obtain information from manufacturers and distributors regarding their ability to provide LION® V-Force® PPE at the scale required by PGFD. The County seeks information on: The County intends to use this data to finalize specifications and prepare a procurement strategy for structural firefighting PPE.
Envisioned PPE Program Requirements
PGFD anticipates the following operational needs associated with outfitting career, volunteer, and recruit personnel:
Detailed Technical Specifications – LION® V-Force® PPE
The County is requesting RFI responses for LION PPE ONLY.
Below is the required specification for the 2025 PGFD structural firefighting ensemble.

Custom Turnout Coat – LION® V-Force® Bi-Swing Coat
Includes: Custom Turnout Pants – LION® V-Force®
Includes: Requested Information Interested firms must submit a tailored Capability Response maximum 20 pages – (PDF Format) addressing the following:

Ability to fully supply the LION® V-Force® specifications listed in this RFI
Lead times for coats, pants, replacements, and surge orders
Capacity to provide on-site measurement services (Tues/Thu), free alterations, and CRS class support
Pricing structure (itemized and scalable)
Warranty and repair processes
Distribution capability within Prince George’s County
Documentation of experience supplying PPE to large metropolitan fire departments

Submission Contact

Please send responses with the subject heading: PGFD PPE to Arielle Douglas aldouglas@co.pg.md.us by Monday, February 23, 2026 – 5:00 pm (NOON) (Eastern Standard Time). Late submissions will not be accepted.

Project Cost Class

Pre-Bid Conference Information

Pre-Bid Conference Date (EST)	Pre-Bid Conference Details

Small Business Reserve Designation

Procurement Program Participation Goals

VSBE Participation (%)

MBE Participation (%)

African American MBE Participation (%)

Asian American MBE Participation (%)

Hispanic American MBE Participation (%)

Women-Owned MBE Participation (%)

DBE Participation (%)

SBE Participation (%)

Socio Economic Participation Criteria

	Procurement Officer / Buyer Arielle DOUGLAS
Alternate Link

Attachments

Selected

Title	Type	Att.	Last Modified on UTC-5	Creation Date UTC-5	Validity End Date
Market Research Notification: Prince George’s County Fiscal Year 2026 – Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department (PGFD) – Structural Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Attachments & Appendixes (Approved)	Market Research Notificaton - Fire EMS PPE.pdf	2/13/2026 1:23:03 PM	2/13/2026 1:23:03 PM

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