Aurora Fire Department (AFD) Protective Gear

The City of Aurora, Illinois, is soliciting formal bids under solicitation number 26-080 for the supply and delivery of structural firefighter bunker gear for the Aurora Fire Department. The scope includes the procurement of 35 complete sets of protective jackets, pants, Globe shadow 14 inch pull-on boots, and MSA Cairns 880 traditional helmets. All gear must be manufactured in the United States and comply with the current edition of NFPA 1970, OSHA requirements, and UL listing. Key technical requirements include blood borne pathogen protection, specific labeling and 1-dimensional barcodes for asset traceability, and the provision of FEMSA Official User Information Guides. The contract also requires the vendor to provide repair and alteration support through an NFPA 1851-compliant facility. Proposals must be submitted electronically via OpenGov by September 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm. The evaluation process involves a two-step approach where responsive and responsible proposers are assessed based on company qualifications, project approach, and price. A critical component of the selection process is a two-week field evaluation of five sample garments per item, scored by fire department personnel on fit, comfort, and durability. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible proposer. Delivery is required within six weeks of a purchase order, with emergency orders required within four weeks. Payments are processed via the City of Aurora Purchasing Division, preferably through electronic funds transfer, and are subject to an Illinois non-appropriation clause requiring a 30-day notice of intent to cancel.