Fire Department Ballistic Helmets, Plate Carriers and Protective Plates

The City of Santa Monica Fire Department is seeking to procure ballistic helmets, plate carriers, and protective plates to equip approximately 130 tactical firefighters, paramedics, ambulance operators, and overhead staff with reliable protective gear suitable for hazardous environments. The contract requires not only the core inventory but also a 20% supplemental supply of each component to ensure availability during repairs, upstaffing, or emergency incidents. Each protective ensemble must include a water-resistant plate carrier with a quick-release system and two NIJ Level III or higher rated rifle plates, while helmets must meet specified models and performance standards. All equipment must be accompanied by comprehensive specification sheets and defined warranty durations. The vendor must submit NIJ ballistic test results to validate protection levels, and substitutions are permitted only with prior authorization from the Santa Monica Fire Department. Deliveries are F.O.B. destination, with no additional charges for packaging, crating, or multi-destination shipments, and all goods are subject to inspection and acceptance by the City upon delivery. The vendor’s work product, including documentation and modifications, becomes the exclusive property of the City. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the City’s OpenGov e-Procurement Portal no later than July 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with mandatory pre-submission requirements including an active SAM.gov registration, CAGE or NCAGE number, certification regarding debarment and non-collusion, acknowledgment of non-discrimination policies, and compliance with the Oaks Initiative. Bidders must also hold a valid California contractor’s license. Evaluation will prioritize technical competence and experience (25 points), ability to meet timelines (25 points), price competitiveness (20 points), stability and references (10 points), value-added services (10 points), and quality control (10 points), with award going to the best bidder based on overall value, including quality, capacity, financial stability, character, and ability to provide future service. Payment will be made within 30 days of receipt of a compliant invoice, and contractors must retain detailed records of costs and expenses for three years post-final payment, subject to audit. The City reserves the right to adjust quantities, inspect goods, and terminate the contract with ten days’ notice for convenience or five days for cause. The contract includes an option to renew for up to four additional one-year terms under the same conditions. All terms are governed by California law, and vendors must comply with federal and state regulations, including ADA and non-discrimination mandates, while