ORDINANCE awarding contract to LONE STAR UNIFORMS, INC for Apparel, Uniforms for the Houston Fire Department; providing a maximum contract amount - 3 Years with two one-year options - $6,815,567.27 - General Fund

The Fire Chief and the City Purchasing Agent recommend that City Council approve an ordinance awarding a three-year contract, with two one-year options to Lone Star Uniforms, Inc. on its best value bid (BVB) in an amount not to exceed $6,815,567.27 for apparel, uniforms for the Houston Fire Department. This contract will be used to purchase uniforms for firefighters. The City Purchasing Agent or Fire Chief may terminate this contract at any time upon 30-days written notice to the contractor.

The scope of work requires the contractor to provide all labor, equipment, facilities, supervision and transportation necessary to furnish and deliver firefighter uniforms and accessories, including but not limited to, pants, shirts, coats, rainwear, belts, badges, insignias, patches, hats and caps. The contractor shall also be responsible for stocking and managing a high-quality inventory of all classified station wear, uniforms and accessories at its storefront location.

This project was advertised in accordance with the requirements of the State of Texas bid laws. Twenty-nine prospective bidders downloaded the solicitation document from the Strategic Procurement Division’s e-bidding website. Bids were received from Lone Star Uniforms, Inc., T&B Imports International, Inc., VF Imagewear, Inc., Lion Totalcare, Inc. and W Supply, LLC. The Evaluation Committee consisted of five evaluators from the Houston Fire Department. The bids were evaluated based upon the following criteria:

• Cost
• Expertise/Experience/Qualifications
• Financial Strength of Offeror
• M/WBE Participation
• Conformance to BVB requirements

Lone Star Uniforms, Inc. was deemed the best respondent.


M/WBE Subcontracting:
This BVB was issued as a goal-oriented contract with an 11% M/WBE participation level. Lone Star Uniforms, Inc. has designated the below-named company as its certified M/WBE subcontractor:

Name                         Type of Service                             Total Amount
Graphic Results           Embroidery/Screen Printing            $749,712.40

The contract will be monitored by the Mayor’s Office of Business Opportunity.

Hire Houston First:
The proposed contract requires compliance with the City’s Hire Houston First ordinance that promotes economic opportunity for Houston businesses and supports job creation. In this case, the proposed contractor meets the requirements of Hire Houston First.

ESTIMATED SPENDING AUTHORITY

Cynthia Vargas, Asst. Chief                                     HFD            832-394-6926

Ray DuRousseau, Deputy Assistant Director          SPD            832-393-8726 

Casey Crossnoe, Sr. Procurement Specialist          SPD            832-394-6758