Officer Clothing, Vests, Badges and Accessories

It shall be the responsibility of the bidders, including bidders whose product is referenced; to furnish with the
bid such specifications, catalog pages, brochures or other data as will provide an adequate basis for
determining the quality and functional capabilities of the product offered. Failure to provide this data may be
considered valid justification for rejection of a bid.
1.9 BUSINESS OUTREACH PROGRAM: The purpose of this program is to increase the opportunity for
companies doing business with Knox County by encouraging participation through site visits, providing
education and support regarding policies and procedures, and actively recruiting all interested suppliers.
1.10 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Vendors must have read and complied with the "Non-Conflict of Interest"
statement provided in the vendor registration process prior to the opening of this solicitation.
1.11 COPIES: Knox County requires that bids be submitted as one (1) marked original and one (1) exact copy. No
copies are required with an electronic bid response.
1.12 DECLARATIVE STATEMENTS: Any statement or words (e.g.: must, shall, will) are declarative statements
and the vendor must comply with the condition. Failure to comply with any such condition will result in the bid
being considered non-responsive and disqualified.
1.13 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF BIDS: Knox County's Procurement Division will accept, and strongly
encourages, electronically transmitted bids through the County's online Procurement system. Facsimile and
email submission are strictly prohibited. Knox County shall not be responsible for technical difficulties
experienced by vendors trying to register or submit their bid electronically less than twenty-four (24) hours
prior to the bid opening time.
1.14 HOW TO DO BUSINESS: Knox County utilizes a web-based Procurement software system, "KnoxBuys." The
system provides our clients (vendors, county departments and the citizens of Knox County) with a more
enhanced and end-user-friendly means of accessing our services. The system allows for on-line vendor
registration and maintenance, electronic receipt of purchase orders, on-line retrieval and submittal of quotes,
bids and proposals for our vendor-clients and on-line requisitioning and receiving for our county departments.
In order for the County to maximize its investment and minimize the cost associated with office operations we
need your help. When doing business with Knox County we are urging you to please go to our website at
www.knoxcounty.org/procurement, register as a vendor in our on-line Procurement system, "KnoxBuys," if you
have not done so and whenever possible to conduct your business with the County through this site. If you
have any questions, please contact the Procurement Division Representative listed in subsection 1.1 of this
document.
1.15 INCURRED COSTS: Knox County will not be responsible for any costs incurred by the bidder in the
preparation of their bid.
1.16 MULTIPLE BIDS: Knox County will consider multiple bids that meet specifications.
1.17 NEW MATERIAL: Unless specified otherwise in the bid package, the Vendor must provide new supplies. New,
as used in this clause, means previously unused materials. Material includes but is not limited to, raw
material, parts, items, components, and end products. Vendor submission of other than new materials may be
cause for the rejection of their bid.
1.18 NON-COLLUSION: Bidders, by submitting a signed bid, certify that the accompanying bid is not the result of,
or affected by, any unlawful act of collusion with any other person or company engaged in the same line of
business or commerce, or any other fraudulent act punishable under Tennessee or United States law.
1.19 PAYMENT METHOD: Knox County utilizes two (2) methods of placing orders for products. The first is the use
of Purchase Orders. These Purchase Orders will be issued from Knox County Procurement Division via the
method selected by the vendor during registration. The Purchase Order will detail the quantity, specific
items(s) and the contracted price for each item.
The second method is the use of the Knox County Credit Card (VISA). Orders placed with the credit card will
list the same information as the Purchase Order.
Vendors will be given the card information and approval to process the transactions by the requesting
department. Vendors must indicate in their bid response if the vendor will accept the Knox County Credit Card
(VISA) as a form of payment.
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Bidders are prohibited from charging Knox County any type of merchant fee from their financial institution to
accept this type of payment.
1.20 POSSESSION OF WEAPONS: All vendors and their employees and their agents are prohibited from
possessing any weapons on Knox County property without prior written consent from the County. In the case
of a vendor whose Contract requires possession of firearms or other weapons to successfully complete their
Contract, vendor must provide personnel who are bonded to bear said weaponry.
1.21 PROCESSING TIME FOR PAYMENT: Vendors are advised that a minimum of thirty (30) days is required to
process invoices for payment.
1.22 PROOF OF FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CAPABILITY: Vendors must, upon request, furnish satisfactory
evidence of their ability to furnish products or services in accordance with the terms and conditions of these
specifications. Knox County will make the final determination as to the vendor's ability.
1.23 RECYCLING: Knox County, in its continuing efforts to lessen the amount of landfill waste and to further
recycling efforts, request that bids being submitted on paper shall:
1.23.1 Be submitted on recycled paper;
1.23.2 Not include pages of unnecessary advertising;
1.23.3 Be made on both sides of each sheet of paper;
1.24 RESTRICTIVE OR AMBIGUOUS SPECIFICATIONS: It is the responsibility of the prospective bidder to review
the entire Invitation for Bid (IFB) packet and to notify the Procurement Division if the specifications are
formulated in a manner that would unnecessarily restrict competition. Any such protest or question regarding
the specifications or bidding procedures must be received in the Procurement Division by April 21, 2026 @
4:30 p.m. local time. These requirements also apply to specifications that are ambiguous.
1.25 SIGNING OF BIDS: In order to be considered, all bids must be signed. Please sign the original in blue
ink. By signing the bid document, the vendor acknowledges and accepts the terms and conditions stated in
the bid document. When submitting electronically, the submission of the bid constitutes the acceptance of all
terms and conditions and will legally bind the vendor to the County's request for goods/services and the
vendor's subsequent response.
1.26 TAXES: Knox County purchases are not subject to taxation. Tax exemption certificates will be provided upon
request.
1.27 TITLE VI OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT: "Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs"-"No
person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal
financial assistance." 42 U.S.C. Section 2000 et seq. It is the policy of Knox County Government that all its
services and activities be administered in conformance with the requirements of Title VI.
1.28 UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES: During periods of closure due to unforeseen circumstances in Knox
County, or closures at the direction of the Knox County Mayor, the Procurement Division will enact the
following procedures in regard to solicitations and closures:
* If the Mayor closes the Administrative offices prior to the time set for solicitation opening of any business day,
all solicitations due that same day will be moved to the next operational business day.
* Other unforeseen circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the Procurement Director.
* Knox County shall not be liable for any commercial carrier's decision regarding deliveries during any
unforeseen circumstances.
1.29 USE OF BID FORMS: Vendors must complete the bid forms contained in the bid package. Failure to
complete the bid forms may result in bid rejection.
1.30 VENDOR DEFAULT: Knox County reserves the right, in case of vendor default, to procure the articles or
services from other sources and hold the defaulting vendor responsible for any excess costs occasioned
thereby. Should vendor default be due to a failure to perform or because of a request for a price increase,
Knox County reserves the right to remove the vendor from the County's bidder's list for twenty-four (24)
months.
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1.31 VENDOR REGISTRATION: Prior to the opening of this bid, ALL BIDDERS must be registered with the
Procurement Division. A vendor application may be submitted at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement. Select
the On-Line Vendor Registration link and complete the forms. Vendors must be registered with the
Procurement Division prior to submitting their bid. Knox County shall not be responsible for technical
difficulties experienced by vendors trying to register less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the bid opening
time.
1.32 WAIVING OF INFORMALITIES: Knox County reserves the right to waive minor informalities or technicalities
when it is in the best interest of Knox County.
SECTION II OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES
These terms and conditions shall be part of the Contract. Knox County reserves the right to negotiate other
terms and conditions it deems appropriate and necessary under the circumstances to protect the public's
trust.
2.1 ALTERATIONS OR AMENDMENTS: No alterations, amendments, changes, modifications, or additions to
this Contract shall be binding on Knox County without the prior written approval of the County.
2.2 APPROPRIATION: In the event no funds are appropriated by Knox County for the goods or services in any
fiscal year, or insufficient funds exist to purchase the goods or services, then the Contract shall expire upon
the expenditure of previously appropriated funds or the end of the current fiscal year, whichever occurs first,
with no further obligations owed to or by either party.
2.3 ASSIGNMENT: Contractor shall not assign or subcontract this agreement, its obligations, or rights hereunder
to any party, company, partnership, incorporation, or person without the prior written specific consent of Knox
County.
2.4 BOOKS AND RECORDS: Contractor shall maintain all books, documents, accounting records and other
evidence pertaining to the goods and services provided under this Contract and make such materials available
at its offices at all reasonable times during the Contract period and for five (5) years from the date of the final
payment under this agreement for inspection by County or by any other governmental entity or agency
participating in the funding of this agreement, or any authorized agents thereof; copies of said records to be
furnished if requested. Such records shall not include those books, documents and accounting records that
represent the Contractor's costs of manufacturing, acquiring, or delivering the products and services governed
by this agreement.
2.5 CHILD LABOR: Contractor agrees that no products or services will be provided or performed under this
Contract that have been manufactured or assembled by child labor.
2.6 COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS: Contractor is assumed to be familiar with and agrees to observe and
comply with all Federal, State, and Local laws, statutes, ordinances, and regulations in any manner affecting
the provision of goods and/or services, and all instructions and prohibitive orders issued regarding this work
and shall obtain all necessary permits.
2.7 DEFAULT: If Contractor fails to perform or comply with any provision of this Contract or the terms or
conditions of any documents referenced and made a part hereof, Knox County may terminate this Contract, in
whole or in part, and may consider such failure or noncompliance a breach of Contract. Knox County expressly
retains all its rights and remedies provided by law in case of such breach; and no action by Knox County shall
constitute a waiver of any such rights or remedies. In the event of termination for default, Knox County
reserves the right to purchase its requirements elsewhere, with or without competitive bidding.
2.8 GOVERNING LAW; VENUE: This agreement shall be exclusively construed, governed, and controlled by the
Laws of the State of Tennessee without regard to principles of law, including conflicts of law, of any other
jurisdiction, territory, country, and/or province. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement shall
exclusively be brought in the Chancery Court or the Circuit Court of Knox County, Tennessee. Each party
consents to personal jurisdiction thereto and waives any defenses based on personal jurisdiction, venue, and
inconvenient forum.
2.9 INCORPORATION: All specifications, drawings, technical information, Invitation for Bid, Bid, Award and
similar items referred to or attached or which are the basis for this Contract are deemed incorporated by
reference as if set out fully herein.
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2.10 INDEMNIFICATION/HOLD HARMLESS: Contractor shall indemnify, defend, save, and hold harmless Knox
County, its officers, agents and employees from all suits, claims, actions, or damages of any nature brought
because of, arising out of, or due to breach of the agreement by Contractor, its subcontractors, suppliers,
agents, or employees or due to any negligent act or occurrence or any omission or commission of Contractor,
its subcontractors, suppliers, agents, or employees.
2.11 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: Contractor shall acknowledge that it and its employees serve as
independent contractors and that Knox County shall not be responsible for any payment, insurance, or
incurred liability.
2.12 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE: Warranty periods shall not commence until Knox County inspects and
formally accepts the goods and/or services. The terms, conditions and timing of acceptance shall be
determined by Knox County. Knox County reserves the right to reject any or all items or services not in
conformance with applicable specifications, and Contractor assumes the costs associated with such
nonconformance. Acceptance of goods or services does not constitute a waiver of latent or hidden defects or
defects not readily detectable by a reasonable person under the circumstances.
2.13 IRAN DIVESTMENT ACT: By submission of this bid, each bidder and each person signing on behalf of any
bidder certifies, and in the case of a joint bid each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty
of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief that each bidder is not on the list created pursuant to
Tennessee Code Annotated 12-12-106.
2.14 LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: In no event shall Knox County be liable for any indirect, incidental,
consequential, special, or exemplary damages or lost profits, even if Knox County has been advised of the
possibility of such damages.
2.15 NO BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL: Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 12, Chapter 4, Part 1, by
submission of a response to this solicitation, each proposer and each person signing on behalf of any
proposer certifies, and in the case of a joint response each party thereto certifies as to its own organization,
under penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief that each proposer is not currently
engaged in, and will not for the duration of the contract engage in, a boycott of Israel.
2.16 NON-DISCRIMINATION AND NON-CONFLICT STATEMENT: Contractor agrees that no person on the
grounds of handicap, age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any individual trait or characteristic
found to be an illegal consideration shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or be
otherwise subjected to discrimination in the performance of this agreement, or in the employment practices of
vendor. Contractor shall upon request show proof of such non-discrimination and shall post in conspicuous
places available to all employees and applicants notices of non-discrimination. Contractor covenants that it
complies with the Fair Wage and Hour Laws, the National Labor Relations Act, and other federal and state
employment laws as applicable. Contractor covenants that it does not engage in any illegal employment
practices.
Contractor covenants that it has no public or private interest and shall not acquire directly or indirectly any
interest that would conflict in any manner with the provision of its goods or performance of its services.
Contractor warrants that no part of the total Contract amount provided herein shall be paid directly or indirectly to
any officer or employee of Knox County as wages, compensation, or gifts in exchange for acting as officer,
agent, employee, subcontractor, or consultant to Contractor in connection with any goods provided or work
contemplated or performed relative to the agreement.
2.17 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE: In the event of inconsistent or conflicting provision of this Contract and
referenced documents, the following descending order of precedence shall prevail: (1) Item Description, (2)
Invitation for Bid, (3) Bid Response, (4) Award, (5) Special Terms and Conditions, (6) General Terms and
Conditions, (7) Specifications, (8) Drawings.
2.18 REMEDIES: Knox County shall have all rights and remedies afforded under the U.C.C. and Tennessee law in
Contract and in tort, including but not limited to rejection of goods, rescission, and right of set-off, refund,
incidental, consequential, and compensatory damages, and reasonable attorney's fees.
2.19 RIGHT TO INSPECT: Knox County reserves the right to make periodic inspections of the manner and means
the service is performed or the goods are supplied and warehoused.
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2.20 SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this Contract is declared illegal, void, or unenforceable, the remaining
provisions shall not be affected but shall remain in force and in effect.
2.21 TAX COMPLIANCE: Pursuant to Resolution R-07-1-903 passed by the Commission of Knox County,
Tennessee, Contractor hereby acknowledges, by submission of its bid, (or proposal), and signature, it is
current in its respective Federal, State, County, and City taxes of whatever kind or nature, and is not
delinquent in any way. Delinquent status must be disclosed or risk debarment by the Knox County
Procurement Division.
2.22 TERMINATION: County may terminate this agreement with or without cause at any time, upon thirty (30)
calendar days' written notice (email). In the event of termination by either party, fees due for services
satisfactorily performed or goods accepted prior to the termination date shall be paid.
2.23 WARRANTY: Contractor warrants to Knox County that all items delivered and all services rendered shall
conform to the specifications, drawings, bid and/or other descriptions furnished and/or incorporated by
reference, and will be fit for the particular purpose purchased of merchantable quality, good workmanship, and
free from defects. Contractor extends to Knox County all warranties allowed under the U.C.C. Contractor shall
provide copies of warranties to the County upon request. Return of merchandise not meeting warranties shall
be at Contractor's expense.
SECTION III SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
3.1 INTENT: The intent of these specifications is to convey to prospective vendors the general type and quality of
Officer Clothing, Vests, Badges and Accessories as desired by Knox County and the Knox County Sheriff's
Office (KCSO). Knox County and KCSO are seeking qualified uniform suppliers experienced in providing law
enforcement clothing and accessories. The successful bidder(s) must have and keep an adequate inventory
of the Knox County Sheriff's Office and the Knox County Juvenile Service Center uniforms at all times. Award
will be based on Best Value. Best Value means more than low cost. It includes the initial cost, service quality,
and other factors detailed herein. Award will be based on Best Value.
3.2 ACCEPTANCE: Bidders are advised that the payment of an invoice does not necessarily constitute as an
acceptance of products/services that are provided. Acceptance requires a specific written action by Knox
County so stating.
3.3 ADDITIONS/DELETIONS OF GOODS/SERVICES: Knox County reserves the right to add goods and/or
services to this term bid or delete goods and/or services that Knox County deems necessary. Any
additions/deletions must be approved in writing by Knox County Procurement prior to any changes in service.
3.4 AWARD LENGTH: The length of this Contract will be one (1) year with the option to renew upon mutual
consent of both parties. The term agreement may be renewed for four (4) one-year periods, one (1) year at a
time, for a total of five (5) years. Knox County reserves the right to purchase these services from other sources
if the need arises. Knox County reserves the right to revoke the award if a pattern of unavailability arises with
the vendor.
3.5 BACKGROUND CHECKS: A Knox County Sheriff's Office background check may be a requirement for all
employees of the vendor's staff providing services to the Knox County Sheriff's Office. Certain felony
convictions will prohibit individuals from servicing this department. The successful vendor will be required to
submit a list of all employees that will be servicing the Knox County Sheriff's Office account. This list must be
kept current and include the full name, current address, social security number, driver's license number and
phone number of each employee. All associated cost for background checks will be the responsibility of Knox
County.
3.6 BID EVALUATION: In evaluating the bids, Knox County reserves the right to use any or all of the ideas from
the bids submitted without limitation and to accept any part or the entire successful bid in selecting an
operation which is judged to be in the best interest of Knox County. All material submitted becomes the
property of Knox County.
3.7 BIDDER OBLIGATION: Each bidder shall become fully acquainted with conditions relating to the scope and
restrictions attending the execution of the work under this IFB. The failure or omission of a bidder to become
acquainted with existing conditions shall no way relieve the bidder of any obligations with respect to this IFB or
to the Contract.
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3.8 CHANGES AFTER AWARD: It is possible that after award, Knox County might change its needs or
requirements. Knox County reserves the right to make such changes after consultation with the vendor.
Should additional costs arise, Knox County reserves the right to consider accepting these charges provided
the vendor can document the increased costs. Knox County reserves the right to make such changes after
consultation with the vendor. Knox County also reserves the right to accept proposed service changes from
the vendor if they will lower the cost to Knox County and/or provide improved services.
3.9 COMMUNICATIONS: The successful execution of this Contract will require extensive communication between
all parties involved. While information may be transmitted via telephone, it should always be followed up with
an e-mail. The Contractor will be required to submit a list of individuals, along with direct phone numbers, cell
phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for the agency contacts. These individuals must be familiar with the Knox
County Contract and have the authority to make adjustments as requested by Knox County.
3.10 COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: Vendor agrees and covenants the company, its
agents and employees will comply with all City, County, State and Federal codes, laws, rules, and regulations
applicable to the business to be conducted under this Contract. If the Vendor performs any work knowing it to be
contrary to such laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, the Vendor shall bear all costs arising from them.
3.11 CONTACT PERSONNEL: It shall be essential to the success of this Contract to develop a good working
relationship with the Contractor(s). It is imperative that the Knox County account be handled efficiently and
professionally. Knox County should be assigned no more than two (2) Contractor contacts to handle billing
inquiries and service-related issues. In the event one (1) or both contacts leave the Knox County account, the
Contractor shall formally introduce the new contact(s) to County personnel. Any newly appointed contacts
must be knowledgeable of the County's account to avoid any interruption of service.
3.12 DELIVERY TIME: Vendors must state the number of business days until delivery after receipt of a signed
purchase order. Vendors must state an exact number of days until delivery of equipment. Vendor must not
state a range of days (e.g.: 30-60 days). For example, an unacceptable answer is "30-60 business days."
Vendors must be specific and state either "30 business days" or "60 business days." If vendor states a range
of days, Knox County will base their answer on the maximum number of days provided. Vendors shall state
accurate lead times as Knox County reserves the right to cancel orders with no obligation when delivery time is
exceeded.
3.13 DESTINATION AND DELIVERY: Bidders must include all destination and delivery charges in their price.
There will be no extra hidden charges.
3.14 DISCONTINUED ITEMS: Vendors must notify the Knox County Procurement Division of any item number
changes throughout the term of the bid. Successful vendor(s) must submit updates notifying the
Procurement Division of item number changes. Failure not to immediately notify the Procurement
Division may be just cause for termination.
3.15 EVALUATION CRITERIA: This bid will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Price 70 Points
Available Inventory 15 Points
Accessibility of Locations 10 Points
References 5 Points
3.16 EVALUATION REVIEW: Knox County reserves the right to use all pertinent information that might affect the
County's judgment as to the appropriateness of an award to the best evaluated bidder. This information may
be appended to the bid evaluation process results. Information on a service provider from reliable sources,
and not within the service provider's bid, may also be noted and made part of the evaluation file. Knox County
shall have sole responsibility for determining a reliable source. Knox County reserves the right to conduct
written and/or oral discussions/interviews after the bid opening. The purpose of such discussions/interviews is
to provide clarification and/or additional information to make an award that is in the best interest of Knox
County.
3.17 ENTRANCE TO KNOX COUNTY SITES: Only authorized employees of the successful vendor are allowed
on the premises of Knox County sites. Vendor employees are not to be accompanied in their work area by
acquaintances, family members, assistants or any person unless said person is an authorized employee of the
vendor. Visual employee identification is greatly encouraged. (e.g. uniform, badge.)
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All vendor employees entering a secure area must pass a background check authorizing clearance and
completion of a Vendor orientation, if required, prior to having authorization onto the property.
3.18 FUEL CHARGES: Contractor, at its own expense, is liable for all fuel costs related to performance. No fuel
surcharges will be accepted or paid by Knox County.
3.19 GRATUITIES AND KICKBACKS: It shall be a breach of ethical standards for any person or company to offer,
give, or agree to give any employee or former employee, or for any employee or former employee to solicit,
demand, accept, or agree to accept from another person, a gratuity or an offer of employment in connection with
any decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a program requirement or a
purchase request, influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice,
investigation, auditing or in any other advisory capacity in any proceeding or application, request for ruling,
determination, claim, or controversy or other particular matter, pertaining to any program requirement of a
contract or subcontract or to any solicitation or proposal therefore. It shall be a breach of ethical standards for
any payment, gratuity or offer of employment to be made by or on behalf of a subcontractor under a contract
to the prime contractor or higher tier subcontractor or a person associated therewith, as an inducement for the
award of a subcontract or order.
Breach of the provisions of this paragraph is, in addition to a breach of this Contract, a breach of ethical
standards which may result in civil or criminal sanction and/or debarment or suspension from being a
contractor or subcontractor under Knox County contracts.
3.20 INTERPRETATION: No oral interpretation will be made to any bidder regarding the meaning of specifications.
All questions are to be submitted in writing or electronically (email) and will be answered in the form of an
amendment to the solicitation by the Knox County Procurement Division.
3.21 INVOICE DETAIL: Knox County is requesting invoices to show the following detail to help expedite review
and payment. The Contractor(s) may be required to modify invoicing procedures to show the detail. All
potential Contractors are hereby cautioned that Knox County will only pay from original invoices and not
facsimiles or copies. Invoices which do not adhere to these details may be returned to the Contractor for
correction.
3.21.1 The invoice must show the amount due to the Contractor by Knox County;
3.21.2 The invoice must show an itemized detail of items;
3.21.3 Invoices are to be original and uniquely pre-numbered;
3.21.4 Invoices which do not show this information are subject to rejection;
3.22 INVOICE REVIEW: Knox County shall review all invoices for adherence to the terms and conditions of the
Contract. Variations from the Contract and Contract pricing are strictly prohibited.
Any variations found on the invoice will result in the rejection of those invoices. Rejected invoices will be
returned to the Contractor(s) for correction. If a discount for prompt payment is offered, the timeline does not
commence until Knox County receives a correct invoice.
3.23 INVOICING: All invoices shall be mailed in duplicate to the Knox County Sheriff's Office, 400 Main Street,
Suite L-149, Knoxville, TN 37902. All invoices must show the purchase order number or contract number.
Without this information, the invoice may be rejected for payment. Invoices can also be emailed to
invoices@knoxsherrif.org.
3.24 LOCAL PRESENCE: Due to the nature of the items being bid, Knox County requires all bidders to have a
location within the corporate boundaries of Knox County. This is to ensure that employees of the Knox County
Sheriff's Office, or any other using Knox County department, can either visit the Contractor location for
measurement or that the Contractor can go to the using department to obtain measurements, if required.
Bidders shall list all store locations as well as office hours in Section VI of their response.
3.25 MANUFACTURER AND ITEM NUMBER: Vendor must indicate the manufacturer and item number of the
Inmate Mattress being bid. The phrases "as specified" or "as requested" are not acceptable. Failure to include
the manufacturer and item number may result in the bid being non-responsive and disqualified.
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3.26 MOST FAVORABLE PRICING: Contractor agrees to guarantee that Knox County will receive the lowest
price offered by your company for similar services and products. If at any time during the Contract period your
company offers a lower price to another customer and prior notification of said price reduction is not properly
communicated to Knox County, upon discovery Knox County reserves the right to take any or all of the
following actions:
3.26.1 Cancel the Contract, if it is currently in effect;
3.26.2 Determine the amount that the participating agency was overcharged and submit a request for
payment from the Contractor for that amount;
3.27 NEWS RELEASES BY VENDORS: As a matter of policy, Knox County does not endorse the services of a
Contractor. A Contractor will not make news releases concerning any resultant contract from this solicitation
without the prior written approval of Knox County.
3.28 NO CONTACT POLICY: After the date and time that the vendor receives this solicitation, any contact initiated
by any bidder with any Knox County representative, other than the Procurement Division representative listed
herein, concerning this Invitation for Bid, is strictly prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may cause the
disqualification of the bidder from this procurement transaction.
3.29 OFFER WITHDRAWAL: No bid can be withdrawn after it is filed unless the bidder makes a request in writing
to the Knox County Procurement Division prior to the time set for the opening of bid or unless the County fails
to accept within ninety (90) business days after the date fixed for opening the Invitation for Bid.
3.30 OPEN RECORDS ACT: Knox County is subject to the Tennessee Open Records Act 10-7-503 et seq.
Bidders are cautioned that all documents submitted on behalf of this Invitation for Bid shall be open to the
public for viewing and inspection and Knox County will comply with all legitimate requests. Submission of your
bid will be an acknowledgement to this provision.
3.31 PRICING: The bidder warrants that the unit price stated shall remain firm for a period of twelve (12) months
from the first day of the contract period. After the first contract year (and each subsequent year thereafter),
the contractor(s) written request for a price increase must be given to Knox County to consider. Such a
request shall include a minimum:
* The cause for the adjustment.
* The amount of the change requested with documentation to support the requested adjustment.
Price increases will only be considered during the renewal period(s) which is approximately ninety (90) days
prior to expiration. If the price increase rejected the contractor may:
* Continue with the existing prices
* Request a lower price increase
* Not accept the renewal offer
If a price increase is approved by Knox County and the Knox County Sheriff's Office, the approval notification
will be done in writing and the contractor will be notified of the new price schedule and effective date of
increase. This documentation will become part of the bid file. No approvals will be authorized verbally.
3.32 QUANTITIES: Knox County does not guarantee any quantities of goods will be ordered under this
agreement. Goods will be ordered on an as-needed basis.
3.33 REFERENCES: Vendors must submit a list of three (3) references with which you have placed this type of
service within the past three (3) years. Show the name of the agency or institution, person to contact, their
telephone number, current email address and the nature and size of the contract. Do not list Knox County
Government, Knox County Sheriff's Office or any sub-agencies as a reference. Vendor must provide email
address for contact.
3.34 REJECTION OF BIDS: Knox County reserves the right to reject any and all bids received as a result of this
request and to waive any informality, technical defect, or clerical error in any bid, as the interests of the County
may require. Non-acceptance of any bid will be devoid of any criticism of the bid and of any implication that the
bid is deficient in any manner. Non-acceptance of any bid shall be construed as meaning simply that the
County does not deem the bid to be acceptable or that another bid was deemed to be more advantageous to
Knox County for the particular services proposed.
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3.35 REMOVAL OF CONTRACTORS EMPLOYEES: The Contractor(s) agrees to utilize only experienced
responsible and capable people in the performance of the work. Knox County may require that the successful
Contractor(s) remove from the job covered by this Contract, employees who endanger persons or property or
whose continued employment under this Contract is inconsistent with the interest of Knox County.
3.36 SAMPLES: Bidder may be required to submit samples of each brand bid. Each individual sample must be
labeled with the bidder's name, manufacturer brand name and item number as it pertains to the bid. When
samples are called for, they must be furnished free of expense and if not destroyed in testing will, upon
request, be returned at the bidder's expense. A request for the return of samples must be made within ten
days following the opening of bids. Do not send samples with the bid. The Procurement Division will notify
bidder when to submit their samples, if required.
3.37 SUBMIT QUESTIONS: Prospective bidders may submit questions concerning this solicitation until April 21,
2026 @ 4:30 p.m. local time. All questions must be submitted in writing as directed in Section 1.1. Questions
received after this date and time will not be considered. All questions will be answered in written addenda
issued from the Knox County Procurement Division.
3.38 SUBSTITUTIONS: Any substitutions must be approved by the Knox County Sheriff's Office or their designee
prior to delivery. Delivery of a substituted item without prior notification is at the Contractor's risk and refusal to
accept the substituted item will be at the Contractor's expense.
SECTION IV SPECIFICATIONS
For evaluation purposes, the following products shall be priced using the bidder's discount percentage off list price of
current year catalog. Due to the nature of this solicitation and the large variety of items that could be available, Knox
County is requesting pricing on the following items.
4.1 UNIFORM:
* BLAUER: FLEXRS Short Sleeve ShirtBLAUER: FLEXRS Cargo Pocket Pant
* BLAUER: FLEXRS 5 Pocket Tactical Pant
* SOFTSHELL: Fleece Jacket
* BLAUER: Long Sleeve Supershirt
* BLAUER: 6 Pocket Polyester Pants
* 511: Stryke Pant 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton Mechanical Stretch Flex-Tac ripstop, 6.8 oz. Teflon Finish
* BLAUER: 4 Pocket Polyester Pants
* BLAUER: FLEXRS Short Sleeve Armorskin Base Shirt
* BOOTS : 5.11 ATAC, choice of 6 or 8 inch Boot with Side Zip
* PATCH: Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy, Herd's Pride
* TIE: S Broome #90063-61, Clip On
* TIE: S Broome #90111-61, False Neck with Velcro Strip
* POLICE CAP: 8-Point, Bayly #977400
* SHOES: Rocky # 8032, Insulated Waterproof
* DUTY HOLSTER: Gould and Goodrich, Model B29
* HANDCUFFS: S&W Chain and Hinge, Model 100
* SORBTEK EXS Stretch Ripstop Long Sleeve Duty Shirt Dark Navy
* SORBTEK EXS Stretch Ripstop Short Sleeve Duty Shirt Dark Navy
* SORBTEK EXS Stretch Ripstop Internal Cargo Trousers Dark Navy
* SORBTEK EXS Stretch Ripstop Long Sleeve Base Layer Polo Dark Navy
* SORBTEK EXS Stretch Ripstop Short Sleeve Base Layer Polo
* STRATTON HW602-ST68 S-40TB Straw Campaign Hat Gray
* Navy Flying Cross Command Freedom Flex Trousers
* Flying Cross Men's Long Sleeve Command Zip Front Shirt Dark Navy
* Men's 4-button Single Breast Poly/Wool Coat With Gold Shank Buttons Dark Navy
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