SB-I000957A Personal Protective Turn Out Gear and Accessories

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SHELBY COUNTY FIRE
DEPARTMENT PROTECTIVE COAT AND PANTS, HOOD, HELMET,
BOOTS, AND GLOVES FOR STRUCTURAL FIRE FIGHTING
SECTION 1- GENERAL INFORMATION
SCOPE AND PURPOSE
The following specification describes the minimum requirements for the materials, design and
construction of protective clothing ensembles, excluding head and hands, affording protection against
the adverse hazards associated with Structural Firefighting activities and certain other emergency
operations as defined by NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting,
effective as of September 2025.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
DELIVERY OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ENSEMBLES
Delivery of 36 complete sets of protective coats, pants, hoods, boots, suspenders, helmets with shields
and gloves. Delivery of 36 complete sets of gear shall be no more than seventy (70) days from the date
when the custom fitting of gear on each firefighter is completed by the vendor or by no later than June
30, 2026.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
THERMAL PROTECTIVE PERFORMANCE
The garment composite, consisting of the outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner, shall provide a
Thermal Protective Performance (TPP), as received, of not less than 45 when tested in accordance with
NFPA 1971 standard. This is a minimum requirement; no exceptions shall be considered.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
TOTAL HEAT LOSS (THL)
The garment composite, consisting of the outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner, shall provide a
Total Heat Loss (THL), as received, of not less than 275 when tested in accordance with NFPA 1971
standard. This is a minimum requirement; no exceptions shall be considered.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
CONDUCTIVE AND COMPRESSIVE HEAT RESISTANCE (CCHR)
Using approved breathable materials, there shall be a minimum area of 4" x 4" at the shoulders that
provide a minimum of 25 CCHR at 2 psi, and a minimum 6" x 6" area at the knees that provide 25 CCHR
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at 8 psi. All three compression areas shall be constructed of high temperature fiber-based materials and
sewn to the thermal liner on the inside of the liner toward the moisture barrier.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
THIRD PARTY TESTING
All components used in the construction of these garments shall be tested for compliance to NFPA
Standard #1971, effective October 1, 2025, by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Underwriters
Laboratories shall certify and list compliance to that standard. Such certification shall be denoted by
the Underwriters Laboratories certification label.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
ISO CERTIFICATION / REGISTRATION
The protective clothing manufacturer shall be certified and registered to ISO Standard 9001 to assure a
satisfactory level of quality.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
WARRANTY
The manufacturer shall warrant these jackets and pants to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for the NFPA assumed life of the gear (10 years) when properly used and cared for.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
LABELING
Each garment shall have a garment label(s) permanently and conspicuously attached stating at least the
following language:
DO NOT REMOVE THIS LABEL
THIS GARMENT MEETS THE GARMENT REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 1971,
STANDARD ON PROTECTIVE ENSEMBLE FOR
STRUCTURAL FIRE FIGHTING, (current edition)
Additionally, the label(s) shall include the following information:
Underwriters Laboratories classified mark
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Manufacturer's name
Manufacturer's address
Manufacturer's garment identification number
Optional Bar Code/QR Code
Date of manufacture
Outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier materials used.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
SIZING BY VENDOR
The vendor shall be available to perform all sizing requirements within ten (10) days after the notice to
award the bid has been made.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
SECTION 2 - COMPONENTS
THREAD
Garment shall be assembled using only 100% NOMEX Thread. This is a minimum requirement: no
exceptions shall be considered.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
HOOK AND LOOP
All references to hook and loop fasteners will be defined as Flame Resistant hook and loop and shall be
black in color.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
OUTER SHELL MATERIAL
The outer shell shall be a twill weave fabric or rip-stop weave made of at least 80% Nomex/Kevlar with an
approximate weight of 6.5 ounces per square yard. The outer shell will be treated with a durable water
repellent finish. The entire outer shell shall be black.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
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THERMAL LINER
The thermal liner shall be Glide Ice layer, or equivalent. Thermal liner shall be no more than 7.4 ounces
per square yard in weight. Must comply with current NFPA 1971 and NFPA 1851 standards for thermal
protection and cleaning.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
MOISTURE BARRIER
The moisture barrier shall be Crosstech Black 2F or equivalent. Must comply with current NFPA 1971
and NFPA 1851 standards for thermal protection and cleaning.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
SECTION 3 - COAT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
COAT CONSTRUCTION
The body of the shell shall be constructed of five separate body panels consisting of two front panels, two
side panels, and one back panel and shall be joined together by stitching with NOMEX thread. The body
panels shall be shaped to provide a tailored fit thereby enhancing mobility.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
SIZING
The coats will be available in numeric sizing with 2-inch chest increments and graduated sleeve length
measurements for best fit. The length of the coat will be measured from the base of the collar on back to
the bottom of the lower hem to ensure required minimum overlap of the pants. 30" coat is standard. 26",
28", 32", 34" and 36" coats also offered. Generalized sizing, such as small, medium, large, etc., will not
be considered acceptable. All patterns will be graded to size to ensure proper fit.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
LINER SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION
The thermal liner will be sewn to the moisture barrier at its perimeter with the breathable membrane
oriented inward toward the thermal liner and away from the outer shell. The thermal liner and moisture
barrier shall be stitched together and turned and top stitched to create a self-binding. The cuffs of the
coat and pant liner system will have an anti-wicking binding to eliminate the possibility of wicking
contaminants. The moisture barrier/thermal liner shall finish no more than 1" from the cuffs and 2" from
the hem. There will be an extra internal layer of thermal liner material sewn on the shoulder area of the
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liner system for increased protection and insulation. The extra layer will be sewn to the thermal liner layer
only.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
MOISTURE BARRIER / THERMAL LINER ATTACHMENT
The thermal liner and moisture barrier shall be completely removable from the coat shell. Strips of 12
inch wide FR hook and loop shall secure the thermal liner/moisture barrier to the outer shell along the
length of the neckline under the collar and four l" x 2" minimum retention tabs of hook and loop up high
in the collar assembly spaced evenly side-to-side. The loop portion of the hook and loop shall be attached
to the liner system with the hook fastener attached to the outer shell. The thermal liner assembly shall go
completely into the collar area to create a seamless level of protection from the top of the collar, all the
way down to the bottom of the coat in one liner assembly. The remainder of the thermal liner/moisture
barrier shall be secured with a minimum of five snap fasteners appropriately spaced on each coat facing
and full zippers at each sleeve end. The thermal liner and moisture barrier shall be completely removable
from the pant shell. Snap fasteners shall be evenly spaced along the waistband to secure the thermal
liner/moisture barrier to the shell. The legs of the thermal liner/moisture barrier shall be secured to the
shell by means of two snap fasteners per leg.
The liner system will have an oversized opening located just above the rear bottom hem for the purpose
of internal inspection. The opening will measure at least 16" inch and secure by means of a zipper. This
opening will be such that it is covered with a finished flap of thermal liner material while being worn but
is easily accessible under that flap for inspection. There shall be no break in the thermal liner assembly
in any way while being worn, both for safety and comfort.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
DRAG RESCUE DEVICE (DRD)
A removable Firefighter Drag Rescue Device shall be installed in each coat. This DRD shall be of a single
loop design. Two ends of approved material will be sewn together to form a continuous loop. The DRD
will be installed in the coat between the liner system and outer shell such that when properly installed
will loop around each arm. The strap will run through a reinforced high-point hole location located on the
upper back of the coat, below the neckline, and centered to be accessible while wearing SCBA. The DRD
material shall be sewn in such a way as to have a "handle" easily gripped with glove hands. This portion
shall be on the outside of the coat through centered hole location and shall secure to the outside of the
coat with two small patches of hook and loop material. The opening and "handle" shall be covered by a
flap of outer shell material and shall feature reflective lettering stating "DRD", or, at a minimum,
have a reflective patch for ease of visibility.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
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COLLAR AND THROAT TAB
The collar of the coat shall measure not less than three inches in height and will be graded to size. The
collar will be a four-layer construction with two outside layers of outer shell material encapsulating the
same components as thermal liner assembly inside. The collar shall extend to the leading edges of the
coat front body panels so that no gap occurs at the throat area. The throat tab will be a four-layer
construction with two layers of outer shell material encapsulating same components as thermal liner
assembly. The throat tab shall be of an offset vee design for proper interface with an SCBA mask. (Option
for 3" arced tab design as well). The throat tab will be attached to the forward left front side of the collar.
The throat tab will be secured when closed with FR hook and loop. A 1 inch by 3 inches, minimum, FR
loop will be sewn to the inside leading edge of the throat tab. A corresponding piece of FR hook measuring
1 inches by 3 inches, minimum, shall be sewn vertically to the right outside leading edge of the collar for
closure. There shall be a similar section of FR hook on the outside of the left collar rearward from the
throat tab attachment point so the throat tab can be rolled back and stowed when not in use.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
PLEATED BACK
The back of the jacket will have two 2" outward facing vertical pleats sewn into the jacket outer shell. The
pleats will extend from the top of the shoulder seam near the sleeves and will extend down the sides of
the jacket to just below the bottom of the arm attachment points. The thermal liner assembly shall have
two corresponding pleats to avoid bulk in the shoulder area. The shell and liner pleats will help enhance
mobility.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
SLEEVES
The sleeves shall be of multi-panel construction and ergonomic design to follow the natural form of the
arm. The outer shell material shall be sewn in a "cupped" design on the outside of the elbow area to allow
for better conformation to the elbow and ease of mobility.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
ELBOW REINFORCEMENTS
The elbows of the coat shall be reinforced with Ara-shield, or equivalent polymer coated kevlar with a
minimum rating of 16.5 oz/yd squared. Elbow reinforcement material shall be sewn in a "cupped" design
on the outside of the elbow area to allow for better conformation to the elbow and ease of mobility.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
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SLEEVE CUFF REINFORCEMENT
The sleeve cuffs shall be reinforced with black Ara-shield, or equivalent polymer coated kevlar with a
minimum rating of 16.5 oz/yd squared. The cuff reinforcements shall not be less than 2 inches in width
and folded in half, approximately one half inside and one half outside the sleeve end for greater strength
and abrasion resistance.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
WRISTLETS
Each coat shall be equipped with full knit wristlets, with a fully finished, reinforced thumbhole design.
These shall be of appropriate length and thumbhole positioned properly for comfort and best protection.
The wristlets shall be sewn to the sleeve end of the thermal liner assembly and shall be black in color.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
STORM FLAP
The storm flap will be centered over the left and right side body panels to ensure there is no interruption
in thermal or moisture protection. The storm flap will consist of same components as thermal liner
assembly sandwiched between 2 layers of outer shell material. The storm flap shall extend the full length
of the front of the coat from bottom of collar, to bottom hem of coat to insure no gaps.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
STASH POCKET
Under the storm flap in the upper chest area will be a stash pocket located under the left front body
panel. The pocket opening shall measure approximately 5-inches long. The inside pocket shall measure
approximately 5-inches by 8-inches. The pocket shall be located between the outer shell and the liner
system. This pocket will allow for storage of items for easy access without zipping open coat.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
STORM FLAP AND COAT FRONT CLOSURE SYSTEM
The coat shall be closed by means of either a zipper, hook and dee rings or equivalent positive closure
and hook and loop. Heavy duty high-temp polymer zipper of appropriate length for coat length, or a
minimum of 4 hook and dee rings with the hooks on the wearer's left and rings on the right, not exposed
on the coat fronts and FR hook and loop on the storm flap. The storm flap shall close centered over the
positive closure securing the left and right coat body panels and shall be secured with FR hook and loop
anchored on the wearer's left and closing to the right. Length of FR hook and loop shall be appropriate
for the length of coat and run the full length of the storm flap vertically. An appropriate length of FR loop
shall be installed along the underside leading edge of the storm flap. A corresponding appropriate length
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of FR hook shall be sewn to the front body panel and positioned to engage the loop when the storm flap
is closed.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Complian
BELLOWS/HANDWARMER
Each coat will be equipped with Bellows/Handwarmer pockets on the left side and right side of the front
of the coat. The pockets shall be located at the bottom of the coat near the storm flap and be stitched to
the respective body panels. Reflective trim shall run over the bottom of the pockets so as not to interrupt
the trim stripe. Two sewn drain eyelets shall be installed in the bottom of each expansion pocket to
facilitate drainage of water. The pockets shall be lined with KEVLAR Twill material on the inside. The
pockets shall measure at a minimum 2-inch-deep by 10-inch-wide by 8 inch high. The pocket flaps will
be constructed of two layers of outer shell material and shall measure approximately 5 inches by 12 inch
wider than the pocket. There shall be a strip of Ara-shield or equivalent material centered vertically on
the pocket flap to facilitate easy gripping with a gloved hand. The pocket flap will be secured closed by
means of a horizontal piece of FR hook and loop installed on the leading edge of the underside of the
pocket flap and three evenly spaced vertical tabs of FR hook and loop on the outside upper portion of the
pocket. This facilitates definitive closure, even if the pocket is full.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
FLASHLIGHT STRAP
Each coat shall be equipped with a flashlight strap. An inward facing reverse pant hook shall be attached
to the upper right chest in a vertical position with hook facing down. Below the pant hook will be a strap
constructed of outer shell material to wrap around a flashlight. The strap will have FR hook and loop sewn
to the ends to secure to itself. There will be approximately 4 inches between the pant hook and strap.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
CONVERTIBLE RADIO POCKET
Each coat shall have a pocket designed for the storage of a portable radio. This pocket shall be of box
type construction, stitched to the coat on the left upper chest, and shall have a sewn drainage eyelet in
the bottom of the pocket. The pocket flap shall be constructed of two layers of outer shell material
measuring approximately 5 inches deep and 1/4 inch wider than the pocket. The pocket flap shall be
closed by means of FR hook and loop. There shall be a separate Ara-shield or equivalent tab,
approximately 3/4 inch by 5 inches, sewn centered overlaying the pocket flap vertically. This tab shall
have an independent FR hook and loop closure. This facilitates the convertibility of the radio pocket by
allowing the pocket flap to be stowed internally to allow better access to the radio knobs, while still
securing the radio in the pocket. The pocket shall also have internal FR hook and loop sewn on the front
and back of the pocket to allow for the pocket height to be adjusted internally for different size radios.
This pocket should be Kevlar twill lined. The radio pocket flap will have FR hook and loop along the length
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of its attachment point but be sewn secure at the right corner. This will allow forth flap to be "opened"
and external cord to be secured in it. The flap should be of a design to allow for radio antenna to protrude.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
MIC TAB
A tab shall be constructed to hold a microphone for a portable radio. It shall be sewn to the coat at the
ends only. The microphone tab shall be mounted centered above the radio pocket and shall be
constructed of double layer outer shell material.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
UNITED STATES FLAG
A 2.5" x 3.5" us Flag following Military Stars forward protocol shall be sewn to the left arm. The flag must
be embroidered to a 7.5 oz Nomex plain weave cloth utilizing Tex27 Nomex Thread for the embroidered
stitches.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
REFLECTIVE FLUORESCENT TRIM AND PATTERNS
The retroreflective fluorescent trim shall be approved Triple Trim. Each coat shall have reflective
fluorescent trim sewn to the outside of the outer shell to meet the requirements of NFPA #1971 (current
edition). The trim pattern shall be New York style with two full circumference bands of trim around coat,
one at bottom hem, and one at level of bottom of sleeve attachment; and two full circumference bands
around each sleeve, one above the elbow, and one near the cuff.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
TRIM MATERIAL
The trim material shall be 3M TM ScotchliteTM Reflective Material - 9587 Fluorescent red- orange with
silver Stripe Fire Coat Trim. All 3MTM ScotchliteTM 9500 Series Reflective Materials are complaint to
NFPA 1971, 1951, and 1977, current editions.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
SEWN ON RETROREFLECTIVE LETTERING
Each coat shall have approved 3 inch letters reading "SHELBY COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT" on the
back in 3" Scotchlite red-orange letters. Lettering will also be sewn on to the removeable DropDown
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Name Panel with "FF NAME". Each name panel shall have the last name of the wearer using 3"
Scotchlite red-orange letters.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
SECTION 4 - PANT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
PANT CONSTRUCTION
The pants shall be of multi-panel ergonomic design to provide better mobility and fit.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
SIZING
The Pants shall be available in even size waist measurements and inseam measurements of two inch
increments. Measured and built for each wearer. No generalize sizing.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
LINER SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION
The thermal liner will be sewn to the moisture barrier at its perimeter with the breathable membrane
oriented inward toward the thermal liner and away from the outer shell. The thermal liner and moisture
barrier shall be stitched together and turned and top stitched to create a self- binding along the waist.
The cuffs of the pant liner will be bound with anti-wicking material to avoid wicking of contaminants.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
MOISTURE BARRIER / THERMAL LINER ATTACHMENT
The thermal liner and moisture barrier shall be completely removable from the pant shell. Evenly spaced
snap fasteners shall be spaced along the waistband to secure the thermal liner/moisture barrier to the
shell. The legs of the thermal liner/moisture barrier shall be secured to the shell by means of two snap
fasteners per leg located at the side seams.
_____ Compliant _____ Non-Compliant
INSPECTION PORTAL (PANT)
The liner system will have an oversized opening located at the top rear hem of the pant for the purpose
of internal inspection. The opening will measure approximately 12 inches long. The opening will be
secured with a zipper. This opening will be such that it is covered with a finished flap of thermal liner
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