SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize purchase orders to JB Edwards, Solseen LLC dba Big T Printing, Vampt Co., and Young Guns Embroidery Inc. for Citywide Custom Apparel Services in the cumulative annual amount of $385,000.00, for initial term July 17, 2026 through July 16, 2027, with four, one-year renewal options pursuant to Request for Proposal (RFP) 14-26 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Request for Proposal (RFP) #14-26, Citywide Custom Apparel Services, was issued on March 27, 2026, and 12 proposals were received by the April 28, 2026-submission deadline. A team of city staff representing Parks & Recreation, Public Communications, Public Works and Solid Waste & Recycling, evaluated each of the proposals and recommended award to the highest-ranked firms listed below:
• JB Edwards of Clearwater, FL
• Solseen LLC dba Big T Printing of St Petersburg, FL
• Vampt Co of St. Petersburg, FL
• Young Guns Embroidery Inc. of Oldsmar, FL
The contract provides for the citywide purchase of custom apparel and related customization services, including screen printing, embroidery, patches, high-visibility apparel, uniforms, special event apparel, and other branded clothing items for city departments. The solicitation was structured to allow for multiple awards to ensure product availability, competitive pricing, vendor responsiveness, and flexibility in meeting varying departmental apparel needs throughout the contract term.
Pricing is based on percentage discounts from manufacturer suggested retail pricing (MSRP) or vendor catalog pricing. Multiple awards provide departments with flexibility in selecting vendors based on their operational needs. No minimum quantity of work is guaranteed under the contract.
The contract term is for one year with four one-year renewal options. The estimated annual citywide expenditure is $385,000.00, subject to budget availability and departmental needs.
Staff recommends awarding contracts to JB Edwards, Solseen LLC dba Big T Printing, Vampt Co., and Young Guns Embroidery Inc. for Citywide Custom Apparel Services in a combined annual not-to-exceed amount of $385,000.00.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is available in various cost codes of the Parks and Recreation, Public Utilities, and Public Works departments. The operations of Parks and Recreation and certain divisions of Public Works (Urban Forestry, Streets & Sidewalks, Traffic Engineering) are funded by revenues from the General Fund. The operations of Public Utilities (Water and Sewer) and Public Works-Stormwater Division are funded by revenues from their respective Utility Enterprise Funds.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of the purchase order supports several Strategic Plan Objectives, including:
• 1.1: Provide evidence-based measurement tools to continually guide municipal performance and promote accountable governance.
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
