County Commissioners Award Uniform Contract to Curtis Blue Line Amid Protest

The Ada County Board of Commissioners made a significant decision during their open business meeting on August 26, 2025, regarding the awarding of a contract for the County Sheriff's Office uniforms. The board rejected a protest from Uniforms to Gear, which sought confirmation on a proposed $20 MSRP for alterations, arguing that the contract should be locked in at that price. However, the board clarified that the bidding process utilized a percentage discount model rather than a fixed price, emphasizing that the actual costs of alterations could vary.

The board's decision to deny the protest was based on the evaluation team's recommendation, which highlighted that Uniforms to Gear did not present the highest total estimated savings. Instead, the contract was awarded to Curtis Blue Line, the lowest responsive bidder, which offered substantial discounts across various manufacturers. Notably, discounts ranged from 25% to 90% on alterations, with Curtis Blue Line providing a 100% discount on pant hems and a 90% discount on several other alterations.

The board's actions reflect a commitment to ensuring the best value for taxpayers while adhering to established procurement processes. The decision to award the contract to Curtis Blue Line is expected to result in significant savings for the county, reinforcing the importance of competitive bidding in public contracts.