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Council rejects uniform contract bids after close scoring; local vendor objects
Summary
Following a close evaluation of an RFP for city workwear, council voted 4-3 to reject all bids and reissue the solicitation after testimony from local vendor Groggy Dog arguing the evaluation emphasized elements not specified in the RFP.
The Denton City Council voted to reject all proposals for a city workwear contract and directed staff to restart the RFP process after a close evaluation and public comment from a local bidder.
Purchasing manager Laurie Hill said the RFP was sent to 277 prospective suppliers and drew 10 proposals; staff scored Incentive Brands highest and recommended award for a one-year contract with four one-year extensions not to exceed $3,500,000. Groggy Dog owner Craig Jones told the council his firm scored closely (83.93 to Incentive Brands' 87.07) and argued that some differentiators cited in the evaluation — online storefront functionality and public warehousing — were not required in the RFP scope. "Keep Denton dollars in Denton," Jones said, urging the council to favor local business where possible.
Staff responded that the evaluation considers only what vendors submit and that a post-award notice-of-intent and five-day protest window are part of the process; staff also noted Groggy Dog is an existing city vendor and can request debriefs to improve future proposals. The mayor moved to reject all bids and reissue the RFP; the motion passed 4-3.
Next steps: staff said the city would extend the incumbent contract temporarily while preparing a clarified RFP (staff estimated a typical RFP cycle at 90–120 days).
