The Alaska Department of Public Safety is searching for distinctively Northern clothes including a selection of fur caps.
The intention to purchase the hats, which are outlined in State open notice soliciting suggestions, isn’t about making an appearance. It’s more about properly preparing public-safety workers who are working in the harsh Alaska climate, said Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Alaska State Troopers.
The state has long provided fur trapper-style hats as part of the standard uniform for troopers, McDaniel said.
“While certain Troopers are local craftsmen from their area wear their approved fur hats on their own expense, we also provide Troopers this unique Alaskan uniform for all Troopers as part their uniform,” he said by email. “Troopers face the most harsh environments in the world while they patrol remote areas of Alaska to ensure the safety of the public as well as enforce hunting and fishing rules, and this can be one of those components of clothing that keep troopers warm.”
Similar to troopers working who work in Southeast Alaska might be decked out in fishing gear and rain gear, rubber boots for work in the muddy conditions troopers who work on Interior or Western Alaska can be seen wearing fur hats and parkas similar to the ones department officials are looking to purchase, McDaniel said.
The bid solicitation notice is not specific about the number of fur hats that will be offered, but the department expects to buy approximately 50 per year to outfit new troopers as well as replace worn-out hats that are not longer usable according to the officer.
There are a few specifications regarding the quality of capes the department is looking to purchase, however.
As per the solicitation for proposals the hats have to be made of either beaver or otter fur, and have a an lining of fur around the trim with leather straps and be gender-neutral, weatherproof and waterproof, and capable of surviving temperatures down to below minus 40 degrees Celsius which is less than -40 Fahrenheit, among other characteristics. In general, hats should be able to withstand extreme temperatures while also being in line in design and style with the uniform hats currently worn in uniforms worn by troopers as stated in the request.
Proposals from prospective suppliers are due by January. 12 as per the announcement. The bidders will be able to provide samples of hats. might have to undergo a wear test, in accordance with the solicitation for proposals.
The story was originally published in Alaska Beacon and is republished here with permission.
