Water Handling for Regions 3 and 8

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for "Water Handling for Regions 3 and 8" and aims to establish multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) for local, regional, and nationwide fire suppression, all-hazard incidents, and prescribed fire project work. The agreements may also be used for Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) project work. The government is procuring services to ensure adequate resources are available to meet its needs.

• The solicitation covers various "Resource Categories" including Engines (Type 3, 4, 5, 6) and Water Tenders (Support and Tactical).

• Specific equipment requirements are detailed, including backup alarms, pump capabilities, hose lengths, foam proportioner systems, and vehicle specifications (GVWR, GAWR, tire requirements, braking systems).

• Personnel must meet minimum qualifications and training requirements, including specific certifications and physical fitness tests (Work Capacity Fitness Test).

• Contractors must comply with various regulations, including the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) and H-2B program requirements if applicable.

• The solicitation will result in multiple agreements (I-BPAs).

• The contract type is not explicitly stated as fixed-price or cost-plus, but the "SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS" form suggests it will be for commercial items.

• The estimated value for the NAICS code 115310 (Support Activities for Forestry) is $34,000,000.00.

• The agreement period is for 4 years from the date of award, with annual review modifications.

• Offers must be submitted through the Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) Next Gen System.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on operational acceptability, price reasonableness, and past performance dependability risk.

• A 5% advantage will be applied for socioeconomic categories (HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, 8(A), WOSB, EDWOSB) checked in Block 10 of the SF-1449, up to a cap of 10%.

• The offer due date is May 11, 2026, at 05:00 PM MST.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business (100%).

• Awards will be made to responsible quoters whose quotes are advantageous to the Government.

• Awards to Government employees or entities owned/controlled by Government employees are prohibited.

• The solicitation incorporates by reference FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4.

• Detailed equipment specifications, advantages, and qualifications are provided in various exhibits (A-N).

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment's primary purpose is to correct the end date of the solicitation.

• The specific section or item related to the end date correction is not explicitly detailed, but it is implied to be a critical component of the original solicitation.

• The amendment indicates that the hour and date specified for receipt of offers is not extended, and offers are not extended. Bidders are instructed to acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of their offer. If a bidder wishes to change an offer already submitted due to this amendment, it must be done via letter or electronic communication referencing the solicitation and amendment, and received before the specified opening hour and date.

Amendment / Modification

This document provides administrative corrections to the Water Handling solicitation for 2026. The corrections address typos and conflicting information that could not be updated prior to the current onboarding/rollover modifications.

• D.2.1.2 – Equipment Requirement (WILDLAND ENGINES – MINIMUM STANDARDS):

  • The rated pressure for Type 3 Wildland Engines will be updated from "25 psi" to "250 psi".

• ENGINE – MINIMUM EQUIPMENT INVENTORY LIST:

  • The hose size will be updated from "½” Hose" to "1 ½” Hose".

• D.2.1.2 – Equipment Requirement (WILDLAND ENGINES):

  • A specific highlighted portion of the text detailing chainsaw usage and restrictions will be removed due to conflicting information.

• D.2.1.2 – Equipment Requirement (WILDLAND ENGINES – MINIMUM STANDARDS)

• ENGINE – MINIMUM EQUIPMENT INVENTORY LIST

• D.2.1.2 – Equipment Requirement (WILDLAND ENGINES)

This document is an administrative clarification and does not appear to modify proposal deadlines, requirements, or evaluation factors. It aims to correct existing language in the solicitation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks to establish multiple agreements (I-BPAs) for water handling equipment (engines, support water tenders, and tactical water tenders) for local, regional, and nationwide use. These resources will be utilized for fire suppression, all-hazard incidents, and prescribed fire project work, including Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) projects. The agreements will be awarded to responsible quoters whose proposals are advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors.

• Resource Categories: Engines (Types 3, 4, 5, 6), Support Water Tenders (Types 1, 2, 3), and Tactical Water Tenders (Types 1, 2).

• Equipment Standards: All equipment must meet specified federal and state motor vehicle requirements, including backup alarms, and be maintained in good repair. Specific requirements for engines include pump and roll capabilities, foam proportioner systems, and minimum tank capacities. Water tenders must meet minimum tank capacities, have specific discharge outlets, and tactical water tenders require a foam proportioner.

• Personnel Qualifications: Personnel must meet minimum qualifications as defined by the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, including specific training and experience requirements for roles like Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), Engine Boss (ENGB), and Support Water Tender Operator. All personnel must be able to communicate in English.

• Work/Rest Guidelines: Contractors must adhere to NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management regarding work/rest ratios and length of assignments.

• Contract Type: Multiple agreements (I-BPAs) will be awarded.

• Period of Performance: Agreements are valid for 4 years from the date of award, with annual reviews.

• Estimated Value: The NAICS code is 115310 with a size standard of $34,000,000.00.

• Set-Aside: The acquisition is set aside for small businesses, with specific considerations for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and other socioeconomic categories which may provide a dispatch priority advantage.

• Submission Method: Quotes must be submitted through the Virtual Incident Procurement (VIPR) Next Gen System.

• Evaluation Factors: Quotes will be evaluated based on operational acceptability of equipment/resource, price reasonableness, and past performance dependability risk.

• Key Deadlines: Offerors must submit quotes by 04/27/2026 at 05:00 PM MST.

• This solicitation is primarily set aside for small businesses.

• Awards are prohibited to Government employees or entities owned/controlled by Government employees.

• Awards to a Government Entity are prohibited.

• The solicitation incorporates by reference numerous FAR clauses and provisions.

• Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The document details specific requirements for equipment, personnel, safety, and invoicing.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment re-opens Solicitation 1202SB25Q7002 for an open season Onboarding period. Vendor quote responses are now due no later than 04/27/2026 at 17:00 MDT.

• The due date for vendor quote responses has been extended.

• The submission method is through the "VIPR NextGen" application.

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been changed to 04/27/2026 at 17:00 MDT.

• This amendment re-opens the original solicitation to conduct Onboarding in accordance with Exhibit H - Special Contract Requirements.

• Onboarding is conducted under the terms of the original solicitation and is an amendment to that solicitation.

• Award decisions during open season Onboarding will use the same evaluation factors and sub-factors as the original solicitation.

• New BPA awards issued through Onboarding will be identical to the original awards, including terms, conditions, and period of performance.

• This amendment applies to a Multiple Award Incident Blanket Purchase Agreement (I BPA) issued as a 100% Small Business Set Aside.

• Existing BPA awardees may revise rates, modify resources, or add new resources.

• New Offerors who meet all eligibility requirements may submit quotes for consideration.

• All proposed resources must meet the criteria established in the original solicitation.

• New quote submissions must meet all Acceptability Pass/Fail requirements and will be evaluated using the same evaluation factors as the original solicitation.

• After the Onboarding and annual review/rollover processes are complete, any newly awarded Contractors or newly accepted resources added to existing agreements will be eligible for dispatch and BPA Calls in accordance with the ordering procedures in the agreements.