TYPE 3 FIRE ENGINES

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Washington Office - Fleet has issued a pre-solicitation notice (RFQ 12318726Q0196) seeking qualified vendors to manufacture and install sixteen Type 3 fire engine bodies. The selected contractor will install these bodies on government-furnished 4X2 and 4X4 cab and chassis. The scope of work encompasses chassis modifications, body installation, and the integration of fire pumps, 600-gallon water tanks, warning lights, graphics, and all operational components. All completed apparatuses must comply with USFS national standard specifications and NFPA 1900 standards. Additionally, the contract requires delivery of each unit and on-site familiarization training. The formal solicitation is expected to be released approximately 15 business days after this pre-solicitation notice. Delivery of the completed fire engines is required within 24 months of the vendor receiving the first government-furnished chassis.

This document outlines the technical specifications for the procurement and manufacturing of a Model 326 (two-wheel drive, 33,000 GVWR) and Model 346 (four-wheel drive, 37,000 GVWR) Type 3 Crew Cab Fire Engine. The purpose of these specifications is to provide a comprehensive, turnkey standard for a five-person wildland fire engine equipped with a 600-gallon usable water tank. The vehicle must comply with the latest NFPA 1900 standards and adhere to strict weight, height (maximum 125 inches), and tilt test parameters. The chassis requirements detail a Cummins L9 Fire Service Engine (330 hp, 1000 lb-ft torque) with specialized ember protection for engine and cabin air intakes, and an Allison automatic transmission. The electrical and safety systems specify a multiplexed solid-state management system, a comprehensive Tomar LED emergency traffic warning light package, a 100W siren speaker, a rear-view backup camera system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, the specifications dictate cab console layouts, front bumper hose trays, and structural body designs—including specific aluminum compartmentation, a progressive pump and plumbing system, and a Class A foam proportioning system. The document also mandates a 15-year apparatus warranty and a lifetime water tank warranty, ensuring long-term operational reliability for federal, state, or local emergency response fleets.

The US Forest Service (USFS) Washington Office - Fleet has issued a pre-solicitation notice (RFQ 12318726Q0196) for the acquisition of sixteen Type 3 Fire Engines (body only). The procurement includes thirteen 4X2 med-heavy cab and chassis (33,000 GVWR) and three 4X4 med-heavy cab and chassis (37,000 GVWR), built in accordance with March 2023 USDA Forest Service national standard specifications. The resulting contract will also encompass operational training and delivery to various locations across Arizona and California. Conducted under FAR Subparts 12.1 and 13, this acquisition is designated as a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 336211 (Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing). The contract will be awarded on a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) basis. The formal solicitation is anticipated to be released approximately 15 business days following this pre-solicitation notice, with a delivery deadline for the completed apparatuses set for no later than 24 months after the contractor receives the first government-furnished chassis.

The USDA Forest Service has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 12318726Q0196 to acquire and install 2026 Type 3 Fire Engine bodies on government-furnished cab and chassis. The solicitation covers a total of 16 vehicles, consisting of 13 bodies mounted on 4X2 crew cab chassis (Model 326) and three bodies mounted on 4X4 crew cab chassis (Model 346). All work will be performed off-site at the contractor’s domestic facility, with a period of performance spanning 24 months from the receipt of the first chassis. The contractor is responsible for custom building the fire engine bodies to national Forest Service specifications, incorporating specialized options such as chainsaw brackets, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) seating, and storage compartments. Deliverables include a production schedule, monthly status updates, physical delivery of completed units "wheels-off-ground" to designated locations in Arizona and California, and the provision of operational training. Monthly inspections will be conducted by government personnel at the contractor's facility. This is a total small business set-aside. Offers will be evaluated using a best-value trade-off methodology based on four factors in descending order of importance: technical capability, past performance, ability to meet the delivery schedule, and price. Questions regarding the solicitation are due by September 1, 2026, and final electronic proposals must be submitted by September 18, 2026. Awardees must comply with standard FAR clauses and Department of Agriculture regulations, including workforce integrity and anti-discrimination standards.