The US Forest Service awarded a $6.2 million definitive contract to HME, Inc. (doing business as HME Ahrens-Fox) for thirty-three Type 6 fire engine utility bodies custom built to Forest Service national standard specifications on September 30, 2026.
The contract is firm fixed price with no set-aside designation, though the originating pre-solicitation (posted July 28, 2026) indicated a 100% total small business set-aside intent. Bodies will be mounted on government-furnished 4×4 crew cab chassis and delivered to locations across Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming by December 31, 2028.
Scope includes chassis modifications and preparation, body installation, fire pump, 300-gallon water tank, warning lights, graphics package, on-site delivery, and familiarization training. Apparatus must meet Forest Service national standard specifications and comply with NFPA 1900, finished in Forest Service Green with specified reflective striping. The auxiliary pump shall deliver a minimum 50 gallons per minute at 250 psi. The manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty on materials and workmanship; the tank manufacturer provides lifetime warranty. Deliverables include chassis and apparatus manuals, electrical diagrams, pump test and weight certificates, and road kit components.