Helitack vehicle upfits

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Huron-Manistee National Forest, is seeking specialized upfitting services for two government-owned vehicles: a 2024 Chevy 4500 Diesel and a 2024 Ford F450. This solicitation involves the manufacture, purchase, and installation of custom apparatus bodies designed for fire/rescue and off-road operations in mountainous and rangeland environments. The upfits must include heavy-duty bumpers with winch mounting capabilities, integrated tow eyes, comprehensive storage compartments with aluminum framing and stainless steel construction, LED lighting systems, air compressors, and cargo racks. All work must comply with NFPA 1900 standards and include a six-year warranty, with vendors required to demonstrate their capability to meet or exceed specified salient characteristics. Amendment 1 was issued to extend the solicitation period due to insufficient initial competition, with questions and answers posted on September 12, 2025, and quotes due by September 17, 2025.

This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 811121 (Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance). The contract involves upfitting two vehicles with specialized fire and rescue equipment, representing a significant investment in emergency response capabilities for the national forest. Performance will take place at the Cadillac-Manistee Ranger Station in Wellston, Michigan, where the completed vehicles will be delivered. The solicitation includes detailed specifications for body construction, paint finish, electrical components, and overall vehicle functionality to ensure the upfitted vehicles can effectively support forest service operations in challenging terrain. The extended timeline reflects the specialized nature of these requirements and the need to attract qualified small business contractors capable of meeting the technical specifications and delivery requirements.