Notice of Intent to Issue a Sole Sourced Award

The USDA Forest Service Procurement & Property Services Incident Procurement Operations branch intends to issue a sole-source, firm fixed-price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract to Altinex, Inc., a registered small business, on or about October 15, 2026, for "The Rookie," RS-13021 Dual Electric Hose Rollers and associated parts; responses to challenge this sole-source determination are due by October 17, 2026.

The product was developed jointly through a Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA #25-RD-11070100-002) between the USDA Forest Service National Technology & Development Program and Altinex, Inc., with a patent pending and proprietary design protection. The Forest Service estimates a requirement of approximately 220 units over a one-year base period plus four one-year option periods covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The sole-source justification rests on Altinex's 24-year history in hose roller manufacturing, the proprietary nature of the CRADA-developed technology, and the absence of commercially available alternatives meeting the Forest Service's specialized operational, safety, and ergonomic requirements for wildfire suppression and prescribed burning operations. Market research involving more than three vendors capable of providing electric hose rollers determined that none could meet the unique specifications. Current market hose rollers were deemed inadequate due to insufficient power in electric models and excessive bulk and logistical challenges in gas models.

The notice invites all responsible sources to submit capabilities narratives demonstrating clear and convincing evidence of their ability to provide the proprietary equipment authorized by Altinex, Inc. within fifteen calendar days of publication. Responses should be submitted to Contracting Officer Matthew Cox at matthew.cox2@usda.gov. The Government will consider responses solely to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement, with final determination resting exclusively within Government discretion.