Notice of Sources Sought - Next Generation Fire Hose

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service National Technology & Development Program is seeking qualified sources for the development and production of next-generation wildland fire hoses through this Sources Sought Notice. The procurement targets companies capable of manufacturing a standardized fire hose that addresses current operational challenges with existing two-hose systems by combining durability with improved ergonomic handling. Key technical requirements include high abrasion and puncture resistance, enhanced heat resistance, significantly reduced weight (under 9.5 lbs for 1-inch diameter and under 13 lbs for 1.5-inch diameter), superior flexibility, improved packability, and a service life exceeding five years. Interested companies must submit a capability statement of no more than 20 pages by December 12, 2025, via email to Sam Wu, detailing company background, product lines, and specific capabilities addressing the identified technical and logistical challenges. This notice serves as a market research effort and does not constitute a formal solicitation or guarantee of contract award; evaluation will assess how each respondent's offerings align with the Forest Service's operational requirements.

This pre-solicitation notice includes no set-aside designations and does not identify current contractors or incumbents. The government files do not specify a budget range, anticipated award value, or projected contract quantities, indicating this is an exploratory phase to identify capable vendors before formal solicitation development. The procurement falls under NAICS category 326220 (Rubber and Plastics Hoses and Belting Manufacturing) and PSC 4210 (Fire Fighting Equipment), suggesting the Forest Service anticipates awarding to manufacturers with expertise in specialized hose production for firefighting applications. With the December 12, 2025 response deadline, interested companies have approximately four weeks to prepare and submit their capability statements to demonstrate their qualifications for potential future contract opportunities.