Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) F3 Foam Transition

Lee County Port Authority is requesting proposals for the transition of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles and equipment from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF) under RFP 26-0082MC, with proposals due November 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Work is performed at Station 91 (Page Field/FMY) and Station 92 (Southwest Florida International Airport/RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida. The contract carries a zero percent DBE participation goal and mandatory compliance certifications including foreign-entity-of-concern, human-trafficking, public-entity-crimes, and scrutinized-companies affidavits.

The scope encompasses removal of AFFF storage tanks and associated piping; draining and removal of AFFF from seven ARFF vehicles; comprehensive cleaning and rinsing of foam tanks and appurtenances; FAA-required testing including approved input-based testing per NFPA 460 Chapters 27–29 of ARFF vehicles with the new synthetic fluorine-free foam; and disposal of waste materials including AFFF concentrate, vehicle decontamination rinsate, and contaminated bulk items. The Port Authority will provide Ecopol A3+ synthetic fluorine-free foam for use during transition. Proposers must demonstrate financial capacity and may be required to submit audited financial statements for the past two fiscal years.

The contract is structured as firm fixed lump-sum with a strict 120-day completion schedule divided into three phases: Phase 0 (mobilization/procurement, 30 days), Phase 1 (truck foam installation, 60 days), and Phase 2 (demolition, 30 days). Separate pricing is required for mobilization, per-vehicle transition costs, and demolition, plus unit pricing for contingent waste disposal. Liquidated damages of $400 per calendar day apply for failure to achieve Substantial Completion within 120 days, with additional $400-per-day damages if ARFF Index D requirements are violated. Work hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Insurance requirements include $5,000,000 Commercial General Liability single limit per occurrence and $5,000,000 general aggregate, with $5,000,000 Automobile Liability for airside work. A proposal bond and performance bond are required. The Staff Evaluation Committee meets December 1, 2026; the Airports Special Management Committee meets January 19, 2027; and the Board of Port Commissioners provides final approval March 4, 2027. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site visits are scheduled October 14, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Questions and clarifications are due October 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.