Custom Built Fire Buggy for Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB 2025012) for a custom-built fire buggy specifically designed for Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park in Collier County. The procurement seeks a single custom fire buggy capable of safely transporting four firefighters through challenging terrain including marshes, swamps, mud, and rocky landscapes for prescribed burns and wildfire containment operations. The vehicle must include specific technical requirements such as a JASPER rebuilt 6-cylinder engine, full hydraulic steering, heavy-duty suspension, 16.9" x 24" tractor tires, rollover protection, a 250-gallon water tank, emergency lighting, and radio equipment mounting capabilities. Key procurement dates include February 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET for questions, March 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET for bid responses, and a public bid opening on March 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET. The Department will evaluate bids based on lowest total price from responsive and responsible bidders, with a potential 5% price preference for Florida-based businesses, and the contractor must deliver the completed fire buggy by June 10, 2025 to the park in Copeland, FL.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged businesses or restricted vendor categories. The contract term runs from the execution date until June 30, 2025, with no renewal options, and requires the contractor to provide a minimum one-year warranty covering all components, labor, and workmanship. While specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the procurement is for a single custom-built vehicle with all associated costs included for labor, equipment, materials, services, transportation, permits, and personnel. The contractor must provide complete parts lists and maintenance documentation and is required to submit alternative build recommendations within 10 days of the ITB. The Department reserves the right to reject any or all bids, and contractors must comply with standard state contract terms including insurance requirements and public records compliance. Pricing must be submitted on the specified Form D without alterations, and the successful vendor will be expected to complete the entire build within 45 days of contract award.