Fire Hose

The City of Tucson's Business Services Department is seeking to establish an annual requirements contract for fire hoses through Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 226049, targeting the Tucson Fire Department located at 720 E. Ajo Way. The procurement involves two primary hose types: large diameter fire supply hoses (5-inch diameter) and fire attack hoses (1.75-inch and 2.5-inch diameters), with estimated annual usage ranging from 6 to 40 sections across four distinct hose configurations. Hoses must strictly comply with NFPA 1961 standards and demonstrate specific performance characteristics, including chemical resistance, heat resistance, and abrasion resistance, with a mandatory 10-year pro-rated warranty. Bidders are required to submit sample hoses for testing and must provide detailed manufacturer and model information for both hoses and couplings, with incomplete submissions risking automatic disqualification. The RFP was published on April 29, 2022, with a pre-proposal virtual meeting scheduled for May 5, 2022, and final proposals due on May 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. local Arizona time. Evaluation criteria will encompass method of approach, pricing, and vendor qualifications, with the contract term initially set for one year and potential for up to four additional one-year extensions at the city's discretion.

The solicitation appears to incorporate federal guidelines promoting opportunities for disadvantaged businesses, specifically referencing HUD Section 3 requirements that prioritize employment and economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly listed, the documentation includes provisions for small, minority, and women-owned businesses, with potential sliding scale requirements based on total labor dollars calculated at 35% of the contract amount. Contractors must post job opportunity notices, engage with labor organizations, and certify that employment positions are not filled to circumvent these requirements. Potential non-compliance could result in sanctions, contract termination, or debarment. Though a precise contract value is not specified, the detailed pricing page allows vendors to submit unit pricing for various hose types, with the total contract value to be determined by multiplying submitted unit prices against estimated annual usage. The comprehensive documentation suggests a sophisticated procurement process designed to secure high-quality fire hose equipment while simultaneously promoting economic inclusivity.