Fire Hose and Ladder Testing

The City of Tempe is conducting a Request for Proposal (RFP) for comprehensive annual fire hose and ladder testing services for multiple municipal agencies, including Avondale, Surprise, Tempe, Yuma, and Queen Creek, along with eligible SAVE cooperative members. The procurement seeks qualified contractors to perform systematic testing of fire suppression equipment in strict compliance with NFPA 1932 (ground ladder standards) and NFPA 1962 (fire hose standards), with an estimated annual scope of 146,200 feet of fire hose testing and 2,430 feet of ladder testing. Contractors must possess current manufacturer certifications, provide mobile testing equipment with calibrated pressure and load testing capabilities, and implement certified backflow prevention systems. The evaluation process will utilize a 1,400-point cumulative scale across seven categories, including professional qualifications (15%), technical qualifications (15%), NFPA standards compliance (15%), equipment capabilities (15%), testing methodology (15%), pricing (20%), and proposal quality (5%). Key deadlines include November 3, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. for inquiries and November 12, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. for proposal submissions, with a public proposal opening via Microsoft Teams.

The contract will have a two-year term, with the City reserving the right to extend for an additional ninety days or renew for up to three additional one-year increments. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, contractors must meet comprehensive technical qualifications and implement a detailed Heat Safety Plan in accordance with Tempe Ordinance No. O2025.19, which includes mandatory provisions for worker protection during outdoor work. The plan requires contractors to provide portable drinking water, mandatory rest breaks, shaded areas, functional vehicle air conditioning, and comprehensive employee communication and emergency response protocols. Contractors must also provide bilingual signage and employee notifications. Although specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the proposal requires pricing for hose testing (loaded and unloaded), ladder testing, and sensor replacement on a per-unit basis. The City is exempt from federal excise tax, and the transaction privilege tax of 1.8% will be considered a pass-through cost. Payment will be made within thirty days of invoice receipt and approval.