Intercity Transit Hydrogen Tube Trailers RFP 2618

Intercity Transit, the public transportation provider in Thurston County, Washington, is requesting proposals for two new gaseous hydrogen tube trailers and related goods and services to support its hydrogen fuel cell electric bus fleet, with proposals due July 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time and an optional virtual pre-proposal meeting on July 14, 2026. No set-asides or preferences are stated.

The scope requires mobile, transportation-certified trailers capable of transporting, storing, and administering hydrogen in gaseous state with maximum operating pressure no greater than 517 bar, minimum usable capacity equivalent to two days of average fuel use (300 kg), with preference for up to 1,500 kg capacity, and length not exceeding 50 feet. Trailers must comply with FMVSS, USDOT, ASME, CGA, ISO, DOT, NFPA, and NEC standards and include static grounding and electrical bonding systems. The contractor must provide preventive and corrective maintenance, comprehensive training, operation and maintenance manuals, and technical support throughout the contract term. Proposers must be registered and licensed by Washington State and certify compliance with state labor and wage requirements.

The initial contract term is five years from Transit's acceptance of both trailers, with five optional one-year extension terms available, not to exceed ten years total. The contract is subject to WSDOT Regional Mobility Grant Program and Green Transportation Grant Agreement terms; WSDOT retains legal ownership during the useful life period. Estimated combined project funding is approximately $8.6 million to $12.4 million across both WSDOT grant agreements, with Transit as the 17–20% match contributor.

The RFP establishes Phase 1 scoring with 120 points for non-cost proposal (methodology plan and technical specifications response, 60 points each) and 80 points for cost proposal (Table 1: trailer purchase with 10% sales tax; Table 2: scope of work tasks including training, support, and maintenance; Table 3: not-to-exceed hourly rates for additional services). Optional Phase 2 interviews may award up to 100 additional points. Questions are due July 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. All proposal prices must remain firm for a minimum of 60 days from the due date. Addendum 1 (July 10, 2026) resolved document-access issues; all other RFP terms remain unchanged.