Ladder truck

The City of Meriden, Connecticut Fire Department is issuing Request for Proposal RFP026-32 for the design, engineering, construction, and delivery of one new 100-foot aerial ladder truck that conforms to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, specifically NFPA 1901 for Motor Fire Apparatus. The apparatus must be custom-built with a 2025 or 2026 model year, feature a flat roof design, Allison transmission, Cummins X15 engine, single rear axle configuration, Whelen LED lighting package, and comprehensive multiplex display and vehicle data recording systems. Key deliverables include full-size CAD blueprint drawings showing five vehicle views and detailed compartment layouts prior to construction; digital photo documentation during manufacturing; a pre-construction conference at the manufacturer's factory with all expenses for four Fire Department representatives included in the proposal price; four training sessions (12 hours total) at the Fire Department Training Center; factory road testing of no less than 100 miles; one final inspection trip with expenses covered; and delivery under the apparatus's own power. Proposals will be evaluated based on vendor experience, capability, past performance, references, responsiveness to proposal documents, delivery time, quality of items proposed, warranty coverage, and serviceability. Interested vendors must submit proposals electronically through the City eProcurement Portal by January 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST, with a vendor question and answer period extending from November 26, 2025, at 12:15 PM EST through December 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. Proposals must remain open for ninety days following proposal opening, and the City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals without obligation to accept the lowest bid.

The solicitation documents do not identify any specific set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise restrictions, or incumbent vendor information. No existing infrastructure or technology integration requirements are specified. The City of Meriden is exempt from federal excise taxes and Connecticut state sales and use taxes, which shall not be included in proposal pricing. Payment will be made not less than thirty days following completion of services, with delivery terms specified as Free On Board Destination with vendor-specified payment terms. The contract will be awarded via Purchase Order and Standard Professional Services Agreement, and the successful proposer must maintain appropriate state licenses and certifications, comply with affirmative action and equal employment opportunity practices, and provide a Certificate of Insurance denoting general liability, automobile liability, and workers compensation coverage. The solicitation documents do not specify an estimated total contract value or budget range. Interested parties should direct inquiries to Denise Olivo, City of Meriden Purchasing Department, at 203-630-4116 or DOlivo@meridenct.gov.