RFP 128711 Refurbishment & Modernization of ARFF 1 Unit

The Virginia Department of Fire Programs is requesting proposals for refurbishment, modernization, and engineering work on one Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) training unit under RFP 128711, with proposals due October 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EST. The Commonwealth of Virginia has established a statewide goal of 42 percent of purchases from small businesses certified by the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (DSBSD), and all offerors are required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

The scope encompasses comprehensive refurbishment of the ARFF 1 unit (built in 1997) to align capabilities with the newer ARFF 2 unit (built in 2008). Work includes fuselage modifications, cockpit upgrades with modern panels and safety features, engine and fire equipment replacement with 3D fire capability, landing gear systems with brake fire and smoke simulation, vertical rudder refurbishment, cabin ventilation system redesign, exterior repainting with Virginia Department of Fire Programs branding, and fuel spill system upgrades including new trailers and pumping systems. The contractor must provide an eight-hour operation and maintenance training course for up to ten personnel, electronic operation and maintenance manuals, and lifetime phone support. All work is performed at the Virginia Department of Fire Programs facility located at 7003 Broad Neck Road, Hanover, Virginia 23060.

Evaluation criteria: Proposed Refurbishment of ARFF/Fuel Spillage (30%), Methodology and Approach (20%), Experience and Qualifications (20%), Pricing (10%), and Small Business Subcontracting Plan (20%). This is a one-time purchase. Standard insurance requirements include workers' compensation, employer's liability of $100,000, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit. Offerors must be registered in eVA; transaction fees are 1 percent of contract value, capped at $500 for DSBSD-certified small businesses and $1,500 for others. Questions are due September 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EST via email to Kamisha.Jackson@vdfp.virginia.gov. An optional pre-proposal conference is scheduled for October 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EST in Glen Allen, Virginia.