Water Rescue Vehicle (BFD)

The City of Boston is requesting sealed bids for one new H4 Medium Water Rescue Vehicle for the Boston Fire Department under item 475802, with bids due September 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM.

The vehicle must be built to NFPA standards on a Ford F550 chassis (6.7-liter diesel, 4x4, four doors) with a 12-foot aluminum body designed for water rescue operations. The apparatus includes specified compartmentation with roll-up doors on both sides, roof storage with boat-mounting provisions, ladder access, and multiplexed electrical systems. All apparatus components and manufacturing must occur in the United States. The bidder must demonstrate a minimum of ten years of experience building aluminum cabs and bodies for emergency services, provide product liability insurance of no less than $7 million in aggregate, and furnish references for at least ten similar previously manufactured vehicles. The vehicle must pass a ten-mile road test demonstrating no power loss or overheating.

No contract value is stated. The contract term is one year, contingent on availability of appropriations. Delivery is required to One City Hall Square, Room 808, Boston, MA 02201 by September 28, 2026. Bid pricing is firm and excludes all local, state, and federal taxes; payment is structured as follows: payment for the chassis upon completion and the remaining balance upon completion of the body at the body builder's facility.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids and will award to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. Contract award is subject to approval by the Mayor of Boston. Bidders must complete a compliance document accompanying their bid, submit the Wage Theft Prevention Form CM-16, and certify they are authorized dealership representatives capable of providing warranty service including vehicle pickup and delivery. The apparatus includes extended warranties covering structural components (15 years), paint (5 years), electrical systems (5 years), and stainless steel plumbing (5 years). Questions should be directed to Chris Radcliffe at 617-635-3422 or Christopher.Radcliffe@boston.gov.