wildfire slip-in unit

The Ohio Division of Forestry, located in Van Wert County, is seeking to procure a new wildfire slip-in unit through a competitive solicitation process. The procurement involves acquiring a specialized 200-gallon polypropylene water tank unit specifically designed for forestry firefighting applications, with precise technical specifications including a 13hp Honda motor, Hannay Electric Rewind Hose Reel, 100 feet of 1" lightweight booster hose, and a 10-foot suction hose. The unit must be manufactured by a US-based authorized factory distributor and will be delivered to Zaleski State Forest in McArthur, Ohio. The solicitation requires that all items be new, with no refurbished or used equipment accepted, and mandates that all manufacturer warranties be fully transferable to the Ohio Division of Forestry. The Request for Quote (RFQ) was posted on July 3, 2025, with proposals due by July 21, 2025, and bidders must provide an estimated delivery date and disclose any potential backordering of components. Evaluation will focus on the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with the contract term extending through June 30, 2026.

The solicitation encourages participation from diverse vendors, with the state applying preferences for Buy American, Buy Ohio, and Veteran-Friendly Businesses. Contractors must complete an Affirmation and Disclosure Form that requires comprehensive details about their business operations, service locations, and data storage sites, including information about any subcontractors. The procurement will be conducted through OhioBuys, the state's primary procurement platform, which requires vendors to obtain an OH|ID for system access. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned, the state emphasizes transparency and compliance, with potential contract termination if services are performed outside the United States without a signed waiver. The procurement is tax-exempt, and invoices must be submitted to Ohio Shared Services with specific documentation requirements. Though an exact budget range is not specified, the solicitation indicates this is a specialized equipment procurement with detailed technical specifications that will likely require a significant capital investment.