How to bid on 2026 Tactical Water Tenders for the U.S. Forest Service

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is looking for proposals for three tactical water tenders. These will be provided as body-only configurations, designed for installation on government-furnished 4x2 cab-and-chassis vehicles. Each unit must include chassis preparation, a fire pump, a 1,500-gallon water tank, warning lights, and a graphics package. The scope also covers delivery of each unit and on-site training.

The apparatus must meet Forest Service national standard specifications, including NFPA 1900, unless otherwise specified. This is an opportunity for vendors who can build specialized fire fighting equipment to support the USFS fleet.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 30, 2026. The deadline for submitting your response is August 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your proposal before this time, as late submissions may not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms specializing in motor vehicle body manufacturing, specifically those with experience in building fire fighting equipment. The NAICS code for this solicitation is 336211 (Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing) and the PSC is 4210 (Fire Fighting Equipment). Vendors must be able to demonstrate their capability to produce apparatus that meets the detailed requirements of the U.S. Forest Service.

How to respond

To access the full details of this opportunity, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though for some bids, this is not required.

Tips for a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly outline how your proposed tactical water tenders will meet or exceed all specified Forest Service national standard specifications, including NFPA 1900. Provide a summary in executive form demonstrating your firm's capability to produce the required apparatus. Detail your experience with similar projects and highlight your capacity for chassis modifications, body installation, and integration of all specified components.

Ensure your proposal explicitly addresses the inclusion of a fire pump, 1,500-gallon water tank, warning lights, and the required graphics package. Also, clearly state your plan for delivery of each unit and the provision of on-site familiarization training, as these are key components of the scope.