Bid guide
How to bid on 2026 Tactical Water Tenders for the U.S. Forest Service
What the agency is buying
The U.S. Forest Service is looking to purchase three custom-built Tactical Water Tender bodies. These bodies will be mounted on government-furnished 4x2 cab-and-chassis vehicles. The contract also includes operational training for the equipment and delivery to various locations in California and Idaho.
This is a 100% small-business set-aside opportunity, making it suitable for eligible small businesses in the motor vehicle body manufacturing sector.
Key dates and deadlines
This is a Request for Information (RFI) published on July 29, 2026. The deadline for responses to this RFI is August 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. The full solicitation is expected to be released approximately 15 business days after the RFI's publication.
The anticipated delivery date for the Tactical Water Tenders and equipment is within 24 months from the date the first government-furnished chassis is received.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is ideal for small businesses specializing in motor vehicle body manufacturing. The relevant NAICS code is 336211 (Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing) and the PSC is 4210 (Fire Fighting Equipment).
Firms with experience in custom vehicle fabrication, particularly for specialized government or emergency services, will find this a good fit.
How to respond
To access the opportunity details and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid.
Tips for a competitive response
When preparing your response, focus on demonstrating your firm's capability to meet the U.S. Forest Service's national standard specifications for Tactical Water Tenders. Highlight any previous experience with similar custom vehicle builds or specialized equipment.
Clearly outline your proposed approach for operational training and your ability to deliver to the specified locations in California and Idaho. Since this is a firm-fixed-price contract, ensure your pricing is competitive and accurately reflects the scope of work, including materials, labor, training, and delivery.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from U.S. Forest Service; the original posting controls.