How to bid on a slide-in water tank unit for the US Forest Service

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Forest Service, specifically the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wind River Ranger District, needs one new slide-in water tank unit. This unit will be installed into an existing government-owned 2013 Freightliner M2 dump truck. The tank must have a capacity of at least 2,600 gallons and fit within specific size constraints for the truck bed.

The unit requires an engine-powered pump system, detailed plumbing including a rear spray system and hose reel, and integrated support legs for independent loading and unloading. It must also include securement hardware. The Forest Service will use this system on rough, unpaved, and mountainous access roads. This solicitation is for the water tank unit only, not a new dump truck.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on September 04, 2026. All quotes must be submitted by September 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. This is a firm deadline, and late submissions may not be considered. Delivery of the completed water tank unit to Carson, Washington, must occur within 60 calendar days of award.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for manufacturers or suppliers specializing in commercial-grade slide-in water tank systems for heavy-duty trucks. Firms with expertise in fabricating custom equipment that meets precise mechanical and physical specifications, particularly for off-road or demanding environments, will be well-suited. Experience with integrated pump systems, plumbing, and securement hardware is essential. The relevant category for this type of equipment is security, likely referring to its use in fire suppression or related emergency services.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation details, you need to click “View original source” on the portal. 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 to view all associated documents, though this is not always required.

Your response must include a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) quote for the slide-in water tank unit (CLIN 0001) and shipping and handling (CLIN 0002) to Carson, WA. You must also provide a compliance checklist, a layout drawing of your proposed unit, and a delivery schedule. Quotes will be evaluated based on technical acceptability and overall advantage to the government.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all technical specifications, especially the physical footprint constraints and capacity requirements. Ensure your proposed unit strictly conforms to the dimensions for the 2013 Freightliner M2 dump truck, including the main tank box clearance and the ultimate system maximum footprint. Pay close attention to the rear overhang allowance and the mandatory brush guard for auxiliary equipment.

Detail how your proposed pump and engine setup meets or exceeds the specified performance (GPM at PSI) and confirm it is a standalone, self-powered system, as vehicle PTO, hydrostatic, or hydraulic-driven pumps are prohibited. Clearly describe the structural integration, including the heavy-duty tie-down loops and the integrated support legs for independent loading and unloading. Provide a clear layout drawing that visually demonstrates compliance with all requirements. A realistic and achievable delivery schedule within the 60-calendar-day timeframe is also crucial.