How to bid on a Vehicle Portable Washer System for the Air Force

What the Air Force is buying

The Department of the Air Force is looking to purchase and have installed one complete closed-loop portable vehicle washer system. This system is for Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. The purchase includes specialized water-recycling equipment, a high-volume water cannon, a pressure washer, a 20-foot insulated container, containment and wash-pad components, plumbing integration, system testing, and operator training. This is a combined requirement for both equipment and on-site services.

This opportunity is significant for vendors who can provide advanced vehicle washing solutions that meet specific environmental and operational requirements. The Air Force needs a system that is efficient and self-contained for their operations at Plant 42.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on July 23, 2026. The deadline for submitting your quote is August 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. All required documents, including your pricing and technical information, must be submitted by this time. The Air Force plans to award a Firm-Fixed-Price contract based on the lowest-priced technically acceptable offer.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses that specialize in industrial vehicle washing systems, water recycling and waste management solutions, or custom container fabrication with electrical integration. Vendors should have experience with both equipment supply and on-site installation, plumbing, and training services. The relevant category for this bid is equipment, specifically specialized washing and recycling systems.

How to respond

To respond, you must review the attached SF 1449 Solicitation package, the Statement of Objectives (SOO), and the Statement of Work (SOW). Your quote needs to include two main parts: a Price Volume and a Technical Volume.

The Price Volume requires a completed SF 1449 form, specifically blocks 17a, 23, 24, and 30a-c, detailing your unit price and total price for CLIN 0001. The Technical Volume must contain product specifications and literature that clearly demonstrate how your proposed system and installation services meet all the minimum requirements outlined in the SOO. Award will be made to the offer that is technically acceptable and offers the lowest price.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully read the Statement of Objectives (SOO) and Statement of Work (SOW) to ensure your proposed system and services meet every specified requirement. Since this is a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) award, your technical submission must clearly show compliance to be considered acceptable.

Provide detailed product data sheets and technical specifications for all components, such as the Waste2Water Solids Management System, the water cannon, pressure washer, and the insulated container. Ensure your pricing is competitive and reasonable, as price is the deciding factor among technically acceptable offers. Double-check that all required blocks on the SF 1449 are correctly filled out and that your quote is submitted before the deadline.