DEM ForestGuard II Hose

The Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Forest Environment has issued solicitation RFQ26006182 seeking a vendor to supply a replacement fire hose specifically designed for wildfire use under its Forest Fire Program’s Hose Loan Program, which supports local fire departments in wildfire suppression efforts. The solicitation process is managed through Rhode Island Purchasing and requires vendor registration and submissions via the Ocean State Procures™ platform, with a proposal deadline of January 7, 2026. The procurement covers a lump sum quantity of 16,500 feet of fire hose to be delivered FOB destination within Rhode Island. This contract does not specify price or award valuations upfront and emphasizes compliance with state procurement regulations and various insurance and certification requirements. The engagement period runs from early December 2025 through early January 2026. Vendors bidding on this opportunity must adhere to a robust certification framework encompassing conflict of interest disclosures, prohibition on collusion, insurance maintenance standards (including cyber/privacy coverage for sensitive data handling), and restrictions against bribery or unethical conduct. The contract mandates minimum participation of certified minority business enterprises (MBEs), comprising at least 15% of the contract value, and requires vendor compliance with state policies on ethical conduct, lobbying disclosures, and confidentiality provisions. Confidential information must be clearly labeled with a redacted public version submitted alongside confidential materials. The purchase order issuance formalizes the contract, with a 0.33% administrative fee withheld from payments. No physical bid submissions or deviations from the prescribed electronic submission through Ocean State Procures™ are permitted, and late bids will not be accepted. Award evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed; however, vendors must meet all mandatory certifications and administrative conditions to be eligible for contract award. Judith Ruggiero serves as the primary purchasing official contact for this solicitation.