DIP TANKS FOR WILDFIRE MITIGATION SUPPORT (STORAGE) [PROJECT D2606]

Scope: Rancho California Water District, herein referred to as “District”, is soliciting quotations for ONLY the materials of two (2) helicopter dip tanks as detailed in this RFB, for support of aerial wildfire suppression operations within its service area. This project is part of the District's ongoing commitment to wildfire mitigation and community protection in partnership with the County of Riverside and funded, in full, from the County of Riverside’s Unincorporated Communities Initiative.
The De Luz and La Cresta communities lie within some of the most fire-prone terrain in Southwest Riverside County. Both communities are designated as being within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, characterized by steep hillsides, dense native brush, limited road access, and extreme fire weather conditions driven by seasonal Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought. The remote and rugged nature of this area makes ground-based fire suppression challenging, making aerial resources a critical component of an effective wildfire response.
The area has a well-documented history of significant wildfire events. In 2021, the Chaparral Fire erupted at the edge of the Cleveland National Forest, burning 1,427 acres through the communities of La Cresta and De Luz.
Helicopter dip tanks provide a dedicated, reliable water source for aerial firefighting operations in areas where natural water sources may be scarce, inaccessible, or insufficient in depth for snorkel or bucket operations. Positioning dip tanks strategically within the De Luz and La Cresta communities will reduce helicopter turnaround times, extend aerial operational capacity, and improve response effectiveness during the critical early stages of a fire.
To identify the optimal tank locations, the District evaluated seven potential sites across the De Luz and La Cresta communities. Of those, only two sites were determined to be viable, based on CAL FIRE's operational preferences for aerial access, flight approach and departure paths, proximity to high-risk areas, and the availability of District-owned land suitable for construction and long-term maintenance. This RFB covers the procurement of one tank at each of the two approved sites.