Heavy Equipment & Tool Rentals and Related Services (AXIA)

The City of Tucson has entered into a cooperative purchasing agreement with Axia Cooperative, a national public sector purchasing organization, to provide heavy equipment and tool rentals along with related services. Axia facilitates a publicly solicited Request for Proposals (RFP) process under rigorous procurement standards, ensuring value and innovation for non-federal public sector agencies. This contracting arrangement allows other public agencies nationwide to participate through "piggybacking," leveraging joint powers authority statutes and streamlining procurement for heavy equipment needs. The anticipated national purchase volume through this contract category is estimated at $50 million annually, reflecting significant potential for cost savings and operational efficiency for participating agencies. The contract, managed by the City of Tucson’s General Services office, is solicited under solicitation number 260139, with responses due by late February 2026. Contractors engaging in this agreement must comply with various federal and local regulations, including HUD’s Section 3 provisions effective FY26, which promote employment opportunities for low- and very low-income individuals in communities receiving HUD assistance. This involves mandatory contractor and subcontractor compliance with employment and economic opportunity standards, certification requirements, and prioritization of eligible workers and business concerns. Additionally, contractors are required to adhere to anti-collusion, non-discrimination, immigration, debarment, and other statutory compliance requirements as set forth in the Offer and Acceptance document. Overall, the contract establishes a robust framework for legally compliant, efficient procurement of heavy equipment and rental services, fostering local economic development while enabling nationwide participation through Axia Cooperative’s established purchasing program.