NFPA Annual Hose and Ground Ladder Testing

The Town of Nantucket, through its Nantucket Fire Department is inviting qualified responders to submit quotes for NFPA Annual Hose and Ground Ladder Testing.

This Request for Quotes ("RFQ") is made in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 30B.

Background

The Town of Nantucket is located within the County of Nantucket. The Town functions under a Town Manager/Select Board form of government. The Select Board operates under a Charter and enacts policies intended to promote and enhance the general welfare of the Town. In addition to customary municipal operations, the Town operates a skilled nursing facility, a public school system, two wastewater treatment facilities, a housing department, and a solid waste facility.

The Town of Nantucket is located 30 miles off the south coast of Cape Cod. It was settled in 1659 and incorporated in 1671. The Town has an annual year-round population of approximately 18,000 and up to 65,000 seasonal residents. The island is 14 miles in length and 3 1/2 miles wide. Nantucket is comprised of residential, commercial, and large tracts of undeveloped land, including a state forest. Transportation routes include a busy airport, a thriving seaport, and a locally maintained road system which includes urban, suburban and rural road systems.

Project Details

• Reference ID: 2026-NFD-0415
• Department: Fire Department
• Department Head: Michael Cranson (Fire Chief)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-07-06T18:00:00.000Z
• Answers Posted By: 2026-07-09T20:00:00.000Z

Evaluation Criteria

• Terms of Service —

  This successful bidder shall perform services as necessary from August 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. This is intended to be a eleven (11) month contract.

• Location —

  Nantucket Fire Department

  4 Fairgrounds Road

  Nantucket, MA 02554

• Introduction —

  The Town of Nantucket ("Town"), through its Nantucket Fire Department ("Department"), is seeking qualified contractors to provide annual testing services in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for fire hoses and ground ladders. Testing shall ensure that all equipment remains in compliance with NFPA guidelines and is safe, serviceable, and documented for operational readiness.

• Standards and References —

  All testing must be performed in compliance with the following NFPA standards (latest edition):

  • NFPA 1962 – Standard for the Care, Use, Inspection, Service Testing, and Replacement of Fire Hose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fire Hose Appliances.
  • NFPA 1932 – Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In-Service Fire Department Ground Ladders.

  Additional applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations shall also be adhered to.

• Scope of Services —

  A. Fire Hose Testing

  The contractor shall:

  1. Perform annual service testing of all fire hoses (attack, supply, booster, and forestry lines).
  2. Provide all personnel, equipment, fittings, test apparatus, and water supply connections needed to conduct testing.
  3. Record and document the following:
     • Hose identification number.
     • Diameter, length, and type of hose.
     • Test pressure and duration.
     • Pass/fail results and any deficiencies.
  4. Remove from service any hose that fails testing and provide written documentation of failure.
  5. Tag, roll, and return all hoses to their assigned apparatus or designated storage area after testing.

  B. Ground Ladder Testing

  The contractor shall:

  1. Perform annual service testing of all ground ladders.
  2. Conduct visual inspections, hardware inspections, and functional tests including:
     • Horizontal bend test.
     • Roof hook test.
     • Hardware operation and heat sensor inspection.
  3. Provide all equipment necessary for safe testing.
  4. Document ladder identification, size, type, test results, and any deficiencies.
  5. Tag and notify the Department immediately of any failed ladder.
  6. Return all ladders to their assigned apparatus or designated storage area after testing.
• Deliverables —
  • A comprehensive written report for both hose and ladder testing, including:
    • Itemized inventory tested.
    • Pass/fail status.
    • Corrective recommendations.
  • Electronic and hard copy of all test records within thirty (30) days of completion.
  • Certificates of compliance suitable for NFPA audit purposes.
• Contractor Requirements —
  • Demonstrated experience with NFPA service testing of fire department equipment.
  • Proof of insurance and liability coverage.
  • All technicians shall be trained and qualified in accordance with NFPA standards.
  • Contractor must comply with OSHA safety regulations and provide all required PPE for their personnel.
• Scheduling and Location —
  • Testing will occur on-site at the Nantucket Fire Department, coordinated with department staff to minimize disruption to operations.
  • Tentative schedule: Fall of 2026. 
• Warranty and Support —
  • Contractor shall guarantee the accuracy and validity of test results.
  • Contractor shall provide technical support for any follow-up questions regarding results or compliance documentation.
• Pricing —
  • Contractor shall provide pricing to include the following 
    • Price per linear foot of Hose inspected
    • Price per linear foot of Ladder inspected
    • Any and all travel expenses

Submission Requirements

• TAX COMPLIANCE AND NON-COLLUSION FORM (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.  FAILURE TO SIGN AND UPLOAD BOTH FORMS WILL DISQUALIFY THE SUBMISSION PER MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS.

• REFERENCES (required) —

  Bidders must provide a minimum of three (3) customers for whom it provided similar services in the past three (3) years. Reference information must include Name, Contact Person, Phone Number, Email Address and Date(s) of Service. 

• EXPERIENCE (required) —

  Does company have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in other Massachusetts Municipalities in providing the services required in the scope of services?

• AUTHORIZATION (required) —

  I certify that I have read, understood and agree to the terms in the solicitation, and that I am authorized to submit this response on behalf of my company.

• INSURANCE REQUIREMENT (required) —

  Workers' Compensation, covering the obligations of the CONTRACTOR in accordance with applicable Workers' Compensation or Benefits laws.

  Commercial General Liability Insurance on an occurrence basis with a combined single limit of not less than $1 million. Coverage is to include premises and operations, coverage for liability of subcontractors. The policy shall contain an endorsement stating that the aggregate limits will apply separately to the work being performed under this Agreement.

  Automobile Liability Insurance of not less than $1 million combined single limit covering owned, hired and non-hired vehicle use.

  Errors and Omissions Insurance of not less than $1 million per claim.

• Attach current insurance certificate (required)
• Signature Page from the Town's Contract (required) —

  Signature page from the Town's contract, signed by an authorized individual as a good faith statement that the Contractor is willing to enter into the Town's standard contract form.  Please see Sample Agreement in ATTACHMENT A.

• OSHA 10 TRAINING CARDS (required) —

  Attach current copies of OSHA 10 training cards for all individuals who will be working on this project.

• W9 Form Request —

  Please upload a completed W-9 Form if you have not worked with the Town of Nantucket in the past. The W-9 will be used to set up the Contractor as a Vendor for the Town of Nantucket. 

• Short Description of Scope (required) —

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• Contract Start Date (required) —

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• Contract End Date (required) —

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• What is the contract term in years (required) —

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• Is prevailing wage required for this project? (required)