Unofficial Notice of Invitation to Bid (NIB)

San Bernardino County is seeking bids from qualified and interested contractors for the following project titled, WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING HELITANKER STATION, identified under Solicitation ID: 1378.0185. Work is to be performed near 385 N Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92415, USA in San Bernardino County.

Create a Free account to view ALL details and documentsNo credit card required

General Project Description

This project involves the construction of a Wildland Firefighting Helitanker Station. The scope of work includes providing a permanent wide-open metal water tank (cistern) with solar LED lighting, concrete foundation/compacted gravel pads, water run-off system, SCADA/Cellular/RF operable system, solar-powered wind identification equipment, new connections to the water supply line, backflow prevention with foundation and bollard protection, water meter, dechlorination system, perimeter fencing, and electrical work to provide shore power to the tank and all auxiliary systems. The cistern is designed to hold between 5,000 and 10,000 gallons with an automated refill system, NSF 61 finished interior, snag-free design, and capable of withstanding high winds. The project requires extensive civil, mechanical, and electrical installations to support aviation firefighting operations.

General Bid Items

Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: New connections to water line, including full backflow prevention system, water meter, and 800 GPM service with 6-10 minute refill time. Specifications: 6-inch ductile iron pipe (DI), Class 350, AWWA C151, mechanical joint, AWWA C111 fittings, concrete thrust blocks per AWWA M41 and County Standard Plan, disinfection per AWWA C651, fire flow test per NFPA 291.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Stamped shop drawings and construction of permanent foundation for permanent open top cistern. Specifications: Concrete foundation/compacted gravel pads.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Stamped shop drawings and construction of permanent 8000–10000 gallon metal open top cistern, including solar LED lighting, SCADA/Cellular/RF activation, internet connection, dewatering capability, and solar backup system. Specifications: NSF 61 finished interior surface, snag-free design with air-gap spillway, able to withstand high winds >65 MPH, redundant solar-powered system with dual sets of batteries & solar panels, high-performance control valves (Cla-Val), float assemblies, Bambi-bucket and snorkel hose refilling support.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Installation of dechlorination system. Specifications: Capable of removing total residual chlorine (TRC) from treated effluent, located minimum 100 feet from county water service well No. 3.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Provision and installation of perimeter fencing.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Electrical work for shore power to tank and all auxiliary systems.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Implementation of water run-off system.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Manifold Body installation. Specifications: Ductile iron or stainless steel, epoxy-coated interior/exterior per AWWA C550, 150 psi minimum pressure rating.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Fabrication and installation of full backflow prevention system with concrete pad and bollard perimeter. Specifications: In accordance with County standards, protection per Section G.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Isolation Valve installation. Specifications: Resilient-seated gate valve, mechanical joint, AWWA C509/C515.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Aviation Wind Cone System installation. Specifications: Permanent solar powered LED wind cone, 10-foot mast, quick detach electrical plugs, manual on/off 3-way switch, guy wires and multistakes, 18”x6’ orange and white fabric sock, internally lighted LED flood light, LED obstruction light 12VDXC with steel hinged pole, energy control system with solar panel backup, 100 Ahr battery, Charge Controller, quick detach charging system, mounting bracket, LED luminaire with Solar L810 OB Light and mounting plate.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Grade 25' x 25' area pad for cistern location.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Install black woven weed fabric and underlayment for pad.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Install ground contact edging confinement system for pad.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Fill graded area with 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch gravel rock.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: 95% Compaction of rock pad.
Quantity: 1 Unit: LS Work Item: Installation of concrete pad instead of rock pad, if required by tank system, with stamped shop drawings.

NAICS Classification

NAICS 237990 – Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (For the overall construction of the helitanker station, including the cistern, foundations, gravel pads, water run-off system, and perimeter fencing.), NAICS 237110 – Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction (For the installation of new water supply line connections, backflow prevention system, water meter, and dechlorination system.), NAICS 238210 – Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors (For the installation of solar LED lighting, general electrical work, shore power, solar-powered wind identification equipment, SCADA/Cellular/RF systems, and internet connection activation.), NAICS 238910 – Site Preparation Contractors (For site grading, excavation, preparation of compacted gravel pads for the cistern, and other related earthwork.)

Records and Due Date

This bid opportunity was entered into BidAmerica on February 26, 2026, and was last updated on February 26, 2026. All bids and/or proposals are due on March 24, 2026.

Contractors may log in or create a free BidAmerica account to view full project documents, plans, specifications, addenda, submission requirements, and more project details issued by San Bernardino County.

Legal Disclaimer

All bidders are responsible for reviewing and verifying all official bid documentation directly from the issuing agency. BidAmerica aggregates public bid information for advertisement purposes for contractors and government agencies convenience. This Notice of Invitation to Bid is for reference purposes only and is not an official or complete representation of any documents issued by San Bernardino County. BidAmerica does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information displayed and shall not be held liable for any errors, omissions, misinterpretations, or damages resulting from reliance on this summary. Contractors must obtain all official information—including plans, specifications, addenda, deadlines, submission requirements, qualifications, and bidding conditions—directly from San Bernardino County prior to bidding.