Norway – Water-tender vehicles – Fire engine for Inner Østfold fire and rescue

Indre Østfold Fire and Rescue IKS intends to enter into contract with Liftco AS for the procurement of a demo driven Mercedes-Benz Arocs fire engine with Mototruck addition to strengthen the fire service ́s operative tank vehicle stand-by. The aim of the procurement is to reduce an acute and unacceptable vulnerability in the current tank vehicle stand-by, ensure the necessary water supply capacity in the event of fire and rescue events, and maintain a proper and robust stand-by for the inhabitants of Indre Østfold, Skiptvet and Marker. Indre Østfold Fire and Rescue IKS assesses that there is a time-critical need for the procurement of a fire engine that can be delivered and put into operative service shortly. The background is the documented vulnerability in the current tank vehicle park, including advanced age, repeated technical errors, long term workshop stays, challenges with spare parts access and reduced operative availability. A market assessment has been carried out to check if there are available vehicles that can cover the need within the necessary timeframe. The assessment suggests that the market mainly consists of vehicles that must be newly produced, with an accompanying long delivery time of up to 2-3 years from when ordered. Inner Østfold Fire and Rescue IKS is not aware of other available firefighting vehicles, which can both be delivered within the necessary time frame and at the same time cover the company ́s operative requirements for tank vehicle preparedness. The relevant demobile from Liftco AS is available for delivery in the third quarter of 2026 and can therefore be put into operative service this year. The procurement will therefore reduce the vulnerability in the current tank vehicle park and contribute to increased operational security, improved operative availability and strengthened social security in the short term. The intention notice is anchored in the procurement regulations § 13-4 letter b no. 2 on situations where competition...