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Surry plans sealed bids for new fire engine after USDA grant; town to cover 25% match
Summary
Chief Bryan McLellan told the Select Board the town will run a sealed-bid procurement this summer to buy a replacement engine funded largely by a USDA grant that covers $492,000 of a $656,000 estimate; the town must provide a 25% local match and obtain USDA approval of bid requirements.
Chief Bryan McLellan told the Select Board on May 6 that Surry will pursue sealed bids this summer to replace the department’s second engine, a procurement driven by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that covers most of the anticipated cost.
McLellan said the most recent proposal priced the vehicle at $656,000, with $492,000 from the USDA grant and the remainder to be covered by the town as a 25% match. Because the grant requires competitive procurement for purchases over $350,000, the town will solicit sealed bids — likely separating chassis and body bids — and McLellan will prepare detailed bid specifications that must be approved by USDA staff before the solicitation is issued.
The bid process could require travel to suppliers outside the immediate region to inspect chassis and body options, McLellan said, and he expects bid submissions to be received and opened during the summer months. The Select Board discussed the need for the match and the procurement timeline but did not take a formal vote on awarding a contract at the meeting.
The engine replacement was authorized at the town’s annual meeting for fiscal year 2027, and the department has also received a donation from the Toddy Pond Association, which Phil Roberts presented to McLellan during the meeting.
Next steps include finalizing bid requirements, securing USDA approval of the procurement documents, and opening the sealed bids; the timeline for award will depend on vendor responses and the USDA review process.
