The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is a vital entity within the Victorian Government, responsible for managing a broad spectrum of initiatives encompassing environment, energy, agriculture, and emergency management. DEECA plays a pivotal role in the stewardship of Victoria’s public lands and natural resources, with a special focus on bushfire prevention and suppression across the state's extensive natural landscapes, covering approximately 7.4 million hectares.

Each fire danger period, typically spanning from November to April, DEECA strengthens its firefighting capabilities by employing around 600 additional seasonal staff, supplementing its core team of 3,000 personnel. This force, under the umbrella of Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), includes contributions from statutory authorities like Parks Victoria, VicForests, and Melbourne Water. FFMVic personnel face the formidable task of responding to bushfires across diverse terrains, demanding a variety of specialized equipment and strategies.

The Logistics Unit of the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) operates three key warehouses in the Melbourne metropolitan area. These facilities are instrumental in storing and supplying a diverse range of field equipment and materials, including but not limited to nuts, bolts, washers, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), consumables like Fire Retardant, machinery such as chainsaws, and large items like base camp kits.

The unit currently utilizes forklifts across these warehouses to facilitate efficient picking and loading activities. The details of each warehouse, including the types of goods stored and the number of forklifts in use, are as follows:

• Altona North (3 Forklifts): Focuses on storing consumables and various small-sized equipment.
• Laverton (2 Forklifts): Specializes in storing camping equipment, mainly utilizing Nally Pallet Bins.
• Avalon (2 Forklifts): Stores Fire Retardant, typically packaged in large quantities, with each bag weighing around 1000kg.

Currently, the Logistics Unit either owns or is engaged in short-term leasing agreements for the above-mentioned forklifts.

The Logistics Unit is inviting proposals for the leasing of a new forklift fleet, to replace the current one. The contract, intended to start on 1 May 2024, will be structured as an initial three-year term, with the possibility of two additional one-year extensions, exercisable at the Department's sole discretion. This request is specifically for leasing services, not for the purchase of forklifts.

Prospective tenders are encouraged to submit comprehensive proposals that detail the capabilities, maintenance plans, and operational efficiencies of the forklifts they offer. The aim is to secure reliable and high-quality equipment that meets the specific needs of our diverse warehouse operations, ensuring continuity and efficiency in our logistical activities.

RFT Objectives

The Department is seeking responses to this RFT for Forklift Leasing for DEECA Logistics Unit Warehouse Operations.

The Department’s specific requirements in relation to the Goods and/or Services are set out in Part B of this RFT (Specification).

In issuing this RFT, the Department seeks to identify [a Tenderer(s) who is/are]:

1. able to provide the Goods and/or Services required by the Department in the manner set out in the Specification;
2. able to demonstrate a commitment and ability to working in collaboration with the Department over the term of any agreed contractual period to continuously seek improvements in value, efficiency and productivity in connection with the provision of the Goods and/or Services; and
3. prepared to work with the Department to continue to identify opportunities for improvement in the quality and level of service provided to the Department, for the mutual benefit of both the Department and the Tenderer

Note to Tenderers: Only Tenderers capable of providing all of the Goods and/or Services and complying in full with the conditions set out in this RFT should submit a Tenderer’s Response