Compact Track Loader with Forestry Attachments

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-priced contract to Caterpillar Inc. for a Compact Track Loader (CAT 275XE) with forestry attachments. This equipment is for the Shaw Air Force Base Wildland Fire Branch. The FWS is pursuing this sole-source award under FAR 13.501(a)(b) due to Caterpillar's superior hydraulic cooler, operator controls, and service support, which are critical for minimizing downtime during fire operations. Standardization with the three existing units at the Wildland Fire Branch will improve operational efficiency, safety, and reduce on-site delays. The required Compact Track Loader must meet specific performance and dimensional criteria, including a minimum engine gross power of 122hp, a rated operating capacity of at least 4205 lbs (35% tipping load), and a maximum dump angle of 44.7 degrees. The package must include two copies of the owner's/operator's manual and one digital copy of the parts manual. Additionally, a dealer-procured and installed 2.5 lb ABC fire extinguisher is required. The equipment must come with a 5-year/2000-hour warranty. The "LM2 Land Management Package" is required, which includes an auxiliary hydraulic cooler kit, reversing fan kit, warning lighting kit, and a rear winch kit. Several specific attachments are also required, including an 84-inch mulcher, an 8-inch power box rake, an 87-inch grapple root rake, heavy-duty forks, an 86-inch multipurpose bucket, and a track removal and install aid kit.