1240LP27Q0011 - Winter UTV.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

40LP

OGDEN UT 84401-2310

324 25TH ST

USDA-FS CSA INTERMOUNTAIN 4

9A26 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

336999

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR40LP

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

11/19/2026 1600 MT

11/12/2026

605-431-0135WESTLEY BISSON

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

1240LP27Q0011

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 12 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

KERNVILLE CA 93238

11380 KERNVILLE ROAD

KERN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT

USDA FOREST SERVICE

15. DELIVER TO

OGDEN UT 84401-2310

324 25TH ST

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

1,000

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA-FS CSA INTERMOUNTAIN 4

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Tracked Winter UTV

Description: Tracked UTV with winter cab conversion for CA Coop Snow Survey work conducted on the Sequoia NF. See attached specifications.

Delivery Location: Kern River Ranger District, 11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238

Delivery By: 12/31/2026

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED

WESTLEY M. BISSON

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Submit questions by 11/16/2026 to

Westley.Bisson@usda.gov

Submit quotations by 11/19/2026 to

Westley.Bisson@usda.gov

0001 Tracked UTV with winter cab conversion for CA 1 EA

Coop Snow Survey work conducted on the Sequoia NF.

Product/Service Code: 2305

Product/Service Description: GROUND EFFECT

VEHICLES

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

12 2 of

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part

12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Quotes are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation number 1240LP27Q0011 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for one (1) crew cab utility task vehicle (UTV) with a full winter cab conversion and snow track compatibility to support California Cooperative Snow Survey (CCSS) operations on the Sequoia National Forest.

Resolicitation Notice: This solicitation replaces Solicitation 1240LP27Q0001, which is canceled. Quotes submitted under 1240LP27Q0001 will not be considered. Offerors that quoted under 1240LP27Q0001 must submit a new quote under this solicitation by the due date below. This solicitation makes the following changes:

• Adds a requirement that the vehicle be a California (50-state) model certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) (Attachment 1, Item 13).

• Adds a Model Identification Guide (Attachment 1) explaining how to confirm a California-certified Polaris model and match the offered unit by model number and VIN.

• Requires each quote to state the full manufacturer model number of the offered vehicle.

• Incorporates the Government's responses to questions under 1240LP27Q0001 (Amendment 0001) into this solicitation and Attachment 1.

• Corrects the delivery ZIP code to 93238.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 336999. The small business size standard is 1,000 employees. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible small business sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

Statement of Requirement

The USDA Forest Service requires one (1) crew cab utility task vehicle (UTV) with a full winter cab conversion to support California Cooperative Snow Survey (CCSS) work on the Kern River and Western Divide Ranger Districts, Sequoia National Forest. The vehicle will be used for over-snow travel to remote SNOTEL and snow survey sites from late January through early May, in cooperation with the California Department of Water Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local water districts, and contractors, to collect snowpack data supporting snow and water forecasting products.

The vehicle must meet all salient characteristics listed in Attachment 1, Supply Specifications / Salient Characteristics. The following requirements clarify and supplement Attachment 1; where they conflict, the requirements below govern:

• Seating: Crew cab configuration with factory seating and seat belts for a minimum of four (4) occupants (driver plus three passengers). Bench-seat configurations rated for fewer than four occupants are not acceptable.

• Snow tracks: The Government owns a new Prospector Pro UTV snow track system and mounting kit. If the offered vehicle is compatible with that track system, do not include tracks or a mounting kit (CLIN 0002 = $0.00). If the offered vehicle is not compatible, the quote must include a complete snow track system and mounting kit compatible with the offered vehicle, priced under CLIN 0002.

• Technology: Onboard GPS/navigation and a rear camera are required (Attachment 1). Quotes that delete these features are not acceptable.

• Emissions: The vehicle must be a California (50-state) model certified by CARB for sale and use in California and must bear the manufacturer's California emission control label (Attachment 1, Item 13). 49-state (federal-only) models are not acceptable. Federal agencies must comply with state air pollution requirements in the same manner as any nongovernmental entity (42 U.S.C. § 7418(a)), and California law prohibits any person, including the United States, from purchasing or receiving a new motor vehicle for use in California unless it is CARB certified (California Health and Safety Code §§ 43151(a) and 39047). Off-road-only use does not create an exemption.

• Model year: A new, unused 2026 or 2027 model is acceptable.

• Model identification: The quote must state the full manufacturer model number of the offered vehicle (see the Model Identification Guide in Attachment 1). Dealer web listings are not always accurate. Before quoting, confirm the model number and emissions version of the specific unit with the supplying dealer.

Schedule of Items Item Supplies/Services Qty Unit Unit Price Amount 0001 Crew cab UTV with full winter cab conversion meeting all salient characteristics in Attachment 1 and the Statement of Requirement.

Make/Model/Year: ________ Full Model No.:

1 EA $________ $________

0002 Snow track system and mounting kit compatible with the offered vehicle. Enter $0.00 if the offered vehicle is compatible with the Government-owned Prospector Pro track system.

1 EA $________ $________

TOTAL (0001 + 0002) $________

Technical Data

Attachment 1 - Supply Specifications / Salient Characteristics (Revised for 1240LP27Q0011)

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and USDA Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions

The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions. Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

Required Clauses

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025) 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025) 52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025) 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025) 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026) (DEVIATION APR 2026)

The Following Clauses Are Applicable If Checked

☑ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☑ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) ☑ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2025) ☑ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (Jun 2003) ☑ 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) ☑ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) ☑ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (Nov 2025) ☑ 52.225-1 Buy American—Supplies (Nov 2025) ☑ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Oct 2018) ☑ 52.240-93 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (Nov 2025)

Other Applicable Clauses

☑ 52.247-34 F.O.B. Destination (Jan 1991)

AGAR Clauses

This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.usda.gov/guidance-documents/acquisition-policy/ocp/usda-agar30-sept-26pdf

AGAR 452.203-70 Unenforceable Supplier Terms (May 2026) AGAR 452.204-70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Apr 2026) AGAR 452.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests (Sep 2026)

Solicitation Information

Award Type

It is anticipated that a firm-fixed-price purchase order will be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation.

The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation and Basis for Award

The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services, is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA)

Evaluation Factors

Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the Schedule of Items. Price will be evaluated as the total of CLINs 0001 and 0002. Pricing will be evaluated per FAR 12.204 to determine fair and reasonable pricing. Reasonableness will be determined by performing side-by-side comparisons with other quoted prices and the Independent Government Cost Estimate. The contract line items shall also be evaluated to determine whether any line items are materially unbalanced.

Technical Acceptability:

Quotes will be evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis against the salient characteristics in Attachment 1 and the clarified requirements in the Statement of Requirement. A quote meeting all salient characteristics is rated Acceptable; a quote failing to meet one or more salient characteristics is rated Unacceptable and is ineligible for award. The quote must include manufacturer specification sheets or descriptive literature sufficient to verify each salient characteristic, including seating capacity, vehicle weight, overall length, winch rating, snow track compatibility, and California emissions certification (full manufacturer model number).

Past Performance:

The Government may utilize any references provided by the Contractor, along with information available from past contracts/orders with the USDA and any information found using sources such as Federal Government sources or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to determine if the Contractor has acceptable or neutral Past Performance. Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Evaluation Method:

Award will be made to the lowest-priced, technically acceptable offeror.

No tradeoffs will be conducted.

Delivery Information

F.O.B. Destination is requested as the F.O.B. point for all deliverables.

All offers will be considered F.O.B. Destination unless F.O.B. Origin is specified AND estimated shipping costs are included.

USDA requires delivery of all items by December 31, 2026. Early deliveries are accepted.

Shipping Instructions

Items shall be shipped to the following address: USDA Forest Service, Kern River Ranger District, 11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238 Inspection and acceptance will take place at destination. For a vehicle compatible with the Government-owned tracks, delivery on wheels (tracks not installed) meets the delivery requirement; the Government will install the tracks after acceptance. If the delivery vehicle cannot unload the UTV, the contractor must coordinate unloading assistance with the Kern River Ranger District front desk (760-376-3781) before delivery. No operator training, installation, or dealer service support is required.

Qualification Requirements

Offerors, or the product or service, are not required to meet a qualification requirement to be eligible for award.

Additional Information

• Small business resellers: The estimated value is below the simplified acquisition threshold, so the nonmanufacturer rule and limitations on subcontracting do not apply (13 CFR 121.406(c)). A small business reseller may offer a vehicle made by a large manufacturer and may source the vehicle and dealer-installed accessories through an authorized dealer, including direct delivery by that dealer. The offeror remains responsible for meeting all contract requirements. Buy American— Supplies (FAR 52.225-1) applies.

• Dealer licensing: The solicitation does not require the offeror to hold a vehicle dealer license. The offeror is responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Government cannot advise offerors on state licensing requirements.

• Taxes: Quoted prices must include all applicable federal, state, and local taxes (FAR 52.212-4).

Sales made directly to, and paid directly by, the United States Government are generally exempt from California sales tax (CDTFA Regulation 1614). Offerors should consult the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration on their specific tax treatment.

• Title and ownership documents: Title passes to the Government upon acceptance (FAR 52.212-4).

The manufacturer's certificate of origin and any ownership documents shall be issued to USFS SQF Kern River RD, 11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238, and delivered to the front desk at that address, Attn: Daniel Wild.

• Registration: The contractor is not required to register the vehicle. The Government will complete any registration requirements.

• Color: Any manufacturer color is acceptable. Green is preferred but is not evaluated.

• Warranty: Warranty documentation is not required with the quote. No warranty support beyond the terms of FAR 52.212-4 is required.

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

FAR 52.212-1 is amended as follows:

Period for acceptance of offers.

The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Questions

Questions shall be submitted via email to Westley.Bisson@usda.gov and are due no later than November 16, 2026, by 12:00 PM (1200) Mountain Time. Please include the solicitation name "Winter UTV" and solicitation number "1240LP27Q0011" as the subject line of the email.

Quote Submission

Quotes are due no later than November 19, 2026 by 4:00 PM (1600) Mountain Time.

Quotes shall be submitted electronically to: Westley.Bisson@usda.gov

Include with your quotation:

• Completed and signed SF-1449 (Blocks 12, 17, 23, 24, and 30).

• Pricing for CLINs 0001 and 0002 in the Schedule of Items (enter $0.00 for CLIN 0002 if the offered vehicle is compatible with the Government-owned Prospector Pro track system).

• Make, model, model year, and full manufacturer model number of the offered vehicle (for Polaris, all 10 characters, e.g., R26RSY99BH), with manufacturer specification sheets or descriptive literature demonstrating compliance with each salient characteristic in Attachment 1 and the Statement of Requirement (including 4-person crew cab seating).

• A statement confirming whether the offered vehicle is compatible with the Prospector Pro UTV snow track system and mounting kit.

• Proposed delivery date (on or before December 31, 2026).

• A statement that the offered vehicle is a CARB-certified California (50-state) model and will be delivered with the manufacturer's California emission control label. For a make other than Polaris, include the CARB Executive Order number or other manufacturer documentation of California certification.

• VIN or dealer stock number of the offered unit, if a specific unit has been identified.

• Unique Entity ID (UEI); the offeror must be registered in SAM and represent as a small business under NAICS 336999.

• Completed 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate and 52.225-18 Place of Manufacture representations.

Required Provisions

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements—Representation (Jan 2017) 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations—Representation (Sep 2025) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction (Sep 2025) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The Following Provisions Are Applicable If Checked

☑ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025) ☑ 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022)

Other Applicable FAR Provisions

☑ 52.225-18 Place of Manufacture (Aug 2018)

AGAR Provisions

This solicitation incorporates one or more provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of the provision may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.usda.gov/guidance-documents/acquisition-policy/ocp/usda-agar30-sept-26pdf

Notice for Filing Agency Protests

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Protest Procedures

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to fair, transparent, and efficient acquisitions.

Interested parties with concerns about this solicitation are encouraged to seek resolution through the following USDA procedures.

Tier 1: Contracting Officer Concern Resolution

Submission: Interested parties with concerns about either the solicitation or subsequent award should first submit their concern directly to the Contracting Officer, providing sufficient detail to allow the Contracting Officer to understand and assess the issue.

Process: The Contracting Officer will review the concern, seek clarification as needed, and engage with the interested party to attempt prompt resolution.

Review Timeline: The Contracting Officer will make every effort to provide a response or resolution within 10 business days of receiving the concern.

Effect on Award or Performance: Tier 1 engagement is not considered an official notification of filing an agency protest and does not pause solicitation deadlines, delay award decisions, or suspend contract performance.

Next Steps: If the matter cannot be resolved at Tier 1, the interested party may file a written agency protest under Tier 2.

USDA encourages all parties to seek resolution with the Contracting Officer before filing an agency protest.

Tier 2: Agency Protest

If concerns cannot be resolved at Tier 1, an interested party may file a written agency protest with either the Contracting Officer or the USDA Independent Review Authority. A decision by the USDA Independent Review Authority is an alternative to a decision by the Contracting Officer; the USDA Independent Review Authority will not consider an appeal of the Contracting Officer's decision on an agency protest.

The protest must state whether the protester elects review by the Contracting Officer or by the USDA Independent Review Authority. If no election is stated, the Contracting Officer will decide the protest.

Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104-4(a)(3). Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

Submission: Agency protests should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

Effect on Award or Performance: Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined to be in the best interest of the Government.

Review Timeline: USDA strives to resolve agency-level protests within 35 business days of receipt.

Election of Forum: By filing a protest with USDA, the protester agrees not to file a protest on the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending.

If such a protest is filed externally, the USDA agency protest will be dismissed.

Questions: Questions regarding this notice or protest procedures should be directed to the Contracting Officer identified in this solicitation.

Attachment 1 - Supply Specifications Salient Characteristics 1240LP27Q0011

Needs Summary:

Tracked UTV with winter cab for California Cooperative Snow Survey (CCSS) work conducted on the Sequoia National Forest. The vehicle will travel over snow from late January to early May to reach remote SNOTEL and snow survey sites on the Kern River and Western Divide Ranger Districts, carrying up to four surveyors and their equipment. It must be capable of self-recovery from deep snow and of moving downed trees off the route. Work is performed in cooperation with CA DWR, US ACE and local water districts to collect snowpack data and produce snow and water forecasting products for agriculture, industry, education and public use. PSC 2305, NAICS 336999.

Specifications:

1. Vehicle – New, unused 2026 or 2027 model year UTV, 4WD/AWD, in a crew cab configuration with factory seating and seat belts for at least four (4) persons (driver plus three passengers). Bench-seat configurations rated for fewer than four occupants are not acceptable.

2. Track Compatibility – Must be compatible with the Government-owned Polaris Prospector Pro 2.0 track system (tracks P/N 2890034) and track mount kit (P/N 2889425). The Government-owned system fits Polaris Ranger XP 1000 models of all model years, including the Ranger Crew XP 1000, and does not fit Ranger 1500 models. The Government will install its tracks and mount kit after acceptance; the contractor is not required to fit or test them. If the offered vehicle is not compatible, a complete contractor-furnished track system and mount kit (CLIN 0002) must be installed before delivery.

3. Trailer Compatibility – Overall length, end to end with the Government-owned tracks installed, not to exceed 15 ft 8 in. (188 in.) for transport on the existing CCSS-owned trailer. Acceptable documentation: manufacturer literature showing length with tracks installed; the manufacturer's published vehicle length plus the track manufacturer's published added length; or a dealer certification of tracked length.

4. Vehicle Weight – Manufacturer-published curb weight or dry weight (a published estimated dry weight is acceptable) of 3,000 lb maximum, for better flotation on snow. The limit applies to the vehicle before installation of the cab, dealer-installed accessories, or tracks. A dealer statement alone does not meet this requirement.

5. Winter Cab – Factory- or dealer-installed enclosed winter cab with hard doors, hard roof, windows, and tip-out windshield with wiper and defrost. A cab heater is preferred but is not required or evaluated.

6. Self Recovery – Installed winch, 4,500 lb minimum capacity, and rear receiver hitch for recovery.

7. Vehicle Protection – Winch-compatible front bumper and underbody skid plate protection.

8. Navigation – Factory-integrated onboard GPS/navigation system. A dealer-installed navigation unit does not meet this requirement.

9. Rear Camera – Rear camera installed and operational. Factory or dealer installation is acceptable.

10. Road-Use Items – Off-road use only. License plate bracket, mirrors, horn and turn signals are not required.

This does not waive the emissions requirement in Item 13.

11. Delivery Condition – Delivered assembled with all contractor-furnished items above installed and ready for use. Any dealer-installed accessories must be identified as separate line items on the quote. A vehicle compatible with the Government-owned tracks may be delivered on wheels.

12. Delivery – USDA Forest Service, Kern River Ranger District, 11380 Kernville Road, Kernville, CA 93238, by 12/31/2026. F.O.B. Destination; inspection and acceptance at destination.

13. Emissions Certification – Must be a California (50-state) model certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for sale and use in California, and must bear the manufacturer's California emission control label. 49-state (federal-only) models are not acceptable. See the Model Identification Guide below.

Model Identification Guide:

Many UTVs are built in a 49-state version (federal EPA certification only) and a California / 50-state version (CARB certified). The two versions can look identical, so confirm the version by model number before quoting.

Polaris model number. Polaris uses a 10-character model number. Example: R26RSY99BH.

Position Example Meaning 1 R Product line (RANGER) 2–3 26 Model year (26 = 2026; 27 = 2027) 4–8 RSY99 Model and configuration (RSY99 = RANGER CREW XP 1000 NorthStar

Edition Ultimate) 9 B Emissions version. "B" = California / 50-state (CARB certified). Any other character, such as "A," is not certified for California and is not acceptable.

10 H Color (H = Stealth Gray)

Polaris VIN. Polaris VINs have 17 characters. Characters 4–8 of the VIN repeat characters 4–8 of the model number. For example, a VIN beginning 4XA RSY99 is an RSY99 model. VIN character 9 is a check digit, so the VIN does not show the California "B." Use the VIN to confirm the specific unit is the model quoted, and the model number and emission label to confirm it is a California model. VINs can be decoded with the free NHTSA VIN Decoder (vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder).

Before quoting, confirm with the supplying dealer that:

a. The specific unit's full model number has "B" in position 9.

b. The model (positions 4–8) is a crew model with seating for at least four, per manufacturer literature.

c. The VIN's characters 4–8 match the model number's characters 4–8. A mismatch means the unit is not the model quoted.

d. The unit carries the manufacturer's California emission control label.

Other manufacturers. For a make other than Polaris, provide the CARB Executive Order number or other manufacturer documentation showing the offered model is certified for sale in California.

At delivery. The Government will check the delivered vehicle's model number, VIN, and California emission label against the quote. A vehicle that does not match is nonconforming and will not be accepted (FAR 52.212-4(a)).