Questions and Answers RFQ 19N06026Q0015 Snow Removal Equipment (FinalCH).pdf

Embassy of the United States of America

Oslo, Norway August 21, 2026

Questions and Answers for RFQ 19NO60260015 -

Snow Removal Equipment

1. QUESTION:

Please confirm whether the Government will accept alternative winter tire, non-OEM tires and rims, provided they are new, fully compatible with the existing Toolcat 5610, compliant with applicable Norwegian requirements, and meet or exceed the intended performance of the specified solution. Would the Government accept a purpose-designed winter tire using a softer winter rubber compound rather than the relatively hard compound normally found on construction/off-road tires?

ANSWER:

The use of non-OEM tires and rims is acceptable, if equal or better than OEM tires. The tires will be predominantly used in Winter, so a softer compound will work. The vendor may propose the tire and stud configuration best suited for Winter operations.

2. QUESTION:

The specification identifies the Wheel Loader height as approximately 250 cm. Please confirm whether this dimension is measured:

• to the top of the cab/ROPS structure only; or

• to the highest point of the fully equipped vehicle, including antenna, warning beacon/light bar, or other roof-mounted accessories.

• If antennas or removable/flexible roof-mounted components are excluded from the stated height, please confirm.

ANSWER:

The height of the wheel loader should be no higher than 250 cm in height from the ground up to the cab lights.

3. QUESTION:

Please identify the acceptable tolerance or range for specifications designated as approximate. For example, would a machine that varies modestly from the stated approximate weight, height, width, or attachment dimensions remain technically acceptable where the proposed equipment otherwise meets or exceeds the Government's functional requirements?

ANSWER:

The "≈" sign symbol donates a strict mandatory parameter for equipment size and weight.

The symbol is used to symbolize the required size/ weight. This requirement ensures the procured wheel loader matches our precise operational needs, preventing the delivery of an under or over dimensioned equipment. Measurements should be close to the specifications given.

4. QUESTION:

The Wheel Loader width specification identifies a width of 190 cm but does not state whether this is an approximate, minimum, or maximum dimension. Please clarify whether 190 cm is a target dimension or a maximum allowable overall width and identify any acceptable tolerance.

ANSWER: 190 cm is the maximum allowable width of the wheel loader.

5. QUESTION:

Please confirm the specific mechanical attachment/interface standard required. Is a universal skid-steer quick-attach interface acceptable? Please also confirm whether adapters are acceptable if required, provided the resulting configuration is fully compatible, safe, and does not adversely affect the equipment warranty or specified operating capacity.

ANSWER:

The Embassy would like to use existing equipment for the ToolCat 5610 on the new wheel loader. We require having SSL attachment on all new equipment without any adaptor plates. The Wheel Loader and all equipment must have the SSL attachment.

6. QUESTION:

The Snow Blower is required to be "High Flow Hydraulic"; however, we could not identify a minimum hydraulic flow rate or operating pressure for the Wheel Loader.

ANSWER:

The Auxiliary High Flow for Bobcat ToolCat 5610 is 27,9gpm, 3,000 psi. This is so equipment can be interchangeable.

7. QUESTION:

The Wheel Loader specification states that the "controller for all equipment should be integrated into the control panel in the driver's cab and within easy reach for the driver."

Please clarify whether an OEM- or attachment-manufacturer-supplied control module installed within the cab and within easy reach of the operator is acceptable, or whether all attachment functions must be incorporated directly into the Wheel Loader manufacturer's original control panel/joystick system.

Ideally, the Government would like a fully integrated control module inside the cab and within easy reach of the operator. However, an additional controller can be added in a manner/location that is within the reach of the operator and does impede the safe operation of the equipment.

8. QUESTION:

Please provide the model year and, if available, the serial number and current tire/rim dimensions of the Embassy's existing Bobcat Toolcat 5610.

The Bobcat Toolcat 5610 manufacture plate states the following:

Work machine model: 5600 Product ID#: *AHG811783* Model Year: 2015 Tire: 29 x 12,5-15 TURF

9. QUESTION:

Please confirm whether the Contractor is responsible for delivering the machine fully registered and road-ready in Norway, including any required registration, inspection, lighting, signage, documentation, and license plates, or whether the requirement is limited to supplying a machine technically capable of being registered for public-road use.

ANSWER:

The Wheel Loader must be compliant with EU standards and delivered technically capable of being registered for public-road use on Norwegian Roads.

10. QUESTION:

Please confirm whether the 45-calendar-day requirement is an absolute condition of technical acceptability or whether the Government will consider proposed equipment with a longer manufacturer lead time if the Offeror clearly identifies the proposed delivery schedule in its quotation.

The 45-day calendar requirement is an absolute condition of technical acceptability.

11. QUESTION:

The new Wheel Loader is required to be delivered with pre-installed All-Season tires and steel rims. Given that the intended primary use is snow and ice removal in Oslo, would the Government accept dedicated winter tires or another tire configuration offering superior winter traction in lieu of the specified All-Season tires, provided the tires are road legal in Norway and suitable for the machine's rated loads and operating conditions?

ANSWER:

As a requirement of this solicitation, the Government has requested pre-installed all-season tires. It will not accept dedicated winter tires or other tire configurations offering superior winter traction.