25R53020003BHLQandA20250311.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 35 KB Posted Mar 18, 2025

Attached to: Procurement of Backhoe Loaders (BHL) Amendment #0003 Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number: M67854-25-R-5302
Issued by: United States Marine Corps

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Written by GovTribe AI · Mar 18, 2025

This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for a United States Marine Corps solicitation (M67854-25-R-5302) for procuring 169 Backhoe Loaders (BHLs). The solicitation seeks a commercially available BHL with military modifications to replace existing Caterpillar 420D and 420E models. Key requirements include compatibility with existing Caterpillar work tools, operation on diesel/JP fuels, green 383 color paint, and potential air transportability in a C-130 (now an objective rather than threshold requirement).

The Q&A document covers detailed technical specifications, clarifications on delivery locations, shipping responsibilities, testing procedures, and contractual nuances. Notable aspects include delivery of three initial production units to Aberdeen Test Center for verification, monthly production expectations of three BHLs, and a small business participation goal of 5%. The contract includes provisions for commercial manuals, configuration management, diagnostic software support, and logistics supportability. Delivery locations will be both CONUS and OCONUS, with final destinations to be specified. The procurement period is anticipated to span up to 8 years, contingent on annual funding availability.

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Other files for this federal contract opportunity

Other files attached to Procurement of Backhoe Loaders (BHL) Amendment #0003, newest first.
File	Type	Posted
25R5302BHLAmendment0003.pdf	PDF	Mar 18, 2025
25R5302BHLSOW20250307.pdf	PDF	Mar 18, 2025
25R5302BHLPSpec20250310.pdf	PDF	Mar 18, 2025
25R5302BHLAmendment0002.docx	DOCX document	Mar 7, 2025
25R5302BHLAmendment0001.docx	DOCX document	Feb 19, 2025
25R5302BHLSolicitation.pdf	PDF	Jan 27, 2025
25R5302BHLPSpec.pdf	PDF	Jan 27, 2025
25-R-5302 - Past Performance Questionnaire.pdf	PDF	Jan 27, 2025
25R5302BHLCDRLsUnsigned.pdf	PDF	Jan 27, 2025

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SUBMIT TO USMC

(CUI//Privilege//AC) & (CUI//SP-Procure//SSEL)
seq	Document/Section	Para/Reference	Question/Issue/Concern	USMC Response
1	Not specified	Not specified	Paint Type: We understand the specified color is Green 383 per SAE-AMS-STD-595. Hwever, could you please confirm if the paint type should be CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating), Epoxy, or another variant?	CARC is not required. The paint is expected to withstand the austere operating environments that the BHL will be exposed to.
2	Not specified		Not specified		Testing Location: The solicitation mentions that the first three units will be used for testing and delivered to a test locatin. Could you please confirm the exact location where these units are to be delivered for testing?	Aberdeen Test Center (ATC), located at

US Army Aberdeen Test Center 358 Michaelsville Road Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5059 3 Not specified Not specified Shipping Requirements:

Are we responsible for shipping to all locations, including both the test site and final destinations of the 169 loaders?

Or is the U.S. Marine Corps planning to utilize the Defense Transportation System (DTS) for delivery to the ultimate destinations?	Per the SOW, the potential awardee will be responsible for shipping the BHLs and fork attachments to final destinations.
		4	Solicitation Document	M-1.2, Page 92 of 96	Though not listed in the PSpec, will non-price factors, such as total cost of ownership, maintenance expenses, mean time between failures, and technical performance characteristics (e.g., breakout force, lift height), be evaluated in this selection? Emphasizing these factors is crucial for evaluating the impacts to the logistics cycle and overall cost-effectiveness of the machines.	Offerors should refer to sections L and M to review the submission instructions, evaluation factors, and basis for award. Additional factors will not be provided. All offerors are expected to meet the PSpec and SOW requirements within their proposal(s), as well as provide any other value-added input per offeror discretion.
		5	General Issue	Section I - Contract Clauses	Will USMC incorporate FAR 52.216-3 as this is a commercial item meeting the definition 'Semistandard Supplies'?	At this time, the Government lacks adequate information to determine an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause can be included pursuant to FAR 52.216-3.
		6	General Issue		Do the existing Caterpillar work tools come with a tool carrier?	There is a carrier. Only requirement for this contract is operation of the existing work tools.
		7	Other	N/A	We offer multiple models & configurations which offer different features that meet or exceed the solicitation's technical requirements. Can a Bidder offer more than one model/configuration if pricing is the same?	The offeror shall propose their best overall product.
		8	Performance Spec	2.2 / DoD Standards	Request for Government to provide the following documents as they are not found in the quick search link: TEA PAM 55-21, MCWP 3-34, Army FM 5-34, TM 3-34.85, Natick TR-13/018, NATA STANAG 4074	TM 3-34.85 (not available) and TEA PAM 55-21 (incorrect reference) will be been deleted from the PSpec. "NATA" is a typo. It should be "NATO STANAG 4074". The documents can be provided at award. PSPec will be updated to also include MIL-PRF-62122E. The new reference for the TEA PAM 55-21 will be MIL-STD-913A.
		9	Performance Spec	3.13.1 Internal Air	Current commercial industry cabs do not meet the requirement to fit in a C-130 & meeting the requirement of 3.15.1. Is the requirement for the BHL to fit into the C-130 still required?	The PSpec has been updated to reflect internal air transportability in a C-130 is now an objective requirement, not a threshold requirement.
		10	Performance Spec	3.13.1 Internal Air	If the C-130 is a requirement, will USMC accept a transport dolly's to ensure the machine fits on the aircraft?	The PSpec has been updated to reflect internal air transportability in a C-130 is now an objective requirement, not a threshold requirement.

Yes a transport dolly is acceptable.

		11	Performance Spec	3.16 Color	Confirmation that the USMC will accept 'Green 383' to a commercial paint process, with Non-CARC finish, and a gloss level of 0-10% to align with the BHL being a commercial item. ''The BHL must be green 383 in accordance with SAE-AMS-STD-595''	The commercial paint process will be accepted and approved by the Government.
		12	Performance Spec	3.4.1 BHL Work Tools Compatibility	Can the government provide the interface and performance standards for the vehicle interface required to run the backhoe Work Tools (B01037B), to include hydraulic requirements for the Work Tools?	The Cage Code and Part Number was provided in the Pspec. All attachments are commercial standard attachments.
		13	Performance Spec	3.4.1 BHL Work Tools Compatibility	Will backhoe work tools (B01037B) be made available prior to bid submission for contractor verification?	The Backhoe work tools will not be made available prior to bid submission. The Government anticipates the BHL will be able to use the commercially-standard attachments listed in the PSpec. At a minimum, the Government requires the BHL will be able to use the attachments specified in the PSpec by the CAGE Code of the manufacturer, and that manufacturer's part number.
		14	Performance Spec	3.10. Operational Decontamination	What is the testable standard for "withstand deterioration' from an operational decontamination"?	FM 3-11.5CBRN Decontamination Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Decontamination
		15	Performance Spec	3.10. Operational Decontamination	Does 'decontamination' definition apply to the interior as well as the exterior of the vehicle?	Exterior. Per FM 3-11.5CBRN
		16	Performance Spec	3.2.1 Backhoe Attachment	The requirement states the average of bucket volume excavated. It does not state the number of cycles or times.
Recommend adding number of cycles with time requirement to dig an Individual Fighting Position.	The requirement is specifying the size of the backhoe bucket. We assume the bucket sizes are readily available that meet this requirement and should be comparable with other contractors. We do not expect for a bucket to be developed for this effort.
		17	Performance Spec	1.1 Scope	Is there a measurable requirement to quantify "small sized combat emplacements, trenches and general engineering tasks". Do USMC have a 'length / width / depth' and within X period of time expectation for these tasks that can equate to a number of cycles.	Marine Corps Warfighting Publication (MCWP) 3-34 explains these emplacements and trenches.
		18	Solicitation Document	CLIN 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002, 5002
Fork Attachments	CLIN 0002 (and for subsequent years) requests for additional 69 fork attachments. Please confirm this quanity is in addition to the what would accompany each machine under CLIN 0001 pursuant to PSpec 3.2?	The intent is for each BHL to be delivered under CLIN0001 (and subsequent years) WITHOUT a fork attachment. CLIN0002 (and each subsequent year) is for the ordering of a contract total of 69 fork attachments separate from the loader.
		19	Solicitation Document	CLIN 0002, 1002, 2002, 3002, 4002, 5002
Fork Attachments	Are 69 fork attachments under CLIN 0002 intended to replace previous inventory?	No. This is a new capability. There is no current inventory of fork attachments for the currently fielded backhoe.
		20	Solicitation Document	SF33 & Section L	Despite order of precedence, SF 33 cover states proposal is due at midnight whereas, Section L-1.2 (a) states proposal is due 1400 EST. Please confirm again, proposal due date and time.	Amendments #0001 and #0002corrected the due date and time.
		21	Solicitation Document	Section F - Deliveries or Performance
F.3 MINIMUM FULL RATE PRODUCTION	The Government requires three (3) production assets for verification testing to be delivered within 120 days or sooner of initial delivery order to the designated testing facilities. Is this the contract minimum order quantity for FRP also?	The contract minimum is stated in Section I, Clause 52.216-19. Delivery order quantities will vary based on availability of funding.
		22	Solicitation Document	Section F - Deliveries or Performance
F.2 ORDERING	"Monthly production shall equal a minimum of three (3) BHL systems per month after successful Production Verification Testing and Full Rate Production (FRP) decision."
Does this mean the minimum quantitiy order is 36 per year?	No. Delivery order quantities will vary based on availability of funding.
		23	Solicitation Document	Section I - Contract Clauses	FAR 4.1008 instructs the PCO to insert the provision at 52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal in all solicitations. However we cannot find that provision in the BHL solicitation. Recommend the Government include this provision to allow 2nd proposals or Alternative Line Items Proposals due to the numerous vehicle models and innovative performance options that can be proposed.	The offeror shall propose their best overall product.
		24	Statement of Work	Provisioning Guidance Meeting (pg. 37)	Verbiage states "The Contractor shall participate in the PGM in conjunction with the PAM (see 3.3.2)." Section 3.3.2 references the QAMM. Should 3.3.2 actually be 3.1.8.2?	Yes. Paragraph is updated to reflect 3.1.8.2. See Amendment #0003.
		25	Statement of Work	EDFP (pg. 40) & CDRL A006	The solicitation and CDRL A006 indicate that only parts idenfied by a Government specification or standard will be exempt from EDFP submittal. Current process adopts that parts with a valid NSN are exempt from EDFP requirements. Please confirm this new requirement.	Yes this is a new requirement to verify the part matches what is coded on the NSN. USMC parts management databases require Engineering Data For Provisioning (EDFP) to add the Marine Corps to any and all NSNs already established.
		26	Statement of Work	Reliability and Maintainability (pg. 28)	A Reliabiltiy and Maintainability (R&M) program is referenced in the solicitation but there do not appear to be any contract deliverables associated with R&M. Can the Government confirm no R&M deliverables will be required?	Contractor shall comply with the requirements stated in SOW paragraph 3.2.4.1.
		27	Statement of Work	Publications (pg. 36) & CDRL A015	CDRL A015 contains minimal definition of the supplemental data required to accompany the COTS manuals. If the COTS manuals contain all assembly, installation, operation, parts, and maintenance information for the commercial machine, does the Government expect any data in the supplement beyond coverage of any military modifications?	Per para 4.2.1 of the SOW, "The Contractor shall provide all commercial manuals in editable Microsoft suite and PDF files for the BHL, to include operation, maintenance, parts, handling instructions, Long-Term Storage, and Care of Supplies In Storage (COSIS). The Contractor shall also develop a Part Number to National Stock Number Cross Reference (PN/NSNCR) that will be embedded in the commercial parts manual. The Contractor shall provide all pictures and parts data information for the BHL for the Government to develop a Stock List-3 (SL-3).
		28	Statement of Work	Publications (pg. 36) & CDRL A015	Based on the solicitation documents, it appears the BHL must be compatible with the existing Caterpillar work tools. Will these tools need to be included in the publications?	Awardee is expected to provide any supplemental information and data that is necessary to accomplish the requirements of the contract. Awardee is not expected to provide information and data about products or services that are provided by the Government to Awardee. Although unlikely, Awardee, in some instances, could be asked to consolidate information provided by the Government with information the Awardee is providing to the Government.
	d	29	Statement of Work	Publications (pg. 36) & CDRL A015	If Caterpillar work tools are requried to be in the publications, does documentation of these tools already existed that can be provided by USMC for inclusion in the BHL publications?	Legacy documentation can be provided to the awardee.
		30	Statement of Work	Publications (pg. 36) & CDRL A015	The Performance Specification states it is desired for the BHL on-board diagnostics to be compatible with the WATS and EMSS. Does the USMC require use of the WATS/EMSS to be included in the supplemental data?	If the desired requirement is met, then YES, the USMC requires use of the WATS/EMSS to be included in the supplemental data.
		31	Statement of Work	3.6.1 Configuration Management	Configuration management would be specific to military modifications only. Commercial base of machine will be supported utilizing existing commercial processes. Will USMC specify that the Configuration Management Process is specific to military mods only?	The contractor is expected to have a configuration management process for the commercial base machine (commercial process is acceptable) as well as the specific military modifications.
		32	Statement of Work	3.1.7 Planned Deliveries	Table 1 - request zip codes for delivery locations for transporation quotes.	Table 1 is the anticipated delivery locations.
		33	Statement of Work	3.6.5 Product Baseline Management	Warranty mgmt report - how will contractor track and manage scheduled services and repairs not performed by the contractor?	The awardee will not track scheduled services and repairs performed by the USMC maintaners. In the event the manufacturer needs maintenance information the USMC can provide service history of an item on a case-by-case basis.
		34	Statement of Work	Publications (pg. 36) / PN/NSNCR	PN/NSNCR will be included with the parts manual as a supplement, cannot change COTS manual by embedding an Appendix.
Please acknowledge understanding of the process.	The PN/NSNCR can be added to the end of the existing editable Microsoft suite and PDF files of the COTS manual.

Page 40, paragraph e of the SOW states: "The protection of Contractor’s rights in technical data and the Government’s rights to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose technical data shall be as identified in DFARS Subpart 227.71 and in DFARS Clause 252.227-7013 (Non-commercial Items) or DFARS Clause 252.227-7015 (Commercial Items). EDFP shall be marked in such a manner as to identify the Contractor’s proprietary rights (limited or unlimited) in accordance with DFARS Subpart and clauses noted."

		35	Statement of Work	3.1.1 Modifications	Would external lift and tie downs be listed as a modifications within the SOW referenced?	They can be considered modifications. Ensure the machine meets the requirements set in 3.13.2 External Air and 3.13.5 Lifting and Tiedown Provisions of the Pspec.
		36	Statement of Work	3.5.1 Product Dwgs/Models & Associated Lists	Request clarification on providing IP data on items developed at private expense for which the government has not acquired rights.	The request for IP data is for military modifications only. SOW Para 3.5.1 has been updated to delete requirement of data at private expense.
		37	Statement of Work	3.6.5 Diagnostic Software Support (pg. 35)	Unable to find refernced paragraph 4.1.4. listing the BHL diagnostic requirements. Interfacing with military diagnostic tools is not a threshold requirement in the PSPEC.	The only threshold requirement is that the onboard diagnostic system connects with standard diagnostic tools and equipment. We do not want a proprietary connection specific to a vendor. The objective requirement is for the system to be compatible with the WATS and EMSS. SOW has been updated to reflect the correct paragraph numbers.
		38	Statement of Work	3.6.5 to 4.4.2	Missing sections: the SOW jumps from 3.6.5 to 4.4.2 without any sections in-between. Was this intentional?	Formatting seems to have been lost in the Solicitation. We will provide the Statement of Work with correct formatting via RFP Amendment 0003.
		39	Statement of Work	3.1.7 Planned Deliveries	"The Contractor is responsible for delivery of all BHLs at each shipping location Free on Board (FOB)."
Is the Contractor responsible to ship to governement shipping locations or to final destination?	The contractor shall ship to final destination, all Units CONUS and OCONUS. Anticipated delivery locations are found in the SOW Paragraph 3.1.7 Planned Deliveries, Table 1 Delivery Locations.
		40	Solicitation Document	Section K Page 77	1. The Clauses Incorporated by

Reference include DFARS 252.215- 7009 – Proposal Adequacy Checklist (PAC)– require the offeror to complete the checklist listed in that section. The PAC is typically required only for a certified cost proposal. The solicitation herein is for a Firm Fixed Price contract which, under FAR 16.201, does not require detailed cost breakdowns and/or certified cost data. Will the Government kindly remove this clause/requirement from the

solicitation as it is inapplicable?	DFARS provision 252.215-7009 will be deleted.
		41	Solicitation Document	Section L-2.2 Content of Proposal and Business Volume Page 87	2. Under the Transmittal and

Executive Summary, the solicitation numbers referenced are M67854-25- R-5301 and M67854-25-R-2025.

Offeror seeks to confirm that the solicitation number of this procurement is M67854-25-R-5302. Will the Government kindly clarify and confirm the correct solicitation

number?	The correct solicitation number is M67854-25-R-5302. Section L will be corrected via Amendment #0003.
		42	Solicitation Document	Section L-2.2 Section II Small Business Participation
/Subcontracting Plan Page 89	3. Will the Government please clarify/confirm that the
Government’s Participation goals for this acquisition are a Small Business Total of 5% of the Total Contract Dollars?	Confirmed.
		43	Solicitation Document	Section L-2.2 Section II Small Business Participation
/Subcontracting Plan Page 89	Does the Government have

participation goals for the sub- categories (SB, SDVOSB, WOSB and HUBZone) of small business concerns in the subcontracting plan or should the offeror attribute percentages totaling the

Government’s 5% participation goals?	No, just 5% overall for Small Business.
		44	Performance Spec	3.3 Fuel Type	The BHL will operate on diesel, JP5, JP8, and F24. Will the government issue an exemption under the National Security Emissions Exemption to allow the contractor to supply these engines for the program and for aftermarket support of the program?	It is the sucessful offeror's responsibility to request the exemption. Upon request from the successful offeror, the USMC will provide a letter which states the requirement.
		45	Performance Spec	3.4.2	States that the BHL is desired to be capable of excavating with the BHL while operating one “auxiliary

hydraulic power tool”. Are the work tools listed under 3.4.1 also the list of auxiliary hydraulic tools or are there other tools

contemplated?	The tools in 3.4.1 hook directly to the backhoe arm. The auxilary hydraulic power tools are hand tools that attach to a hose reel that extends beyond the fully extended reach of the backhoe.
		46	Performance Spec	3.6 Operator’s Cab	Are there any height restrictions for the operator cab?	The interior height of the C-130 is the height restrictions for the operator cab.
		47	Performance Spec	3.6.6 Cab Occupancy	There is an objective requirement for a Cab compartment that can accommodate 2 marines. May the government explain and define this request in more detail?	This is not a specification that will be evaluated per Sections L & M.
		48	Performance Spec	3.10 Operational Decontamination	The BHL shall “withstand

deterioration “from operational decontamination. May the government please define these

terms and establish a measurement? What is acceptable and how will it be measured?	Refer to FM 3-11.5 CBRN Decontamination Multiservice Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Decontamination
		49	Performance Spec	3.10 Operational Decontamination	Please confirm this does not require CARC paint and that commercial
paint is acceptable.	CARC is not required. The paint is expected to withstand the austere operating environments that the BHL will be exposed to.
		50	Performance Spec	3.13.3 Surface Land Transportability	Please confirm whether the BHL will have to pass the full Rail
Impact Test.	Yes
		51	Performance Spec	3.16 Color	383 Green topcoat noted. Can the government confirm this is a

commercial paint color requirement and not CARC? Will any tan be

required?	CARC is not required. The paint is expected to withstand the austere operating environments that the BHL will be exposed to. Only GREEN.
		52	Solicitation Document	CLIN 001 BHL FFP page 2 of 96	CLIN requests step ladder pricing.

Will the USMC establish the stepladder quantities so that all

bidders are working from the same information?	No. It is up to each offeror to determine their appropriate step ladder pricing.
		53	Solicitation Document	CLIN 0001 BHL FFP page 2
of 96	Will the USMC identify the amount that it expects to purchase for each order year so that we may have accurate assumptions for step ladder pricing?	No. Delivery order quantities will vary based on availability of funding.
		54	Statement of Work	All TMs	Will the USMC require full MIL spec TMs for operator and
maintainer?	No, per the SOW,"The contractor shall provide all commercial manuals in editable Microsoft suite and PDF files for the BHL, to include operation, maintenance, parts, handling instructions, Long-Term Storage, and Care of Supplies In Storage (COSIS)."
		55	Statement of Work	All TMs	If the government requires full mil- spec TMS, will the contractor be
responsible, or will the USMC have a contracted provider we support?	N/A. See above answer. Per the SOW,"The contractor shall provide all commercial manuals in editable Microsoft suite and PDF files for the BHL, to include operation, maintenance, parts, handling instructions, Long-Term Storage, and Care of Supplies In Storage (COSIS)."
		56	Solicitation Document	CLIN5001 step ladder pricing	This CLIN covers an option for years 6-8. Is this program of 160 BHLs expected to last 8 years?	Yes; however, the procurement period is dependent upon availability of funds in each Fiscal Year.
		57	Statement of Work	3.1.6 Schedule Planning	The paragraph states that 3 per

month is the desired schedule. Does the USMC have an intention of

requesting or allowing accelerated deliveries at a higher rate?	A higher rate can be proposed.
		58	Statement of Work	3.5.1 product drawings page 30 of 96	The USMC is looking for assembly drawings and detail drawings for ‘all items designed and developed at government expense.” Please clarify what specific items this is meant to cover as this program, the BH Loader is a COTS item, and the contract is FFP. Even the military modifications are developed at contractor’s cost and risk and remain the IP of the contractor. The concern is an unanticipated transfer of IP rights as the paragraph calls for manufacturing of the item.	The request for IP data is for military modifications only. The clause at DFARS 252.227-15 applies to the contract, which states at paragraph (b)(2), "The clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, Rights in Technical Data—Other Than Commercial Products and Commercial Services, governs the technical data pertaining to any portion of a commercial product or commercial service that was developed in any part at Government expense and is not covered under the SBIR or STTR program."
		59	Solicitation Document	Appendix C Table A	Table A contains a section titled Entity HF Item Packaging

Requirement Data. The eight fields listed in this section have traditionally been included in LMI packaging data. Is this packaging data is now expected as part of the provisioning parts list for any parts

including parts with existing NSNs that do not contain this information.	This data is required for any part where the Marine Corps is/will be the Source of Supply.
		60	Solicitation Document	Appendix C Table A	If the answer to question 20 is yes, can the government supply the

information? If the government cannot supply the information,

where can the contractor obtain it?	MIL-STD-2073-1E
		61	Statement of Work	Provisioning, CDRL A006	The solicitation states parts defined by Government specification or standards do not require EDFP. Do parts with existing NSNs that do not have a government spec require EDFP to be supplied and redone?	Yes. EDFP is required to verify the part is the same as the current parts coded on NSNs. Just because an NSN looks to be current, some are coded as obsolete or no procurement authorized.
		62	Statement of Work	Provisioning conferences	The provisioning conference section of the solicitation does not specify the number of conferences required.

Can the Government identify the number of parts to be covered at

each conference so offerors can plan accordingly?	The number of conferences depends on the OEM’s ability to provide required data according to the agreed upon schedule. Based on the Government's formal repsonse. Typically, 150-200 lines of data can be covered per day. Depending on the number of lines of data provided by the OEM and any errors that are identified, depends on the number of conferences required. Typically, only 1000 lines of data are covered per conference. Some occasions this can be sped up to 1500.
		63	Statement of Work	Section 4.4.10 Training Delivery Requirements	Section 4.4.10 lists PVT training and NET, but there is no reference to Instructor and Key Personnel
Training (I&KPT). Will an I&KPT session be required for this contract?	I&KPT is not required. However, the awardee will be expected to update training materials as identified at the intial training event. Also, all proposed instructors must attend the initial training event for Government evaluation and certification. See updated SOW paragraph 4.4.10.2.
		64	Solicitation Document	Applicable Documents, TMs	The Applicable Documents section lists MIL-STD-40051-2D (1) but
there are no references to this spec within the body of the solicitation. Is the supplemental data to the COTS manual expected to conform to MIL-STD-40051 or can it be prepared in contractor format?	The supplementals can be in the same format as the commercial manuals.
		65	Performance Spec	3.1.1 Tire Size	Is it acceptable for front tires to be same, and rear tires to be same? Not necessarily all 4 tires the same.	All 4 tires are required to be the same size.
		66	Performance Spec	3.1.1 Tire Size	Are fluid filled tires required?	No.
		67	Performance Spec	3.2.4 Front Loader Lift Height & Reach	Can the Government provide a specific definition of Minimum Dump Reach?	Distance from the front of the machine (frame or tire) to the edge of the bucket at maximum height in the dumped position. Dumped position is defined in PSpec paragraph 3.2.4 bucket at full height and tilted down at least 40 degrees.
		68	Performance Spec	3.2.5 Fork Attachment	Do the forks need to be adjustable? Is there a specific requirement for fork thickness and width?	The forks need to be manually adjustable to engage with standard wood pallets. The fork thickness and width should be designed for the load being picked up.
		69	Performance Spec	3.9.1 Longitudinal Slope	Is the requirement specifying loaded or unloaded?	Unloaded
		70	Performance Spec	3.9.3 Speed	Is the requirement specifying loaded or unloaded?	Unloaded
		71	Performance Spec	3.3.2 Mission Profile	Is this without being refueled?	Yes
		72	Performance Spec	3.4. Hydraulic Tools	What is the minimum reach
requirement of the auxiliary tools?	The offeror's proposal should identify the product's reach as derived from the backhoe depth requirement. For example, if an 8' depth is offered, provide the max reach for that backhoe, and provide a hose that allows for the hydraulic tools to be operated beyond that. If the objective requirement is met for the backhoe depth, the backhoe arm that acheives this depth provides a maximum reach and the hose length should be offered to extend past this distance. This information will be evaluated as provided for by the solicitation.
		73	Performance Spec	3.8 Towing Pintle	What is the NSN of the current towing pintle?	There is no towing pintle on the current backhoe loader.
		74	Performance Spec	3.13 Transportability	Is there a required bucket
configuration for air transport?	No. The configuration for air transport is to have the bucket attached to the BHL.
		75	Performance Spec	3.13 Transportability	Does sleeper shoring need to be used with buckets?	No. Embarkation personnel have will follow proper shipping procedures for shoring.
		76	Performance Spec	3.13 Transportability	Can the bucket have Tie downs?	Tie downs are not needed because the bucket is attached to the BHL.
		77	Performance Spec	3.13 Transportability	Can the buckets be detached for air transport?	Yes, however, operationally USMC typically does not detach the buckets for air transport.
		78	Performance Spec	3.13 Transportability	Are suitcase weights acceptable forms of ballast, if needed?	No.
		79	Performance Spec	3.13 Transportability	Are weights inside the wheel acceptable forms of ballast, if needed?	No.
		80	Performance Spec	Armor B-kit	Does the cab need to have an interface for installing a B-kit? Will a B-kit be a need for this program as an option?	Per signed requirements documents from Capabilities Development Directorate, there is no armor requirement for the BHL. The Pspec was finalized after the Systems Requirements Review (SRR). The SRR ensured performance requirements for the Backhoe Loader (BHL) are fully defined, measurable, testable, and traceable to the requirements documents.

Per 3.6 Operator's Cab gives the requirement for the cab requiring it to be permanent, non-removable, enclosed compartment.

		81	Solicitation Document	CLINs 5001 & forward	The last CLIN mentions a pricing for Order Years 6, 7 & 8. Will the USMC structure so we can offer individual prices for each of those
order years, instead of 1 fixed price for 3 years?	CLIN5001 specifically lists a request for step-ladder pricing for each ordering period in the 60th through 96th month. The option CLINs cover a total of 36 months ordering period but proposal pricing should be established for each ordering period within the CLINs.
		82	Statement of Work	Section C, Page 22	Would the Government be open to a trade-in program for the existing Caterpillar 420D and 420E BHLs? If so, could you provide the current model years and current operational hours for the 169 units to be replaced, acknowledging that hours will increase prior to any exchange?	No. The Government will not be open to a trade-in program for the BHL.
		83	Pspec	3.13.1 Page 7	The BHL commercially available backhoes typically have a cab height that is too high to fit into a C-130, especially with the 6 inches of required safety clearance around the inside envelope. The commercially available units we have benchmarked are 107-118 inches tall. The maximum height allowed in the C-130 with the 6 inch required safety gap is 102”. This requires significant modification to the COTS item and is a significant cost driver.
Would the USMC consider removing the C-130 as a requirement?	The PSpec has been updated to reflect internal air transportability in a C-130 is now an objective requirement, not a threshold requirement.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Mar 18, 2025.