130hp CTL - Kern NWR, CA

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service is procuring a 130+ horsepower Compact Track Loader (CTL) with specialized forestry attachments for delivery to Kern National Wildlife Refuge in California. The solicitation specifies a "brand name or equal" requirement for a Cat 275 XE model that must include a standard 4-in-1 bucket, forestry package with protective guarding, an Ansul liquid fire suppression system with remote activation capability, and a 72-inch mulching head rated for the machine's horsepower and flow. Key qualification requirements include vendors maintaining a permanent manufacturer-approved service facility within 60 miles of the delivery location and confirming the engine rating meets the minimum 130 horsepower threshold with high-flow attachment connected. The evaluation will be conducted using two factors: technical acceptability (including past performance review through CPARS) and price, with the award going to the responsible offeror with the lowest evaluated price that meets acceptable technical standards. The solicitation was posted on September 15, 2025, with an extremely tight response deadline of September 18, 2025, requiring electronic submissions to Robert_Sung@fws.gov.

Despite the government file indicating this procurement is set aside for HUBZone small business concerns, the main solicitation notice states "No Set-Aside Used," creating potential confusion regarding the actual set-aside status. No incumbent contractors or current service providers are identified in the solicitation documents. The contract structure is firm fixed price for commercial products, though no specific budget range or estimated contract value is disclosed in the available documentation. The procurement calls for delivery of one CTL unit to Kern National Wildlife Refuge in California, with additional requirements including a 3-year/2000-hour equipment protection plan and comprehensive operator training. The place of performance is specifically identified as Kern National Wildlife Refuge in California, with the NAICS code 333120 (Construction Machinery Manufacturing) and a size standard of 1,250 employees applying to this procurement.