MRG SFD 2 Amphibious Replacement Track Sets

The Bureau of Reclamation, under the Department of the Interior, has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to award a sole source contract to Wetland Equipment Company for two replacement amphibious track sets. The procurement is for the Socorro Field Division and involves track assemblies for a Caterpillar 330CL and Volvo EC300ELR amphibious excavator. The total estimated contract value is $151,485.00, with delivery required to the San Marcial yard in Socorro, New Mexico within 12 weeks of contract award. The notice follows Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 13 Simplified Acquisition procedures and is scheduled for award in September 2025. The procurement is classified under NAICS code 333120 for Construction Machinery Manufacturing and PSC code 2530 for Vehicular Brake, Steering, Axle, Wheel, and Track Components.

The sole source justification is based on Wetland Equipment Company's proprietary ownership of the mill castings and unique bolt hole alignments that make their tracks exclusively compatible with the existing excavator undercarriage pontoons. The track sets require specialized components including five-inch heavy-duty track chains with K3 attachments, aluminum cleats, UHMW polyethylene wiper and wear pads, and Grade 5 fasteners that cannot be supplied by alternative manufacturers. Interested firms that believe they can provide equivalent components must submit a detailed capability statement to Contracting Officer Tina Villegas by August 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM MDT. The procurement represents significant price increases from previous purchases, with the Volvo track set showing a 43.61% increase and the Caterpillar set a 39.97% increase, attributed to supply chain disruptions, inflation, and increased demand. The agency has determined this procurement is more economical than purchasing new amphibious undercarriages, which can range from $30,000 to $319,000 depending on specifications.