Sources Sought-Head Loader with Mulching Head

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is conducting a sources sought on a Tracked Skid Steer Loader with 72-inch Forestry Mulching Head Attachment for its Gaithersburg, Maryland campus, with responses due July 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM EST.

The equipment will replace a 2002 skid steer loader excessed due to age and mechanical breakdowns and will support grounds maintenance tasks including sports field grading, utility excavation, woods cleanup, tree removal, mulching, material loading, snow removal, stump grinding, and trenching. The deliverable comprises a track-driven Skid Steer Loader powered by a Tier 4 certified diesel engine with minimum 105 gross horsepower, featuring a premium cab with air conditioning, 2-speed transmission, high-flow hydraulics, integrated telematics, advanced touchscreen display with Attachment Manager Software, 270-degree surround view camera system, 84-inch heavy-duty tooth bucket, and cold start package. The 72-inch Heavy-Duty Forestry Mulching Head Attachment must cut trees up to 8 inches and grind stumps up to 12 inches in diameter, equipped with a high-capacity smooth-profile drum rotor with minimum 36 double-carbide-tipped teeth and two-speed hydraulic motor system. A comprehensive Debris Mitigation Kit including rear bumper reinforcement, FOPS Level II structural rating, hydraulic hose guards, mesh screens, chassis skid guards, and specialized debris seals is required.

The contractor must provide three years of manufacturer software and system updates, English-language operator and parts manuals, and two-year or 2,000-hour warranty on the Skid Steer Loader plus one-year unlimited-hour warranty on the Forestry Mulching Head Attachment, with optional extended 60-month or 6,000-hour comprehensive powertrain warranty available. All shipping, delivery, and training costs are included in the baseline purchase price. Delivery occurs at Building 309, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899; the contractor must provide operational demonstration upon delivery and hands-on operator training within 10 business days for up to six operators, conduct first factory-scheduled preventative maintenance on-site, and submit delivery and training personnel names 24 hours prior to arrival for security clearance.

Anticipated period of performance is 90 days from award. NAICS code 333120 (Construction Machinery Manufacturing) applies. Responses should address company information, size status validation, SAM.gov registration, suggested improvements to draft specifications, proposed evaluation factors, standard commercial pricing, safety programs and DOT compliance, and capability details. Small businesses must address FAR clause 52.219-14 compliance. Firms may submit team responses. Submit to brandon.butler@nist.gov in Word or PDF format, maximum 10 pages excluding cover page and pricing, 12-point font.