1451-26-R-RFQF-00001

The Mississippi Forestry Commission is conducting a Request for Qualifying Quotes Formal (RFQF) for the procurement of three compact track loaders specifically designed for forestry mulching, with a minimum requirement of 105 gross horsepower. The solicitation, identified by RFx Number 3140004402 and SMART RFx Number 1451-26-R-RFQF-00001, is targeted for use in Rankin County and aims to support fire fuel containment and mulching efforts. The procurement will be conducted through a reverse auction process, with bids accepted electronically via the MAGIC portal (http://portal.magic.ms.gov) or through sealed envelope submissions to the Mississippi Forestry Commission office in Pearl, MS. The submission deadline is set for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, with advertisement dates of September 24, 2025, and October 1, 2025. Bidders must provide machines of the current model year with a full factory warranty, and all three units must be delivered within 6 months of the reverse auction's completion. Detailed specifications include requirements for engine performance, hydraulics, fuel tank capacity, forestry protection, and additional features such as a drum mulching head, backup camera, LED work lights, and a fire extinguisher.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must demonstrate multiple service locations across Mississippi, with at least one service center in each Mississippi Forestry Commission Region. The procurement requires vendors to provide fully assembled machines, complete with operator orientation and service training. Pricing terms indicate that accepted bid prices will remain firm for the contract term, with the state benefiting from any price decrease exceeding five percent. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement involves three machines, suggesting a potential investment in specialized forestry equipment. The Mississippi Forestry Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids, with contract awards based on the lowest responsible bidder meeting the specified requirements. Potential bidders who are not already registered can obtain assistance from the MAGIC Help Desk at (601) 359-1343, and additional information is available through the Magic Bid Portal or by contacting Rebekah Olander (rolander@mfc.ms.gov) or Miranda Burns (mburns@mfc.ms.gov).