Compact Track and Wheel Loaders

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for the procurement of compact loaders and related attachments to support departmental operations across multiple locations. The solicitation encompasses five line items: three compact track loaders (CAT 249D3 Cab Pro or John Deere 317G equivalents) with minimum 65 horsepower, one compact wheel loader (Bobcat L28 Small Articulated, Vermeer ATX720 Compact, or Avant 640i) with minimum 24.8 horsepower, and one larger compact track loader (CAT 275XE, John Deere 335, or Case DL 550) with minimum 114 horsepower. All equipment must be new, current year models featuring turbocharged diesel engines compliant with Tier 4 Final emissions standards, enclosed cabs with HVAC systems, and manufacturer's standard warranties. Each loader requires multiple compatible attachments including heavy-duty buckets, pallet forks, grapples, augers, mowers, box blades, and mulchers, with all equipment to be delivered to five TPWD locations across Texas (Fort Davis, Del Rio, Rockport, Terlingua, and Houston) on an F.O.B. destination basis with all costs included in unit pricing. Bids were due by 2:00 PM Central Time on May 7, 2026, with evaluation based on best value criteria considering lowest price, bidder qualifications and ability, delivery schedules, and past performance. Respondents were required to specify make, model, warranty terms, estimated delivery timeframes, facility capabilities, references, and past performance records, with responses binding for 60 business days from the bid due date.

The solicitation documentation does not indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, small businesses, or other protected classifications, nor does it reference incumbent vendors or existing contractors. TPWD explicitly prohibited the submission of remanufactured or "gray market" equipment, requiring only authentic new equipment with manufacturer manuals containing illustrated parts lists and comprehensive operating and service instructions. All bids were subject to extensive compliance requirements addressing Texas and federal law, including statutory certifications regarding debarment status, conflicts of interest, human trafficking, cybersecurity compliance, insurance requirements, and indemnification obligations. The solicitation reserves TPWD's right to award to multiple vendors and to adjust quantities based on bid results and budget constraints, though no specific budget range or award value was disclosed in the available documentation. Contract commencement would occur upon award, with automatic expiration upon delivery and final acceptance of all equipment by TPWD.