How to bid on 20 SOAMXS Compact Mini Crawler Cranes for the DEPT of the Air Force

What the Air Force is buying

The Department of the Air Force needs two new, current-production compact mini crawler cranes for the 20th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. These cranes will support CV-22 aircraft maintenance in areas where traditional lifting equipment is unavailable or impractical, including restricted-access and austere locations.

Each crane must be able to lift at least 5,000 pounds at a 10-foot radius and reach a hook height of at least 41 feet. They must operate on JP-8 fuel and fit specific transport size and weight limits. The acquisition also includes a single-person work platform, heavy-duty protective covers, non-marking tracks, a hydraulic tilt-deck trailer, track mats, a two-year spare-parts and maintenance-support package, manufacturer warranty, documentation, and technical support.

The solicitation references SpyderCrane URW375/URW376 as a brand name or equal. Vendors can offer an equivalent product if it meets or exceeds all minimum salient characteristics outlined in the solicitation.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on July 24, 2026. The deadline for submitting your proposal is August 07, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this time.

It is important to note that funds are not currently available for this effort, and no award will be made until funds become available. The government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation at any time without obligation to reimburse offerors for costs.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for equipment manufacturers or authorized distributors who can supply compact mini crawler cranes. Firms specializing in heavy machinery, construction equipment, or specialized lifting solutions for aviation or defense sectors would be a good fit.

Vendors must be able to provide a product that meets strict performance requirements, including specific lift capacities, hook heights, and JP-8 fuel compatibility. The ability to provide comprehensive support, including spare parts, maintenance, warranty, and technical documentation, is also essential.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation details and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the government portal. Click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents. Review all solicitation documents carefully to understand the full scope of work, requirements, and submission instructions.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully address all minimum salient characteristics. For 'brand name or equal' solicitations, you must clearly demonstrate how your offered product meets or exceeds every specified characteristic. Provide official manufacturer load charts and documentation for lift capacity, hook height, and JP-8 fuel compatibility.

Ensure your proposal includes all required accessories and support items, such as the work platform, protective covers, non-marking tracks, trailer, track mats, and the two-year spare-parts and maintenance-support package. Detail your warranty coverage and technical support plan.

Since funds are not yet available, focus on providing a strong technical and compliant offer. While pricing is important, a technically unacceptable proposal will not be considered. Double-check all dimensions and weight specifications for transportability to ensure your product fits the Air Force's deployment requirements.