Bid guide
How to bid on a compact track loader for Tinker AFB Wildland Fire Branch, US Fish and Wildlife Service
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to purchase one CAT 275XE compact track loader with forestry attachments. This equipment is for the Wildland Fire Branch at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. The agency plans to award this as a sole-source order to Caterpillar Inc. because of specific hydraulic cooler, operator controls, and existing service and support within the Wildland Fire Branch.
This purchase is important for the Wildland Fire Branch's operations, including fuels management and control burns on Air Force bases. Having consistent equipment and local service support is vital to avoid downtime and ensure efficient fire operations.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Notice of Intent, not a request for quotes. The deadline for submitting capability statements or questions is August 7, 2026. Questions or comments must be submitted by 2:00 PM EDT on this date, and capability statements by 5:00 PM ET.
Responses received will help the agency determine if a competitive procurement is beneficial. If no compelling capability statements are received, the agency will likely proceed with the sole-source award to Caterpillar Inc.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is primarily for vendors who can demonstrate that they can provide a compact track loader with forestry attachments that offers clear advantages over the specified Caterpillar model, or that competition would be cost-effective and timely for the government. The NAICS code for this action is 333120, Construction Machinery Manufacturing.
Vendors should have the ability to provide equipment with comparable hydraulic cooler and operator controls, as well as robust service and support, including the ability to travel onto Air Force bases for maintenance and repairs.
How to respond
To access the opportunity details, click “View original source” above. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view any associated documents.
If you wish to submit a capability statement, it must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government and would not be cost or time prohibitive. Email your capability statement to the Contracting Specialist, Fred Riley, at [email protected]. In the subject line of your email, include: Notice of Intent Capability Statement Submission - DOIFFBO260144. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your capability statement, focus on how your offering meets or exceeds the specific requirements mentioned, such as hydraulic cooler performance, operator controls, and the ability to provide service and support on Air Force bases. Clearly articulate how your solution would benefit the government in terms of cost, performance, or delivery time.
Highlight any existing relationships or experience you have with government agencies, especially those involving equipment delivery and maintenance on secure facilities. Provide concrete examples and data where possible to support your claims. Ensure your submission is concise, well-organized, and directly addresses the agency's stated needs and concerns about downtime and specialized attachments.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from US Fish and Wildlife Service; the original posting controls.