How to bid on a CAT 275XE Compact Track Loader for US Fish and Wildlife Service

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) intends to purchase one CAT 275XE compact track loader with forestry attachments. This equipment is for the Wildland Fire Branch at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The agency plans to award this order directly to Caterpillar Inc. under an existing heavy equipment contract.

The FWS states that the Caterpillar CAT 275XE has preferred hydraulic cooling, operator controls, and service and support. They also note that multiple units are already in use within the Wildland Fire Branch, which helps with moving equipment and specialized attachments. The ability for vendors to service and support this equipment on Air Force bases is considered vital for fuels management and control burn operations.

Key dates and deadlines

This is a Notice of Intent, not a request for competitive quotes. If you believe competition would be beneficial, you must submit a capability statement by August 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT. This is the only deadline mentioned.

Responses received will be used to determine if a competitive procurement should be conducted. The agency has the discretion to decide whether or not to compete this proposed contract based on the responses to this notice.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is for companies that manufacture construction machinery (NAICS code 333120) and believe they can offer a compact track loader with forestry attachments that would be advantageous to the government, demonstrating clear and convincing evidence that competition would not be cost or time prohibitive. The agency specifically mentions the need for vendors who can travel onto Air Force bases to service and support equipment.

How to respond

To view the original source of this opportunity, 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 documents, but for many bids, this is not required.

Your capability statement must be submitted via email to Contracting Specialist Fred Riley at [email protected]. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Ensure your email subject line includes: Notice of Intent Capability Statement Submission - DOIFFBO260146.

Practical tips for your capability statement

Since this is a Notice of Intent for a sole-source award, your capability statement needs to be very strong. Focus on demonstrating clear and convincing evidence that your company can provide an equivalent or superior product that meets the agency's specific needs, particularly regarding hydraulic cooler performance, operator controls, and service and support capabilities.

Highlight your ability to provide service and support on Air Force bases, as this was specifically mentioned as vital. Detail your experience with similar equipment used in wildland fire or fuels management operations. Emphasize how your solution would be cost-effective and not cause delays compared to the planned sole-source award. Clearly articulate why competition would be advantageous to the Government.