Bid guide
How to bid on a compact track loader for US Fish and Wildlife Service
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) intends to award a sole-source contract to Caterpillar Inc. for a CAT 275XE compact track loader with forestry attachments. This equipment is needed to support the Tinker Air Force Base Wildland Fire Branch in Oklahoma for fuels management and control burns.
This notice is not a request for competitive quotes. The FWS believes Caterpillar Inc. is the only source that can meet their specific requirements for hydraulic cooler, operator controls, and service and support, which are critical for minimizing downtime during fire operations. They also have existing CAT 275XE units, making this purchase compatible with their current operations and attachments.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The notice was published on July 22, 2026. If you believe you can provide the required equipment and services, you must submit a capability statement by August 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. This is a strict deadline.
After the deadline, the agency will review any submitted capability statements. They will use these statements to determine if competition for this requirement is feasible and advantageous to the government. If no suitable competitive options are identified, the FWS will proceed with the sole-source award to Caterpillar Inc.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is for firms that can demonstrate they can provide a compact track loader with forestry attachments that meets or exceeds the specific requirements outlined by the FWS, particularly regarding hydraulic cooler, operator controls, and comprehensive service and support. The relevant NAICS code is 333120, Construction Machinery Manufacturing.
Vendors must also be able to service and support equipment on Air Force bases. This is a critical factor for the agency's operations.
How to respond to this notice
To respond, you must submit a capability statement. This statement should provide clear and convincing evidence that your company can meet the government's needs and that competition would be advantageous and not cost or time prohibitive.
Email your capability statement to Contracting Specialist Fred Riley at [email protected]. In the subject line of your email, you must include: Notice of Intent Capability Statement Submission - DOIFFBO260141. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Focus your capability statement on directly addressing the specific reasons the FWS has cited for a sole-source award. Highlight how your product and services match or surpass the Caterpillar 275XE in terms of hydraulic cooler, operator controls, and service and support. Provide concrete examples and evidence.
Clearly articulate your ability to provide service and support on Air Force bases. This is a stated vital requirement. Detail your experience and procedures for accessing and working on such installations. Ensure your submission is concise, well-organized, and directly answers the agency's stated needs. Remember, the burden is on you to prove that competition would benefit the government.
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.