19--Diesel-powered tracked amphibious vehicle with fire protection system.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to award a non-competitive contract to Coast Machinery, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the supply of a diesel-powered amphibious vehicle equipped with a fire protection system. This vehicle will serve the Southeast Louisiana Refuges Complex in Lacomb, Louisiana. Coast Machinery is uniquely positioned as the only manufacturer in the service area capable of providing an amphibious lightweight belt-track vehicle that meets the specific technical requirements, including a track system with rubber belts featuring urethane drive lugs and aluminum cleats, a minimum track cleat width of 36 inches made from high-strength alloy aluminum, and a heavy-duty, high-impact rubber track belt at least 12 inches wide. The undercarriage specifications require sealed bogey wheels with a minimum diameter of 12 inches and oil-fitted bearing assemblies. The decision to issue a sole-source contract is based on Coast Machinery’s exclusive capability to meet these stringent specifications and the logistical advantage of their proximity to the refuge, which facilitates cost-effective repairs and maintenance. This contract action follows the legal authority cited under 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1) and the relevant Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions (FAR 6.302-1(b)(1)(i), FAR 6.303, and FAR 6.304), justifying the non-competitive procurement. Interested parties are informed that this notice is neither a solicitation nor a request for quotations, and any inquiries must be submitted in writing by the specified deadline. Telephone inquiries are not accepted, with responses directed via fax or email to the designated contact.