24--CTL and Attachments, Shaw AFB, SC

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) plans to award a sole source, firm-fixed price contract to Caterpillar Inc. for a Compact Track Loader with forestry attachments (CAT 275XE) to support the Shaw Air Force Base Wildland Fire Branch. This procurement, conducted under NAICS code 333120 for Construction Machinery Manufacturing, seeks to leverage Caterpillar's superior hydraulic cooler, operator controls, and reliable service and support, which are critical to minimizing equipment downtime during essential fire operations. The FWS currently operates three of these machines within the Wildland Fire Branch, and acquiring another unit will standardize equipment across modules, facilitating easier relocation of loaders without transporting specialized attachments, enhancing training, maintenance procedures, and overall operational safety. This procurement is conducted under the Simplified Acquisition procedures authority FAR 13.501(a)b) and is not a solicitation for competitive quotes. However, any interested parties may submit capability statements to demonstrate if competition could be beneficial without causing excessive cost or delays, though the agency retains discretion over whether to pursue competitive procurement. Work is expected to commence following issuance of the delivery or purchase order. Questions or capability statements must be submitted via email by the specified deadline to the contracting specialist, Fred Riley. This notice serves as the official announcement for this contracting action.