38--CTL, JBER AFB Widland Fire Branch, AK

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has issued a Notice of Intent to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price task order to Caterpillar Inc. under the USFWS Heavy Equipment IDIQ. This procurement, identified by solicitation number DOIFFBO260134 and NAICS code 333120, is for a Caterpillar 275XE Compact Track Loader equipped with forestry attachments to support the JBER AFB Wildland Fire Branch in Alaska. The equipment will be utilized for wildland fire suppression, fuels management, and controlled burns. The agency has justified the sole-source selection based on the need for fleet compatibility, specific hydraulic and operator control preferences, and the necessity of reliable manufacturer service and support on Air Force bases to minimize operational downtime. The equipment specifications include a 122hp engine, a 4205 lbs tipping load, and various specialized attachments such as a mulcher, grapple rakes, a 6-way dozer blade, and snow wings. Key deliverables include a 5-year/2000-hour warranty, on-site operator training, and technical manuals. The procurement is conducted under FAR 13.501(a)(b) simplified acquisition procedures and incorporates clauses for the Buy American Act and electronic invoicing via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). While this is a notice of intent for a sole-source award, interested parties may submit capability statements to Fred Riley by August 5, 2026, to demonstrate that competition would be advantageous to the government.