Backhoe and Motor Grader Rentals, Modoc NF

The Modoc National Forest is soliciting quotes for the rental of two pieces of heavy equipment: one CAT 420 Backhoe (or equivalent) with an enclosed cab and HVAC, featuring a hydraulic thumb, and one CAT 140 Motor Grader (or equivalent) with an enclosed cab and HVAC, equipped with joystick controls, a 14-foot moldboard blade, and a maximum weight of 46,000 lbs. The rental period is from June 29, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with delivery and pickup required at the South Fork Compound in Alturas, California. All equipment must be owned by the offeror, and equipment brokers are explicitly prohibited. The contractor must guarantee all parts against defective material and workmanship for the duration of the rental, and the equipment must be procured through a manufacturer-approved distribution channel with a valid manufacturer’s warranty. Proof of equipment ownership and manufacturer-authorized distributor status must be provided with the quote. The solicitation is a combined, total small business set-aside under NAICS code 532412, and only small businesses may respond. Quotes must be submitted via email to margaret.forrest@usda.gov by 11:00 a.m. PDT on June 22, 2026, and must include pricing for all line items on Attachment 1, covering both monthly rental and transport costs. The evaluation follows a lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) approach, where only the lowest-priced responsive offer will be considered for technical acceptability. Contractors must maintain an active SAM registration and comply with numerous FAR clauses, including those covering whistleblower rights, trafficking in persons, accelerated payments to small business subcontractors, and government property. Crucially, contractors must certify compliance with all applicable federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, as mandated by AGAR 452.203-71 and in alignment with Executive Orders 14168 and 14173, with these requirements being material conditions of payment. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of funding, liability under the False Claims Act, or criminal penalties. Equipment rental insurance covering loss, damage, theft, and weather-related incidents is required, with proof due within three days of award. Payment will be made via electronic funds transfer under FAR 52.232-33 and 52.23