CAT 257 B Skid Loader Repair

A sources sought notice was posted 20 March 2024 on SAM.gov as referenced in the Market Research Report. No interested sources were identified. The Contracting Officer may solicit from one source if determined that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source is reasonably available. Market research was conducted and documented in the Market Research Report approved 23 April 2024. As outlined in the report, there are only two sources within 250 miles of Long Branch Project Office capable of submitting a quote to repair a damaged skid loader, both of which are large businesses. Those two sources available are Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners, Inc. located within 10 miles of the lake office and Fabick Cat located within an estimated 60 miles from the lake office. Market research concluded no small businesses have the necessary capabilities to perform repairs of this complexity within the distance required. A review of previous actions also indicated that the single source approach is frequently the most advantageous approach for the Government due to limiting factors such as remote locations of the lake offices, the lack of technical experience and qualifications to work on brand name agricultural equipment, and an industry standard identified through a RFI regarding the processes followed by repair facilities in relation to submitting a quote. Per industry standard, vendors would not submit a quote without performing their own diagnosis of the damaged equipment. The diagnosis would require the vendor to pull the equipment apart and troubleshoot the extent of the damage to formulate an estimate for the cost of repair. Vendors would quote not only for the diagnosis but also for the repairs (labor and parts) once the diagnosis is determined.