Hydraulic Excavator

Solicitation AG-91S8-S-11-0020 was issued by the USDA Forest Service for the procurement of a Hydraulic Excavator with a Mulching Head Attachment for the Stanislaus National Forest. The equipment must feature an EPA Tier 3 engine and an operating weight of 38,000 lbs. The mulching head, specified as a Fecon model BH47 EXC or equivalent, requires specific safety and operational enhancements including a 1/2 inch Lexan or polycarbonate front guard for operator protection and the option for carbide cutting tools or chipping knives. The final equipment is to be delivered to Sonora, California. Managed by the R5 Fire and Aviation Contracts office in McClellan, California, the procurement process followed FAR Part 12 regulations for commercial items. Interested vendors were required to submit a signed SF-1449, a schedule page, and a technical proposal including past performance questionnaires detailing their business history and completed projects from the previous three years. Following several amendments to refine technical specifications and adjust timelines, the final response deadline for offers was set for July 26, 2011.