38--CTL and Attachments, Mountain Home AFB, ID
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), under the Department of the Interior, has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-priced contract to Caterpillar Inc. for a Compact Track Loader (CTL) with Forestry attachments (CAT 275XE). This procurement is for the Wildland Fire Branch at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID. Responsible sources may submit capability statements by Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT.
Purpose & Rationale
This NOI signifies FWS's intent to procure a specific CAT 275XE CTL due to its preferred hydraulic cooler, operator controls, and existing manufacturer support. The agency emphasizes that minimizing downtime for repairs and parts is critical for fire operations. Acquiring another CAT 275XE will enhance operational efficiency, allow for better utilization of specialized attachments, and improve safety, as the Wildland Fire Branch already operates three similar units.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a Skid Steer (CTL) with specific attachments and features. Key specifications include:
- Engine: Minimum 122hp Gross Power (SAE J1995), 120 hp Net Power (ISO), 82 hp Net Power (SAE), 406 lb/ft Peak Torque.
- Operating Specifications: Detailed rated operating capacities, breakout forces, ground pressure, and tipping load.
- Weights & Dimensions: Operating Weight of 12705 lbs, with detailed measurements for clearance, height, length, and turning radius.
- Capacities: Specified service refill capacities for cooling, engine, fuel, hydraulic systems, and DEF tank.
- Power Train & Hydraulics: Details on travel speeds, maximum loader hydraulic pressure, flow rate, and power.
- Attachments & Options: Includes two copies of Owner's/Operating Manual, one digital parts manual, a 5-year/2000-hour warranty, and an LM2 Land Management Package (LM2 HD1) with increased fuel capacity (220 L/58 gal), turbo guard, exhaust stack wrap, DPF/Emission component wraps, light guarding, quick disconnect guarding, hydraulic lines guard cover, and engine air inlet pre-cleaner.
- Dealer Installed Options: Amber Warning beacon kit (Part 638-6745), Fire suppression system (Part 596-6898), and a 2.5 lb ABC Fire Extinguisher.
- Additional Attachments: Mulcher Head (475-2800 MH418), Brush Hog (610-2780 BRX418), Skeleton Grapple Bucket (627-8751), 6-way blade (541-0940), 86-inch Multipurpose bucket, Class 2 Heavy Duty Fork Carriage (532-7810), and Class 2 Heavy Duty Forks (540-1433).
- On-site Services: Four-hour Machine Orientation, Service and Safe operation techniques.
Contract Details
- Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Department of the Interior
- Intended Contractor: Caterpillar Inc.
- Contract Type: Sole Source, Firm-Fixed Priced
- NAICS Code: 333120 (Construction Machinery Manufacturing)
- Place of Performance: Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID Wildland Fire Branch
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source Intent)
Submission & Evaluation
This is not a request for competitive quotes. However, responsible sources may submit a capability statement demonstrating that competition would be advantageous to the Government and not cost or time prohibitive. Responses will be used to determine if a competitive procurement is warranted. The agency's decision not to compete is at its discretion. Offerors must review the attached provisions and clauses, including FAR clauses 52.212-4 and 52.212-5, and instructions for proposal submission if a competitive solicitation were to occur.
Key Dates & Contact
- Capability Statement Deadline: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, no later than 2:00 PM EDT.
- Contact: Fred Riley, Contracting Specialist (fred_riley@ios.doi.gov).
- Email Subject Line: Notice of Intent Capability Statement Submission - DOIFFBO260080.
- Note: Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.
- Published Date: May 21, 2026