BGNF Mini-Excavator
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 USDA Forest Service, Bighorn National Forest, is soliciting quotations for a Mini-Excavator to support critical trail restoration and storm-proofing efforts following the 2024 Elk Fire in Sheridan, WY. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. Quotations are due June 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM Mountain Time.
Scope of Work
The awarded contractor will provide one (1) compact excavator designed for continual storm-proofing, erosion control, and drainage mitigation on approximately 125 miles of system trails affected by the 2024 Elk Fire. The equipment will be used for maintenance operations across various road and trail surfaces, providing consistent, maneuverable, and reliable support for critical storm-proofing and drainage improvements.
Key Requirements
The mini-excavator must meet specific technical specifications, including:
- Chassis & Mobility: Rubber tracks, track width of 50 inches (variable width acceptable between 39-52 inches, but must operate at 50 inches or less).
- Performance: Minimum 15 HP engine output, minimum 7 feet digging depth.
- Hydraulics: Minimum 7 GPM auxiliary hydraulic flow, with a factory-installed hydraulic thumb.
- Weight: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 3,500-4,500 lbs.
- Operator Cab: Fully enclosed, factory-installed, ROPS certified, sealed enclosure with heating/ventilation, tempered glass windshield with wiper/washer, all-direction visibility, lockable doors, and integrated controls. Aftermarket or dealer-installed cabs are not acceptable.
- Documentation: A product brochure of the exact machine quoted, traceability to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and a Certificate of Conformance (COC) in accordance with FAR clause 52.246-15 are required.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 333120, Size Standard 1250 Employees).
- Place of Performance: Bighorn National Forest, Sheridan, WY.
- Delivery: On or before September 1, 2026, to 1353 Fort Road, Sheridan, WY, 82801. Delivery charges must be included in the quoted price.
Submission & Evaluation
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the Lowest-Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quote, based on:
- Technical Approach: Sound and compliant approach, including product literature, Buy American/COTS compliance, and warranty/delivery information.
- Price: Must be fair and reasonable.
- Past Performance: Assessed as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable.
- Quote Requirements: Quotes must include pricing for all items and be held firm for 90 calendar days.
Deadlines & Contact
- Solicitation Issue Date: June 3, 2026.
- Questions Due: June 2026, 10:00 AM Mountain Time (via email).
- Quotations Due: June 12, 2026, 10:00 AM Mountain Time.
- Contact: Steve Holly, stephen.holly@usda.gov.