What this opportunity is
The Department of the Interior is seeking a total small business set-aside for the procurement of one brand-new small wheel loader, specifically a model equivalent to the Cat 938, equipped for high-lift operations and winter conditions. This solicitation, classified under NAICS 333120, requires bidders to meet detailed specifications for performance, attachments, and operational capabilities, making it suitable for small businesses with expertise in heavy equipment manufacturing or supply. Interested vendors should note that this is a solicitation notice, indicating the opportunity to submit bids rather than simply track the opportunity.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Wheel_Loader_Contract_Specification
Contract Technical Specification
Small Wheel Loader — Cat® 938 (or Approved Equal)
Fully Integrated Specification — Imperial Units Only
High-Lift • Fusion Coupler • 3.5 yd³ GP Bucket • 12' Snow Pusher • Forks • Heavy
Counterweight • 23.5R25 Tires • Extreme Cold Package
1. Scope
Provide one (1) brand-new small wheel loader meeting or exceeding the functional and
performance characteristics of a Cat 938, equipped for high-lift truck loading, forks,
snow-pushing, winter operations, and payload management. All equipment shall be
suitable for sub-Arctic conditions.
2. Machine Performance Requirements
• Minimum gross engine power: 188 hp (Tier 4 Final / Stage V equivalent).
• Hydrostatic transmission with operator-selectable modes.
• Maximum roading speed: 25 mph or greater.
• Operating Weight with required options: ≥ 35,000 lb.
• Must support High-Lift geometry for increased hinge-pin height and dump
clearance.
• Minimum Breakout force of 26,000 lbs equipped as specified
• Cab equipped with automatic climate control
3. Linkage & Coupler
High-Lift Linkage (Required)
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• Increased hinge-pin height and dump clearance for loading high-sided trucks,
hoppers, and snow piles. Minimum Lift hieght to pin to ground
Fusion™ Hydraulic Quick Coupler (Required)
• Must support quick change of GP bucket, forks, and snow pusher.
• Must maintain visibility and structural integrity equal to OEM Fusion or equivalent
with rattle free attachment.
Heavy Counterweight (Required)
• Must provide increased rear mass minimum 1200 lbs. to support High-Lift, forks,
and 12' snow pusher operations.
4. Tires – Required Configuration
23.5R25 Snow/Ice Tire Group (Required)
• Must be 23.5R25 size.
• Winter traction tread suitable for snow and ice. Brand - Michelin X SNOPLUS or
approved equal
5. Hydraulics & Controls
Auxiliary Hydraulics – 3rd and 4th Function (Required)
• Must support forks, snow pusher, and other hydraulically driven attachments.
• Adjustable flow via in-cab controls.
Ride Control System (Required)
• Adjustable through the cab display.
• Must improve load retention for bucket, forks, and snow pushing.
6. Attachments (Required)
General Purpose Bucket
• One (1) 3.5 cubic yard GP bucket, Fusion compatible, with bolt-on cutting edge.
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Forks
• Must be compatible with Fusion coupler and rated for safe pallet handling.
Attachments (Optional)
Snow Pusher
• Machine must be compatible with a 12-foot snow pusher via Fusion coupler or
approved interface.
• Vendor must provide lift and stability data for snow tool usage.
7. Operator Station Requirements
Steering & Seating
• Fully adjustable telescoping steering column.
• Deluxe air-suspension seat, fabric with mid-back design.
Visibility & Safety
• Heated, electrically adjustable mirrors (2).
• Internal mirrors (2).
• Rear Object Detection system.
• Front and rear sunshades.
8. Lighting Requirements
Premium LED Auxiliary Lighting Package (Required)
• Forward LED work lights
• Rear LED work/reversing lights.
• LED engine enclosure service lights.
• LED DEF fill light.
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• Automatic auxiliary light activation via ambient sensor.
LED Roading Lights (Required)
• DOT-compliant LED headlights, turn signals, markers, and brake lights.
• Must operate independently of auxiliary LED lights.
9. Extreme Cold Weather Requirements
Weather, Thermal Bypass & Block Heater Package (Required)
Must include:
• Cold-oil cooler bypass valve (for ambient temps below 23°F).
• Ether starting aid (bottle not included).
• 120V block heater.
• Cold-weather hydraulic bypass.
• Four (4) 1000-CCA batteries
Antifreeze
• Factory coolant rated to –58°F.
Heated Engine Breather Kit (Required)
• For operation below –13°F.
10. Technology Requirements
Cat Payload System(or Equivalent) with Printer (Required)
• Integrated onboard weighing system.
• In-cab programmable interface.
• Must include thermal payload ticket printer.
11. Electrical System
• 24-volt system.
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• Four (4) 1000-CCA batteries.
• 120V block heater.
• Full LED lighting.
12. Training & Documentation
Vendor shall provide:
• Full build sheet with all option codes.
• Operator and service manual.
• Payload calibration certificate.
13. Warranty Requirements
• Minimum 12-month full machine warranty.
14. Compliance Matrix (Vendor Must Complete)
Requirement Meets Notes
High-Lift Linkage ☐
Fusion Coupler ☐
Heavy Counterweight ☐
23.5R25 Tires ☐
Ride Control ☐
Payload + Printer ☐
Premium LED Aux Lighting ☐
LED Roading Lights ☐
3rd/4th Function Hydraulics ☐
Cold-Start Package ☐
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Requirement Meets Notes
Heated Engine Breather ☐
Heated/Electric Mirrors ☐
Deluxe Air-Suspension Seat ☐
–58°F Antifreeze ☐
15. Evaluation Criteria
• Compliance with all mandatory requirements.
• Suitability for Arctic/winter operations.
• Stability under High-Lift and snow-pusher usage.
• Payload accuracy and attachment versatility.
• Warranty and dealer support. Dealer must be within 225 miles of Copper Center and
offer remote service.
DELIVERY ADDRESS:
Wrangell St Elias National Park
Attn: Jay Heidelberg
106.8 Richardson Highway,
Copper Center, AK 99573
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Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.