What this opportunity is
The Department of the Interior is seeking sources for two hydraulic tracked masticators for the Bureau of Reclamation's Socorro Field Division, as outlined in a Sources Sought Notice. This opportunity is suited for small businesses within the NAICS code 333924, which pertains to industrial machinery manufacturing. Interested vendors should note that this is not a solicitation for bids but a request for information to identify potential suppliers capable of meeting specific technical requirements, including equipment specifications and service capabilities.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Specifications
Bureau of Reclamation - Upper Colorado Region
Albuquerque Area Office - Socorro Field Division
Two Hydraulic Tracked Masticator
NAICS code is 333924 Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing
Background
The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) Socorro Field Division has determined an operational need for two new 2026 or newer Track-mounted hydraulic masticators for vegetation management, fire mitigation, right-of-way maintenance, and infrastructure protection. This Statement of Specifications is to reflect current federal procurement practices, safety requirements, emissions standards, and prevailing industry capabilities.
Specifications: Two Track-Mounted Hydraulic Masticator Intrinsic Characteristics
The successful vendor shall provide two new, safe, fully functional, current production model year at time of award (2026) track-mounted hydraulic masticators. Both shall have the intrinsic characteristics of the FAE PT550 Tracked carrier or equal masticator. Please see section entitled “Substitutions” if providing equipment currently not listed.
Two Tracked-Mounted Hydraulic Masticators – Minimum Technical Requirements
FAE PT550 Tracked carrier or equal masticator with the following additional options and intrinsic characteristics:
Performance Requirements: Requirements apply to each unit.
• Shall have a minimum operating weight of 45,000 pounds.
• Shall come equipped with a multitask mulcher head type, capable of tilling, mulching, and grinding.
• Mulcher head attachment shall have a minimum working width of 100 inches.
• Mulcher head attachment shall be capable of shredding trees up to 18 inches in diameter.
• Mulcher head attachment shall be capable of tilling up to 16 inches deep
• Shall come with one (1) complete set of replacement multitask mulcher teeth.
• Operator training shall be included.
• Must have available service shop, maintenance shop and parts within 150 miles of Socorro, NM.
Engine and Emissions:
• Shall have a minimum horsepower of 500 hp
• Shall meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 standards
• Engine shall be 6-cylinder diesel engine
• Shall be equipped with air filtration with heavy-duty ejector
• Engine displacement shall be no less than 12 liters
Dimensions:
• Overall track width shall be a minimum of 121 inches (with 36-inch track pad.
• Shall have a maximum transport length of 350 inches.
Cooling System:
• Engine shall be equipped with a fan that automatically adjusts fan speed to meet cooling requirements.
• Fan shall be equipped to automatically reverse and have time intervals that can be set by
Operator.
• Shall be equipped with a rear access fan door.
Power Train:
• Shall be equipped with hydrostatic transmission
• Equipped with oscillating undercarriage
• Shall have a minimum of 36 inch wide, for limited ground pressure.
Hydraulic System:
• Shall have a sight gauge for checking reservoir fluid
• Tank shall have a minimum capacity of 150 gallons
• System pressure shall be no less than 5000 psi
• Hydraulic cooler with anti-clog fins, capable of cooling in high ambient temperatures
Electrical:
• System shall be 24 volt
• Shall be equipped with a 130-amp minimum alternator
• Cab shall be equipped with a 10 amp, 24-to-12-volt converter
• Shall be equipped with a 110/120-volt block heater
• Shall be equipped with warning lights for the following: engine oil pressure, engine coolant
temperature, low alternator voltage, turn signals, high beams, engine air filter restriction, cruise control.
• Shall be equipped with back up lights
• Shall be equipped with back up alarm
• Shall be equipped with LED lights
• Shall be equipped with a master shut-off switch
Cab Requirements:
• Shall be equipped with a AM/FM radio with Bluetooth, Auxiliary and Weather Band
• Shall be equipped with touch screen LCD display
• Shall be equipped with a sun visor and rear sunshade
• Shall be equipped with tinted windows
• Shall be equipped with an air ride seat
• Shall be equipped with air window cleaning system
• Shall be equipped with climate control both air conditioned and heated.
• Shall be equipped with cabin dust filtration
Additional:
• Shall have the capabilities to mulch, grind, and till soil.
• Shall be equipped with a 13-t traction winch
• Shall be equipped with front cabin grill
Service, Maintenance and Substitution Requirements:
Service and Maintenance
The Contractor shall provide, in both hard copy and electronic format (if available), two (2) user manuals, two (2) parts manuals, and two (2) service manuals for each machine. The Contractor shall also furnish all diagnostic tools, software, and associated equipment necessary for Government mechanics to perform diagnostics, troubleshooting, and servicing of the Masticators.
Substitutions
If equipment or materials required by these specifications become unavailable, because of manufacturer/Government priorities or other causes, substitute equipment or materials may be used.
Offeror shall state in the substitution request the following:
Purpose for substitution.
Describe in detail the equipment or materials being substituted and how they meet or exceed these specifications.
Specifications determination as to whether substitution will be permitted and as to what substitute equipment or materials may be used shall be final and conclusive.
If approved substitute materials are of less value to the Government or involve less cost to the Contractor than specified material, a contract adjustment will be made in favor of the Government. Where the amount is involved or the importance of substitution warrants, a deductive modification to the contract will be made.
No payments more than prices offered in the schedule will be made because of substitution of one equipment type or material for another or because of use of one alternate equipment type or material in place of another. …
Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.