Notice of Intent Sole Source

Notice of Intent for award: The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service intends to award a sole source requirement to Wetland Equipment Company in Thibodaux, LA for the purchase and install of a set of Pontoon, 75-gallon auxiliary tanks, set of catwalks and handrails with fuel tank with lifting lugs to replace counterweights, 10,000 lb. pull front-mounted winch, and auxiliary cooler for cutter circuit for a CAT 309 mini excavator. General Specifications for parts of hydraulic undercarriage: Pontoon dimensions: 21'6"L x 40'0" W x 4'4"H; Assembled dimensions: 24'6" L x 13'11" W x approx. 10'H (5'0" pontoons only);

Speed: 1.5 mph on hard dry surfaces and up to 0.5 mph on water; Gross ground pressure: 1.25 psi, Pontoon Construction: Each pontoon shall have 5 compartments and 2 bulkheads providing 3 independent watertight compartments; the pontoon bottoms shall be reinforced for rough terrain operation; pontoons must be constructed with recessed track and wear pad channels for structural integrity;

Drive System: Power for the pontoon tracks is provided by the excavator's diesel engine and main hydraulic pumps through a hydraulic swivel; hydraulic travel motors, brake, and gearboxes shall be from the excavator manufacturer. Pontoon tracks must be driven independently; standard excavator travel controls are used; the final reduction must be provided by chain and sprocket. Drive axles and sprockets must have splined shafts and hubs; keyways shafts are not allowed; must be able to counter-rotate without moving back and forth or using the excavator boom or bucket for assistance;

Drive Chain: Heavy duty 140 roller chain;

Track Chain: Two strands of heavy-duty 4" pitch marsh buggy track chain per pontoon;

Track Cleats: Specially designed 3" marine grade, extruded aluminum alloy cleats with 1 wear pad per cleat. Wear pad must slide inside the recessed channel;

Bearings: Pontoons shall have bearings on all four corners. Bushings are not acceptable;

Pontoon Track Chain Adjustment: Track chain adjustments shall adjust the full life of the chain without the removal of track chain links or cleats. Minimum of 15" on front and rear of pontoon;

Paint: Blast, Zink coat, primer coat, color choice. Inside pontoon must be primed to prevent rust;

Manuals: 2 sets of parts manual, operators manual, and maintenance manual, shall be furnished for upper and lower;

Warranty: must be provided and attached to bid documents; Additional items needed: 75 gallon auxiliary fuel tank installed on excavator; A set of catwalks and handrails with auxiliary fuel tank with lifting lugs to replace counterweight; and 10,000 lb. pull front-mounted winch Wetland Equipment Company has been determined to be the only entity with the capability to provide the specific equipment and installation services within the 407-mile radius from the Dale Bumper White River National Wildlife Refuge If you disagree with this sole source, you may submit your argument and a statement of capability for this requirement for consideration Responses are due no later than 08:00 AM EST on Thursday, September 12, 2024 Questions may be addressed to Joni Dutcher, Contracting Officer, Email: Joni_Dutcher@fws.gov