Notice of Intent to Issue a Single Source Award to Coast Machinery, Inc.

Under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Regions 3, Division of Construction and Acquisition at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, intends to procure on a sole-source basis with Coast Machinery, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, two (2) Marsh Master II amphibious firefighting vehicles with hydraulic rotary cutters and transportation trailers with electric brakes. One vehicle will be utilized in Region 3 and one vehicle in Region 6 of the Service. This amphibious equipment is necessary to improve capabilities during fire management operations in marsh, swamp, and wetlands. The Marsh Master II is a proven vehicle that has been utilized for fire management activities by the Service in wetlands for over 10 years. The Marsh Master II's flotation enables it to mash fire control lines in wetland vegetation and provide 110 gallons of water to suppress burning vegetation. These capabilities greatly improve the safety of firefighters and increases efficiency of prescribed burning operations. This equipment, being widely utilized within the Service, would enable the utilization of existing maintenance protocols, existing replacement part inventories, existing operator experience and training certifications, and existing towing vehicles.