Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are an official government contracting resource for small businesses. Find your local PTAC (opens in new window) for free government expertise related to contract opportunities.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (FS), Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, has a need to procure 8 days of tractor use to mow fuel breaks on the Curlew National Grassland to limit fire spread during the 2023 wildfire season. These fuel breaks have been mowed since 2011 with a rented tractor pulling an FS owned mow deck along designated roadsides and fence lines. These fuel breaks are intended to be mowed every year in conjunction with BLM and private landowners to limit wildfire spread and protect existing sage grouse habitat in the greater Curlew Valley.

Specifications

The tractor will need to pull and lift a John Deere Hx14’ single unit mower outfitted with a 3-point hitch. The tractor must be able to handle this mower weight solely on a three-point hitch and must come with a quick hitch attachment for quick attachment and detachment during field operations. Min Tractor Power Take Off (PTO) horsepower (hp) and engine rated horsepower will need to be 140 hp or greater and must be able to run the mow deck at 1000 rpm on the PTO. PTO hp needs to be approximately120 or greater. The three-point hitch and tractor will need to be able to lift and safely handle the mower weight with a lifting capability of approximately 4,170 kilograms lift capacity on the 3-point hitch. The tractor must have a front-end loader or have approximately 800 lbs of “suitcase” weight plates on the front of the tractor to be able to safely accommodate the mower weight on the back of the tractor over uneven terrain