2-UCA Geyser Peak New Site Build RFP v1.docx

UCA — Geyser Peak New Site Build Project RFP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Geyser Peak New Site Build Project For Utah Communications Authority

All questions must be submitted through Bonfire during the question-and-answer period. Proposals must be submitted electronically through Bonfire by the Proposal Due Date above.

Background and Purpose The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), established under Utah Code Title 63H-7a, is the statewide entity responsible for developing, operating, and maintaining Utah's mission-critical public safety communications infrastructure. UCA oversees the statewide radio network — including the 800 MHz and P25 trunked systems, microwave backhaul, interoperability resources, and dispatch connectivity — to ensure reliable, seamless communication for law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, and other public safety agencies across all jurisdictions.

UCA is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) under the Utah Procurement Code, Utah Code § 63G-6a, to engage a qualified construction contractor with extensive radio site construction experience to build a new, off-grid, solar-powered communications site near Geyser Peak in Sevier County, Utah. The completed site will extend statewide public safety radio coverage and microwave backhaul into the Geyser Peak / Forsyth Reservoir area along the Highway 72 corridor.

The site is located on USFS-administered land. The selected Contractor will be required to adhere to USFS-issued Right of Way rules and procedures, a copy of which will be provided to the Contractor. The completed site will consist of a new modular equipment shelter on a poured concrete pad, a 100-foot self-supporting lattice tower with ice bridge and antenna and line installations, three solar sectors with a total of 36 panels, and a 1,000-gallon propane tank serving an interior generator. The project scope spans multiple construction disciplines, including site preparation, concrete work, tower erection, propane plumbing, solar photovoltaic installation, antenna and line work, sweep and PIM testing, and site grounding to L3 Harris Grounding Specifications Manual T4618 Revision F.

The site is remote and elevated, approximately 3.5 miles east of Forsyth Reservoir and accessed via approximately 4.5 miles of dirt road from Highway 72. Site GPS coordinates are 38.511960°, -111.460180°. Offerors must account for the access, terrain, weather, and elevation in their proposed approach, schedule, and cost.

Communications and Question-and-Answer Period Offerors are prohibited from communications regarding this RFP with Procurement Unit staff, evaluation committee members, or other associated individuals EXCEPT the Procurement Contact identified on the cover page.

The Question-and-Answer period closes on the date and time specified on the cover page. All questions must be submitted through Bonfire during the Q&A period. Questions may include notifying UCA of any ambiguity, inconsistency, scope exception, excessively restrictive requirement, or other errors in this RFP. Questions are encouraged.

Answers from UCA will be posted on Bonfire. Questions may be answered individually or compiled into one document and/or answered via an addendum. An answered question or addendum may modify the specifications or requirements of this RFP. It is the responsibility of Offerors to submit proposals as required by this RFP, including requirements contained in any answered questions and/or addenda.

Instructions to Offeror This RFP is not intended to limit a proposal's content or exclude any relevant or essential data. Offerors are at liberty and encouraged to expand upon the specifications to evidence service capability.

UCA reserves the right to reopen this solicitation or create a new solicitation if it determines there may be more competition for the procurement item than when the original solicitation was posted.

If determined to be in the best interest of UCA, interviews and presentations may be held at UCA's option. UCA shall establish a date and time for any interviews or presentations and shall notify eligible Offerors of the procedures. Offerors invited to interviews or presentations shall be limited to those meeting minimum requirements and the minimum technical score threshold specified in this RFP. Representations made during interviews or presentations shall become an addendum to the Offeror's proposal and must be consistent with the original proposal. Interviews and presentations will be at the Offeror's expense.

Site Access and Site Conditions UCA will not conduct a mandatory or organized pre-proposal site visit for this solicitation. The technical reference materials posted as Appendix D to this RFP — including drive route photographs, terrain photographs, site layout drawings, and tower, foundation, shelter, and antenna design drawings (Attachments A through J of the source Scope of Work) — are intended to provide Offerors with the information necessary to prepare a complete and accurate proposal.

Offerors who elect to visit the site independently prior to proposal submission do so at their own expense and risk and are responsible for compliance with applicable USFS access rules. Following award, the Contractor and UCA will conduct a coordinated pre-construction site walk before mobilization.

DEEMED ACCEPTANCE OF SITE CONDITIONS

By submitting a proposal, the Offeror is deemed to have accepted full responsibility for the access, terrain, weather, soil, elevation, and remote-site conditions described in this RFP and depicted in the Appendix D reference materials. The Offeror may not later assert lack of pre-bid site access, unfamiliarity with the access road, or surprise as to terrain or weather conditions as a basis for change orders, schedule relief, or additional compensation.

Scope of Work Site Overview The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, tools, consumables, hardware, transportation, and incidental materials necessary to construct the Geyser Peak communications site as described in this Section and the technical reference materials in Appendix D. Major UCA-provided components are listed in Section 6. All construction, electrical, and grounding elements are subject to UCA approval.

The site is located on relatively flat terrain; minor grading will be required. The Contractor shall build the site to scale and specifications as shown in the site layout drawings.

5.1 Site Preparation

1. Perform minor grading as required to prepare the site for foundation work, shelter placement, propane tank pads, and solar sector posts, consistent with the site layout drawings (Appendix D).

1. Maintain the work area free of debris at all times. Removed or excavated material shall be stockpiled and managed in compliance with the USFS ROW.

1. Provide all photo documentation of trench work, conduits, and grounding prior to backfilling, per the photo requirements in Attachment H of the Scope of Work.

5.2 Tower Foundation

1. Install the tower foundation in accordance with the drawings in Attachment D of the Scope of Work.

1. Concrete shall achieve a minimum 28-day compressive strength of 4,500 psi in accordance with ACI 318-14.

1. Provide UCA with a Comprehensive Strength of Concrete Cylinder Test for the tower foundation pour.

1. Coordinate all concrete work, including delivery and testing, with local concrete suppliers.

5.3 Tower Erection

Tower and associated tower parts are staged at the UDOT Road shed near the Fish Lake turn off at 38.473200°, -111.832516° — approximately 20 miles from that turn off to the site. The Contractor is responsible for loading and transporting the tower and associated materials to the site. A full set of final erection drawings will be provided to the Contractor.

1. Assemble and install the UCA-provided 100-foot, three-legged Sabre lattice tower, model S3TL, including internal climbing ladder, safe climb, waveguide ladder, lightning rod, lightning rod extension, and antenna mounts in accordance with the manufacturer's drawings and specifications. Leg templates and bolt templates will be provided with the tower.

1. Install the UCA-provided (as part of the tower kit) 6-foot ice shield at the 45-foot base on the Northeast leg of the tower per manufacturer instructions.

1. Install one UCA-provided 20-inch ground bus bar at the vertical-to-horizontal transition (below ice bridge level) for cable ground kits and tower grounding.

1. Install one UCA-provided 20-inch ground bus bar at the 97-foot mark for cable ground kits, bonded directly to the tower.

1. Install one UCA-provided 20-inch ground bus bar at the 87-foot mark for cable ground kits, bonded directly to the tower.

1. Install one UCA-provided 20-inch ground bus bar at the 37-foot mark for cable ground kits, bonded directly to the tower.

5.4 Communications Shelter Foundation

1. Form and pour a 23'-3" x 14' x 6"-thick concrete pad with an 18"-deep x 12" perimeter footing and #4 rebar at 12" on center, as shown in Attachment E.

1. Shelter foundation surface shall finish 2 inches above grade.

1. Install a 1.5" PVC conduit through the shelter foundation to the shelter ground ring, centered below the RF Entry and at the edge of the shelter to accommodate four (4) tinned #2 solid grounding leads: two from the interior master bus bar and two from the exterior bus bar. The conduit is required so that conductors and seal-tight fittings do not present a tripping hazard along the front stoop.

5.5 Communications Shelter Installation

1. Pick up the UCA-provided, pre-assembled 23'-1" x 11'-1.5" x 9'-2" modular two-room communications shelter from the UCA warehouse. The shelter is built on skids and must be delivered and offloaded to the on-site concrete pad. The Contractor shall coordinate loading, transport, and offloading to the site.

1. Install UCA-provided intake and exhaust ducting on site.

1. UCA will have the PV junction box mounted to the exterior of the shelter, the propane fuel line and propane sensor line input holes drilled, and the RF Entry port installed prior to delivery.

1. Shelter weight with installed equipment is approximately 12,000 pounds. The Contractor shall plan transport equipment, road conditions, and offloading methods accordingly.

5.6 Propane Tank Installation

1. Install the UCA-provided 1,000-gallon propane tank and the UCA-provided two (2) prefabricated 4' x 4' concrete pads.

1. Level and tamp the ground, install the concrete pads, and set the propane tank on the pads as shown in the site layout drawing. The tank shall be secured to the pads.

5.7 Propane Fuel Line and Sensor Line Installation

QUALIFIED PLUMBER REQUIRED

The propane fuel line and regulator must be installed by a qualified plumber licensed to perform LP gas work in the State of Utah. The plumber may be the Offeror's own employee or a disclosed subcontractor. The line must be kept clean and free of debris during installation.

1. Trench at 18 inches deep from the center of the propane tank to the corner of the shelter as shown in the site layout drawing.

1. LP line and sensor line trench shall be bedded with 4 inches of sand under the fuel line and conduits, then buried with 6 inches of sand prior to backfilling with native soils.

1. Install UCA-provided primary fuel regulator on the propane tank under the tank cover. Regulator specifications: MEC Type MEGR-1622H-JGJ, Body FPOL x 3/4" NPT, Orifice 7/32", SPG Range 8.0-12.0 PSI.

1. Install 1" yellow polyethylene fuel line in the trench from the primary regulator to the corner of the shelter, stubbing up 2 feet at the shelter side; cap off and seal end. UCA will connect the fuel line to the generator.

1. Run 1" schedule 40 PVC conduit from the top center of the tank into the shelter as shown in the layout drawing; 20" from the exterior edge and 4'-2" above the finished floor.

1. Pull outdoor-rated CAT5/6 cable for the propane sensor through the conduit, leaving 10 feet coiled in the equipment building and 6 feet coiled up at the center of the tank. UCA will terminate both ends.

1. Use a Contractor-provided outdoor-rated PVC LB fitting on the exterior of the shelter. Conduit shall be glued and watertight.

1. Photographs of the trench and bedding are required prior to backfilling.

5.8 Ice Bridge Installation

1. Install the UCA-provided 24" x 10' section of ice bridge from the shelter to the center of the tower / waveguide ladder.

1. Tower-side vertical support may be boot-mounted directly to the tower foundation; shelter-side vertical support may be boot-mounted to the shelter foundation as shown in the site layout drawings. The Contractor shall provide boots for the vertical supports.

1. Leave 8 inches between the tower and the ice bridge to allow for cable bends.

1. See Ice Bridge drawings in Attachment F of the Scope of Work.

5.9 Solar Installation

Install three (3) UCA-provided solar sectors containing twelve (12) UCA-provided panels per sector as shown in the site layout drawings. Each sector is supported by 8 vertical posts cemented in sono tubes and bracketing as shown in Attachment C.

1. Panels shall be properly secured to bracketing without flexing or bowing. Lock washers are required on all panel mounting hardware and shall have torque seal paint applied on all panel nuts.

1. Panel wiring shall be secured to brackets with stainless steel zip ties. All panel wiring must be zipped tight to the frame assembly with no slack or loose connections.

1. Wire 12 panels per sector (6 top "A" and 6 bottom "B") in a series-parallel configuration. Combine wiring in a UCA-provided PV junction box on each sector, secured to the horizontal pipe on the back side of each sector as shown in Attachment C. UCA technicians will terminate panel wiring in the PV junction boxes.

1. PV junction box shall be secured and sealed to 1" PVC conduit and trenched 18 inches underground to the UCA-provided outdoor-rated junction box at the shelter base. UCA will have the outdoor-rated junction box mounted to the shelter.

1. Solar conduit trenches shall be bedded with 4 inches of sand under conduits, then buried with 6 inches of sand prior to backfilling with native soils.

1. All PVC must be properly glued and waterproof. Photographs are required prior to backfill.

1. Pull #8 AWG THHN red and black from each PV junction box through conduit to the shelter junction box, leaving 15 feet of red and black from each sector coiled in the shelter. Label wire pairs (e.g., "Southeast #1", "South #2", "Southwest #3"). UCA will wire PV conductors to charge controllers.

5.10 Antenna and Line Installation — Microwave

1. Install the UCA-provided 6-foot microwave dish with pre-attached outdoor microwave radios at the 40-foot centerline under the Contractor-installed ice shield on the Northeast leg.

1. Antenna installation parameters: 40-foot centerline; azimuth 26.56 degrees; tilt -1.29 degrees.

1. Install UCA-provided dual LMR-400 cables, properly terminated at the radio ends, dressed down the tower using UCA-provided cushions, run through the UCA-provided RF entry boot, and terminated to UCA-provided polyphasers inside the shelter.

1. UCA-provided ground kits shall be installed at the vertical-to-horizontal transition at the tower and at the RF entry on the external ground bus bar.

1. Microwave radios shall be properly grounded at the tower.

1. Contractor shall sweep the LMR cables and provide results.

5.11 Antenna and Line Installation — Radio System

1. Contractor shall provide and install two (2) Polyphasers, model DGXZ+36NMNF-A, inside the shelter near the RF entry port and ground them to the master bus bar — one each for the RX line and the TTA Test line.

1. Contractor shall provide and install one (1) Polyphaser, model TSX-DFM-BF, inside the shelter near the RF entry port and ground it to the master bus bar for the TX Line, marked with RED tape.

1. Install one (1) UCA-provided directional RECEIVE panel antenna at the top of the tower on the Northeast leg, facing 50 degrees with 2-degree down tilt.

1. Install one (1) UCA-provided directional TRANSMIT panel antenna 10 vertical feet directly below the top antenna on the Northeast leg, facing 50 degrees with 2-degree down tilt.

1. Install the UCA-provided Tower Top Amplifier (TTA) near the base of the RECEIVE antenna. Install a jumper using LDF4-50 to connect the TTA to the RECEIVE antenna. Jumper shall be no more than 3 feet in length.

1. Contractor shall provide and install one run of 7/8" coax, LCF78-50, from the TX Polyphaser to the TX antenna mount. Install a jumper using LDF4-50A to connect from the 7/8" line to the antenna. Jumper shall be no more than 3 feet in length. TX line shall be marked with RED tape on each end. Contractor shall provide all DIN and Type N RF connectors.

1. Contractor shall supply and install one (1) run of LDF4-50 from the RX Polyphaser to the TTA RX port. RX line shall be marked with GREEN tape on each end.

1. Contractor shall supply and install one (1) run of LDF4-50 from the TTA Test Polyphaser to the TTA Test input. Test line shall be marked with BLUE tape on each end.

1. All coax lines shall be neatly dressed down the tower and under the ice bridges using the appropriate Contractor-provided three-hole cushion and cushion clamps. Cushion clamps must be bolted to the waveguide ladder; snap-in style connectors are not allowed. A single cushion with holes for 7/8" and two 1/2" is preferred. Contractor-provided weatherproof boot shall be used at RF entry.

1. Contractor-provided ground kits shall be installed on all coaxial lines: at the antenna, at the 50-foot mark of the tower, at the vertical-to-horizontal transition below the ice bridge, and at the RF Entry port.

1. Contractor shall sweep all coaxial lines and provide results.

1. Contractor shall perform PIM tests on the TX line and provide results.

1. Antenna system block diagram is shown in Attachment G of the Scope of Work.

5.12 Workmanship and Closeout

1. All connections on coax lines must be properly sealed and weatherproofed using layers of PVC tape over layers of butyl rubber tape.

1. Contractor shall sweep all coaxial lines and antennas. Sweep results shall be delivered to UCA as part of the closeout package.

1. Contractor shall perform a system PIM test and deliver results to UCA.

1. Closeout package shall include all required photographs per Attachment H, sweep results, PIM test results, the Comprehensive Strength of Concrete Cylinder Test report, and as-built documentation.

5.13 Site Grounding

1. UCA will ground the interior of the equipment shelter. The interior master bus bar will be cad-welded with two (2) #2 tinned copper conductors and run through the shelter; the Contractor shall tie these to the external ground ring.

1. The Contractor shall perform all exterior grounding.

1. All site grounding shall meet the L3 Harris Grounding Specifications Manual T4618 Revision F, and shall conform to the example shown in Attachment J. Ground rods shall be placed at the specified distance per the L3 Harris grounding manual (the example does not depict rods).

1. Meeting the grounding requirements is critical and is typically where the most contracted corrections are required. Familiarization with the L3 Harris grounding manual prior to bidding and construction is highly recommended.

1. Photographs of all system grounding must be taken and provided to UCA prior to any backfill.

1. UCA will provide a copy of the L3H grounding guidelines upon request.

UCA-Provided Materials and Pickup Coordination All UCA-provided parts are listed in Attachment I of the Scope of Work. The Contractor is responsible for verifying receipt, inspecting for damage, and providing all other materials, consumables, hardware, jumpers, tape, tools, and personal protective equipment necessary to complete the work. Any items not on Attachment I shall be furnished by the Contractor.

Pickup Locations

Project Schedule UCA is targeting a Substantial Completion date of July 31, 2026, for all work at the Geyser Peak site. Offerors must propose a schedule demonstrating the ability to mobilize, sequence, and complete the work by this date, accounting for high-elevation weather windows, USFS coordination, multi-discipline sequencing (foundation cure times, shelter delivery, tower erection, solar installation, propane plumbing, antenna and line work, and grounding), and the remote location.

Schedule performance is a scored component of the evaluation. Offerors should clearly identify all milestones, critical path activities, sequencing dependencies, and weather and access contingencies. Time is of the essence in any resulting contract.

Mandatory Minimum Qualifications

PASS / FAIL — NON-RESPONSIVE IF NOT MET

The qualifications listed in this section are mandatory minimum prerequisites for evaluation under this RFP. Failure to meet any single requirement at the time of proposal submission will result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration. These items are NOT scored; they are gateway requirements.

To be eligible for evaluation, the Offeror must meet ALL of the following:

1. Multi-Discipline Construction Capability. Offeror must demonstrate experience as a prime contractor or general contractor with self-performed or appropriately subcontracted capability across all major disciplines in this scope: concrete foundations, lattice-tower erection, modular shelter setting, solar PV installation, propane plumbing, antenna and line installation, sweep and PIM testing, and L3 Harris-compliant site grounding.

1. Comparable Project Experience. Offeror must provide a minimum of three (3) client references for comparable off-grid or solar-powered communications site builds — including new tower erection, modular shelter installation, and exterior site grounding — completed within the past five (5) years.

1. Tower Erection Capability. Offeror must employ or subcontract crews qualified to erect a 100-foot self-supporting lattice tower, with documented authorized climber/rescue training, RF awareness, and OSHA-compliant fall protection.

1. Qualified Plumber for Propane Work. Offeror must employ or subcontract a plumber licensed in the State of Utah to perform LP gas work, and must disclose the plumber's name, license number, and role in the proposal.

1. Concrete Capability and Testing. Offeror must demonstrate the capability to form and pour the tower foundation and shelter foundation to ACI 318-14, achieving 4,500 psi minimum 28-day compressive strength, and to coordinate and deliver a Comprehensive Strength of Concrete Cylinder Test report.

1. USFS Right of Way Compliance. Offeror must affirm willingness and ability to comply with the USFS-issued ROW rules and procedures applicable to this site.

1. L3 Harris Grounding Familiarity. Offeror must affirm familiarity with, or commit to obtaining and reviewing prior to mobilization, the L3 Harris Grounding Specifications Manual T4618 Revision F.

1. Sweep and PIM Test Capability. Offeror must confirm that it possesses, or has confirmed subcontracted access to, calibrated sweep and PIM test equipment, and is capable of providing sweep and PIM test reports as part of the closeout package.

1. Insurance. Offeror must carry, and provide proof of, general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability of at least $1,000,000, workers' compensation as required by Utah law, and an umbrella/excess policy of at least $5,000,000.

1. Construction Contract. Offeror must agree, as a condition of award, to sign UCA's short-form construction contract substantially in the form attached to this RFP in Bonfire.

1. Site Access Capability. Offeror must confirm that its personnel and equipment can safely transport the tower and the approximately 12,000-pound modular shelter to the site over approximately 4.5 miles of dirt road from Highway 72, and operate at a remote, elevated communications site under variable weather and road conditions.

Technical Criteria (Including Cost) Statutory Authority for Integrated Cost Evaluation Under the Utah Procurement Code, cost proposals are ordinarily evaluated separately from the technical proposal. UCA has determined, for the reasons set forth below, that a waiver of the cost-separation prohibition is in the best interest of UCA and is therefore exercising the waiver authority provided by Utah Code § 63G-6a-707(7)(b).

Utah Code § 63G-6a-707(7) — Cost Proposal Handling (7)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (7)(b), an evaluation committee member is prohibited from knowing or having access to information relating to the cost of a proposal until after the evaluation committee submits its recommendation to the procurement unit based on the scores of all criteria other than cost.

(7)(b) A procurement official may waive the prohibition of Subsection (7)(a) by signing a written statement indicating why waiving the prohibition is in the best interests of the procurement unit.

NOTICE OF COST INTEGRATION WAIVER — Utah Code § 63G-6a-707(7)(b) Pursuant to Utah Code § 63G-6a-707(7)(b), the UCA Procurement Official has executed a written waiver of the cost-separation prohibition described in Subsection (7)(a). The waiver is on file with the UCA Procurement Unit.

Reason for Waiver: Geyser Peak is a remote, elevated, off-grid site on USFS land, accessed by approximately 4.5 miles of dirt road. The cost of mobilization, lodging, per diem, weather contingency, multi-discipline sequencing (foundation cure, tower erection, shelter delivery, solar, propane, A&L, grounding), USFS coordination, equipment transport for the approximately 12,000-pound shelter and the 100-foot tower, sweep and PIM testing, and concrete cylinder testing are material and variable components of any proposal for this work. Evaluating cost separately from the technical proposal would prevent the evaluation committee from assessing whether an Offeror's proposed approach and schedule are operationally realistic given those access, coordination, and discipline burdens. Integration of cost into the overall evaluation is therefore in the best interests of UCA and the public it serves.

ACCORDINGLY: Cost proposals will be reviewed by the evaluation committee concurrently with the technical proposal. Offerors must include cost information in the manner specified in Appendix C. Cost will be scored as a weighted component of the overall evaluation as described below.

Evaluation Framework — 1,000 Points Total Proposals meeting all Mandatory Minimum Qualifications will be evaluated against the following integrated criteria, which include both technical and cost components. Cost is integrated under the § 63G-6a-707(7)(b) waiver described above.

Minimum Score Threshold. Proposals must achieve a minimum total score of 800 out of 1,000 points to be considered for award. Proposals scoring below this threshold will be eliminated from further consideration.

Cost Scoring Methodology The Offeror with the lowest Grand Total Lump Sum Price (the sum of all line-item lump sums in Appendix C, inclusive of all labor, materials not supplied by UCA, mobilization, per diem, sweep and PIM testing, concrete testing, and closeout deliverables) will receive the maximum 250 cost points. All other Offerors will receive a proportional share of cost points based on the following formula:

Cost Points = 250 × (Lowest Grand Total Lump Sum Price ÷ Offeror's Grand Total Lump Sum Price) Offerors must clearly identify in their cost proposal (Appendix C) the Grand Total Lump Sum Price as the sum of all line-item lump sums. Failure to provide a clearly identified Grand Total Lump Sum Price, or material inconsistency between line-item lump sums and the stated Grand Total, may result in the proposal being scored at zero (0) cost points.

Price Guarantee Prices quoted in the cost proposal shall remain firm and fixed for a minimum of 180 days from the proposal submission date. Any contract resulting from this RFP will incorporate the pricing submitted.

Evaluation Process Stage 1: Initial Review All submitted proposals will first be reviewed for completeness and compliance with the Mandatory Minimum Qualifications (Section 8). Proposals that do not meet all mandatory minimum requirements will be deemed non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration.

Stage 2: Technical Proposal Evaluation (Including Cost) Pursuant to the cost integration waiver executed under Utah Code § 63G-6a-707(7)(b), responsive proposals will be evaluated by an evaluation committee appointed by UCA against all criteria — including cost — simultaneously. The evaluation committee will tally final scores using an average of individual evaluator scores. Responses achieving a minimum total score of 800 points will proceed to consideration for award. Responses below this threshold will be eliminated from further consideration.

Stage 3: Interview Presentation (If Used) If necessary, responsive proposals meeting the minimum score threshold from Stage 2 may advance to an interview/presentation stage at UCA's discretion. UCA plans to hold any such presentations at UCA's office, with virtual attendance accommodated if in-person attendance is not feasible.

Protected Information Records submitted in response to this RFP are subject to the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), Utah Code § 63G-2. Offerors may request that part of their proposal be protected by submitting a Company Request for Protected Record Status as set forth in Utah Code § 63G-2-309. The form is included in Appendix B.

Because cost proposals are evaluated concurrently with technical proposals pursuant to the § 63G-6a-707(7)(b) waiver, pricing information is accessible to the evaluation committee and will be treated as public information following award. An entire proposal may not be identified as "PROTECTED," "CONFIDENTIAL," or "PROPRIETARY." All materials submitted become the property of UCA.

Award To determine which proposal provides the best value, the evaluation committee will evaluate each responsive and responsible proposal that has not been disqualified. It is anticipated that this RFP will result in a single award to the responsive and responsible Offeror with the highest total score.

After the evaluation and final scoring of proposals is completed, UCA shall award the contract as soon as practicable. The award will be subject to the awarded Offeror's execution of UCA's short-form construction contract substantially in the form attached to this RFP in Bonfire.

Terms and Conditions Any contract resulting from this RFP will include but not be limited to the Standard Terms and Conditions and the UCA short-form construction contract attached in the Files section of Bonfire.

Exceptions and/or additions to the Standard Terms and Conditions are strongly discouraged. Any exceptions must be submitted with the proposal. Exceptions submitted after the proposal deadline will not be considered. Offerors may not submit requests for exceptions by reference to a vendor's website or URL. For any proposed changes, the Offeror must provide the Standard Terms and Conditions in Microsoft Word format with redline edits, along with contact information for legal negotiations.

An award resulting from this RFP is subject to successful contract terms and conditions negotiation. UCA may reject a proposal if the selected Offeror fails to sign a contract within 90 days of the contract award.

Change Orders

CHANGE ORDER POLICY

Change orders will not be accepted without prior written approval from UCA. The awarded Contractor shall not perform any work outside the scope of the executed contract, or in excess of the line-item lump sums set forth in Appendix C as awarded, without first obtaining UCA's written authorization.

Negotiation Process In an award, UCA reserves the right to negotiate exceptions and/or additions to terms and conditions in a manner resulting in expeditious resolutions. This process may include beginning negotiations with the Offeror having the least amount of exceptions and/or additions and concluding with the Offeror submitting the greatest number of exceptions and/or additions. Contracts may be executed and become effective as negotiations are completed.

If negotiations are required, the Offeror must provide all documents in Microsoft Word format for redline editing. The Offeror must also provide the name, contact information, and access to the person(s) directly involved in legal negotiations.

Any mandatorily required acceptance of an Offeror's terms and conditions may result in the proposal being determined to be non-responsive.

An award resulting from this proposal is subject to successful contract terms and conditions negotiation (if required). The Authority, at its sole discretion, will determine when contract terms and conditions/negotiations become unproductive and will result in termination of award to that Offeror; the Authority may move to the next eligible Offeror.

Appendix A: Response Questionnaire Mandatory Minimum Qualifications — Pass/Fail Please answer Yes or No to each of the following. A "No" to any item will render the proposal non-responsive.

1. Yes / No: Does the Offeror have multi-discipline construction capability covering concrete, lattice tower erection, modular shelter setting, solar PV, propane plumbing, antenna and line, sweep/PIM, and L3 Harris-compliant grounding?

1. Yes / No: Has the Offeror provided three (3) client references for comparable off-grid or solar-powered communications site builds completed within the past five (5) years?

1. Yes / No: Does the Offeror employ or subcontract tower-erection crews qualified for a 100-foot lattice tower, with documented authorized climber/rescue, RF awareness, and OSHA-compliant fall protection?

1. Yes / No: Does the Offeror employ or subcontract a Utah-licensed LP gas plumber, and is that plumber's name, license number, and role disclosed in the proposal?

1. Yes / No: Does the Offeror have the capability to form and pour foundations to ACI 318-14 (4,500 psi minimum 28-day compressive strength) and deliver a Comprehensive Strength of Concrete Cylinder Test?

1. Yes / No: Does the Offeror affirm willingness and ability to comply with USFS-issued ROW rules and procedures?

1. Yes / No: Does the Offeror affirm familiarity with, or commit to reviewing prior to mobilization, the L3 Harris Grounding Specifications Manual T4618 Rev F?

1. Yes / No: Does the Offeror possess, or have confirmed subcontracted access to, calibrated sweep and PIM test equipment, and the capability to provide sweep and PIM test reports as part of closeout?

1. Yes / No: Does the Offeror carry the required insurance: GL $1M/$2M, auto $1M, Utah workers' compensation, and umbrella $5M?

1. Yes / No: Does the Offeror agree, as a condition of award, to sign UCA's short-form construction contract substantially in the form attached?

1. Yes / No: Can the Offeror safely transport the tower and the ~12,000-pound modular shelter over ~4.5 miles of dirt road from Highway 72 to the site and operate at a remote, elevated location under variable weather and road conditions?

Technical Criteria — Point-by-Point Response For ease of evaluation, proposals must provide a point-by-point response addressing in detail each of the scored evaluation criteria. Use the section headings below.

1. Contractor Experience and Past Performance (200 points)

1. Describe the firm's history, size, structure, and experience with comparable multi-discipline communications site builds — including new tower erection, modular shelter installation, solar PV, propane systems, antenna and line, sweep/PIM, and L3 Harris-compliant grounding.

1. Provide a portfolio of at least five (5) comparable projects completed within the past five (5) years, with project name, location, scope summary, completion date, and reference contact.

1. Identify any experience working on USFS-administered land and any current ROW certifications or compliance history.

2. Project Team and Subcontractor Qualifications (100 points)

1. Provide an organization chart for the proposed project team, including key personnel and identified subcontractors.

1. Identify the project manager, on-site superintendent, lead tower-erection foreman, sweep/PIM technician, propane plumber (with license number), concrete subcontractor (if any), and electrical/PV lead.

1. Provide relevant credentials: authorized climber/rescue, RF awareness, OSHA 10/30, first aid/CPR, plumber's LP gas license, and any manufacturer-specific certifications relevant to Sabre, Andrew, Combilent, or DB Spectra equipment.

3. Technical Approach and Work Plan (200 points)

1. Describe the proposed approach to each major scope area: site preparation, tower foundation (including cylinder testing), tower erection (including ice shield and four ground bus bars), shelter foundation and set, propane tank and plumbing, solar sectors and PV wiring, ice bridge, antenna and line, and exterior grounding.

1. Describe the weatherproofing methodology (PVC tape over butyl rubber tape on coax connections) and the L3 Harris-compliant grounding methodology, including ground rod placement per the L3 Harris manual.

1. Describe the microwave path alignment methodology and how engineered receive signal levels will be verified.

1. Describe the sweep and PIM testing methodology and the format of reports delivered in the closeout package.

1. Describe the photo documentation methodology, including pre-backfill photos of trenches, conduits, and grounding required by Attachment H.

1. Describe the closeout package format and table of contents (sweep results, PIM results, concrete cylinder test report, photo log, as-builts, and any other deliverables).

4. Project Schedule and Ability to Meet July 31, 2026 Substantial Completion (150 points)

1. Provide a proposed schedule showing mobilization, sequencing of foundation, tower, shelter, solar, propane, A&L, and grounding work, including sweep/PIM testing, alignment, demobilization, and closeout submission, with all work substantially complete by July 31, 2026.

1. Identify dependencies on weather, USFS coordination, UCA-provided material availability and pickup, and concrete cure times.

1. Describe contingency plans for weather delays, road conditions, or other schedule risks.

5. Safety and Quality Assurance Program (100 points)

1. Describe the Offeror's safety program, including written safety plan, daily JHA/JSA practice, tower climber rescue plan, and emergency communications protocol for remote work.

1. Provide the most recent three (3) years of EMR (Experience Modification Rate).

1. Provide a summary of OSHA 300 recordable incidents over the past three (3) years.

1. Describe the Offeror's quality assurance program for multi-discipline construction work, including foundation inspections, in-process supervisor sign-offs, grounding QC, and the protocol for the L3 Harris grounding manual.

6. Cost Proposal (250 points — Integrated per § 63G-6a-707(7)(b) waiver)

1. Provide the completed Appendix C cost proposal, with a clearly identified Lump Sum Price for each scope-area line item and a Grand Total Lump Sum Price equal to the sum of the line items.

Additional Information Because cost is evaluated concurrently with the technical proposal under the § 63G-6a-707(7)(b) waiver, Offerors must include their completed Appendix C cost proposal as part of their overall submission. Do not submit cost information as a separate sealed document.

Appendix B: Claim of Business Confidentiality Company Request for Protected Record Status Name and Address of entity ("Company") making this confidentiality claim (please print or type):

Company Name: ______________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ City / State / ZIP: ______________________________________________________________ Pursuant to the Government Records Access and Management Act, Utah Code § 63G-2-309, Company submits this written claim for business confidentiality. Company claims that the records attached to this form and/or listed below and provided to the Utah Communications Authority ("UCA"), or its programs, are protected records and should be considered confidential and classified as protected records.

Description of record(s) covered by this confidentiality claim:

Basis for confidentiality claim (check all that apply):

1. The record is a trade secret as defined in Utah Code § 13-24-2(4).

1. The record is commercial or non-individual financial information and disclosure could reasonably be expected to result in unfair competitive injury to Company.

1. The record is commercial or non-individual information and disclosure could reasonably be expected to impair the ability of UCA to obtain necessary information in the future.

By: ____________________________ Date: _______________ Authorized Representative Name and Title: ____________________________________ NOTE: Company will be notified if a record claimed to be protected is classified as public, or if a determination is made that the record should be disclosed because the interest favoring access outweighs the interest favoring restriction. Records claimed to be protected may not be disclosed until the appeal period expires or the end of the appeals process, including judicial appeal. (Utah Code § 63G-2-309)

Appendix C: Cost Proposal — Line-Itemized Lump Sum IMPORTANT — § 63G-6a-707(7)(b) Waiver Pursuant to the § 63G-6a-707(7)(b) waiver, cost proposals are evaluated concurrently with the technical proposal. Include this completed form with your overall proposal submission.

Offerors must provide a firm, fixed Lump Sum Price for each scope-area line item below. The Grand Total Lump Sum Price (the sum of all line-item lump sums) will be used for cost scoring under the formula set forth in Section 9 of this RFP. Each line-item lump sum is inclusive of all labor, materials not supplied by UCA, subcontractor costs, equipment, consumables, mobilization allocation, and overhead and profit attributable to that scope area.

Note on Internal Consistency: Offerors must ensure that the sum of items 1–16 equals the Grand Total Lump Sum Price entered in the bottom row. Any inconsistency may be treated under Section 9 (Cost Scoring Methodology), including potential scoring at zero (0) cost points.

Offeror Signature: ________________________________ Date: _______________ Printed Name and Title: __________________________________________________ Firm Name: ______________________________________________________________

Appendix D: Technical Reference Package The following technical reference materials are issued as part of this RFP and are posted as separate files in Bonfire. Offerors are responsible for reviewing all reference materials prior to submitting a proposal. The attachments correspond to the Attachments referenced throughout the Scope of Work in Section 5.

1. Attachment A — Geyser Peak Drive Route and Site Photographs.

1. Attachment B — Site Layout and Shelter Details.

1. Attachment C — Solar Panel and Ballast Design.

1. Attachment D — Tower and Foundation Design.

1. Attachment E — Shelter Foundation Design.

1. Attachment F — Ice Bridge Drawings.

1. Attachment G — Antenna System Block Diagram.

1. Attachment H — Required Photographs (pre-backfill and closeout).

1. Attachment I — List of UCA-Provided Parts and Materials (pickup at UCA warehouse and UDOT Road shed).

1. Attachment J — Grounding Diagram Example (note: ground rod spacing per L3 Harris Manual T4618 Rev F).

1. UCA Standard Terms and Conditions.

1. UCA Short-Form Construction Contract (form to be executed at award).

1. L3 Harris Grounding Specifications Manual T4618 Revision F — provided to Offerors on request through Bonfire Q&A.

1. USFS Right of Way — copy provided to the awarded Contractor; available to prospective Offerors on request.

If any conflict arises between this RFP and the Appendix D reference materials, the body of this RFP controls. Offerors must raise any perceived conflict through the Q&A process described in Section 2 prior to the deadline for questions.

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