AM26-28 Sunnyside Phase 1, Mastication WRI #6706 (Pre-Qualified Contractors Only)

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, in collaboration with the Division of Wildlife Resources, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a specialized mastication project located in Carbon County. Specifically, the procurement seeks a pre-qualified contractor to mechanically mulch/shred 300 acres of standing live and dead pinyon and juniper trees and saplings using a Bullhog mechanical mulcher. The project's primary objective is to reduce wildland fire hazards by removing trees within specified size limits, with work to be completed between September 25, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest cost per acre, with the intent to award a single contract to the most responsive and responsible vendor. The solicitation requires contractors to provide all necessary equipment, labor, and materials, with payment structured as a lump-sum final payment based on actual acres completed and following a final inspection. Key deliverables include mechanically mulching trees to a specified depth while adhering to environmental considerations, with the potential for minor acreage modifications up to 10% through a Minor Change Order.

Participation in this solicitation is strictly limited to contractors currently on the Pre-approved/Pre-qualified Vendor list, effectively creating a significant restriction on potential bidders. No specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned in the documentation. The project does not indicate an existing incumbent vendor or require integration with specific infrastructure or technology. Contractors must guarantee pricing through project completion and will be subject to a comprehensive performance evaluation that includes ratings for quality of service, timeliness of performance, and contract management. To remain on the Rangeland Pre-Qualification list, vendors must maintain a minimum average performance score of 60. While the exact budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement will be awarded based on per-acre pricing, with contractors submitting bids that include all mobilization and operating costs, and no additional fuel surcharges will be permitted. The total project scope suggests a specialized contract likely valued between $100,000 and $500,000, depending on the per-acre pricing and specific project requirements.