AM26-49 France Canyon Fire Aerial Seeding

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, in collaboration with the Division of Wildlife Resources, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for aerial seeding services related to the France Canyon Fire restoration project in Garfield County. The procurement seeks a single contractor to perform aerial seeding across 8,054 acres, with specific requirements including seeding three distinct zones: 408 acres of SITLA/Private lands at 16.22 lbs/acre, 1,525 acres of Low Elevation areas at 16.31 lbs/acre, and 6,121 acres of High Elevation (USFS) areas at 14.23 lbs/acre, totaling approximately 118,611.80 lbs of seed. The project requires the contractor to use either Panguitch or Bryce Canyon airports, maintain an 80-foot maximum seeding swath width, and utilize GPS technology for 100% coverage verification. Seeding operations must commence by December 1, 2025, with low elevation and SITLA/private mix prioritized for completion by December 15, 2025, and the higher elevation mix completed by December 31, 2025. The evaluation criteria will be based on the lowest cost per acre, with the contract awarded to the lowest cost responsive and responsible vendor. Bids must be submitted electronically through the U3P system by November 25, 2025, with no mandatory site visit required.

The solicitation does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor participation beyond standard state procurement requirements. Vendors must certify they are not engaged in economic boycotts, do not provide forced labor products, and comply with state procurement regulations. The contractor will be responsible for transporting seed from the GBRC Warehouse in Ephraim, Utah, and must provide radio communication systems and GPS-equipped aircraft. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement will be based on per-acre pricing, with the total project covering 8,054 acres. The contract includes requirements for maintaining various insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and commercial automobile liability insurance. The State of Utah reserves the right to terminate the contract for convenience with 30 days' notice or for cause with 10 days to cure any violations. Invoicing must occur within 30 days of delivery, with payment due within 30 days of receiving a correct invoice.