AM26-57 Desert Tortoise Fencing Projects

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, in collaboration with the Wildlife Resources department and the Bureau of Land Management, is seeking a contractor for the AM26-57 Desert Tortoise Fencing Projects. The procurement is structured as an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to remove and reconstruct approximately 16,106 feet of fencing within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in Washington County, Utah. Specific project requirements include removing 14,003 feet of existing range four-wire fence with mesh, 1,362 feet of existing mesh fencing, and 741 feet of mesh fencing attached to chain link fence. The successful contractor must replace these materials according to USFWS Standard Desert Tortoise Fencing specifications, including reconstructing 3.05 miles of new desert tortoise fence with varying configurations of mesh fencing and range fence, plus replacing two gates. Evaluation criteria will focus on the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with consideration given to bid price and prior performance references for similar fencing work. The project has a strict timeline, with work to commence within seven calendar days of notice to proceed and all work to be completed by February 14, 2026, with daily work hours limited from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

There are no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types mentioned in the procurement documents. Contractors must provide comprehensive documentation of prior fencing experience and submit references demonstrating successful completion of similar projects. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract will be awarded on a total project cost basis with payment structured as a lump sum or negotiated fractional payments. The contractor will be responsible for supplying most materials, labor, and equipment, with the BLM providing some estimated materials including barbless wire, steel posts, wire mesh, hog rings, and flagging. A daily penalty of $200 will be assessed for failure to complete the project by the specified deadline, which may be waived or reduced at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' discretion. The project includes stringent environmental compliance requirements, particularly related to desert tortoise conservation, including pre-project meetings with biologists, vehicle inspection protocols, and potential on-site biological monitoring.