AM27-102 West Desert Post-Fire Aerial Herbicide

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, on behalf of the Division of Wildlife Resources, is requesting quotes for aerial herbicide application on 4,541 acres across Juab, Tooele, and Utah counties under RFQ AM27-102, with quotes due September 3, 2026. This is a lowest-cost award to a single responsive and responsible vendor; no alternate or multiple bids are accepted.

The work comprises post-fire cheatgrass control across three sites: Goshen Valley in Utah County (1,119 acres), Onaqui Mountains in Tooele County (991 acres), and East Tintic Mountains in Tooele and Juab counties (2,431 acres). Contractor must apply Plateau herbicide at 6 ounces per acre mixed with a minimum of 8 gallons water per acre plus 1 quart non-ionic surfactant per 100 gallons of spray mix. Aircraft must be GPS-equipped to ensure 100% coverage across terrain ranging 5,700 to 6,800 feet elevation. Spraying operations must commence by 8:00 a.m. daily to minimize wind drift, with work completed between September 10–28, 2026. The contractor supplies all herbicide, surfactant, water, equipment, and personnel for loading and mixing. Pricing must be submitted on a cost-per-acre basis. The state reserves the right to postpone if wind speed exceeds 10 miles per hour.

Evaluation is based on objective criteria outlined in the RFQ and compliance with all specifications under the Utah Procurement Code. Four vendors submitted bids with per-acre pricing ranging from $15.49 to $70, and total bid costs from $70,340.09 to $259,025.00. The contractor must maintain workers' compensation and commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate, and commercial automobile liability of $1 million per occurrence if vehicles are used. Contract includes one-year warranty, six-year record retention, and state audit rights. Payment is due within thirty days of correct invoice receipt. The state may terminate without cause on thirty days' written notice or for non-appropriation of funds or changes in law.