BD27-115 Porcupine Knoll Lop & Scatter

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing on behalf of the Division of Wildlife Resources is requesting bids under IFB BD27-115 for hand cut and pile services on encroaching conifers across 390 acres in the Twelve Mile drainage within the South Manti Big Game Habitat Restoration project on the Sanpete Ranger District of the Manti La Sal National Forest, with bids due October 12, 2026. Participation is restricted to prequalified contractors currently listed on the State of Utah Pre-approved/Pre-qualified Vendor list; unlisted vendors are ineligible to submit.

The scope requires cutting all live and dead conifer trees up to 10 inches DBH, severing trees completely below the lowest live limb with stumps flush cut to the ground, and piling material. The project encompasses restoring aspen stands, improving elk and deer habitat, creating mosaic foraging habitat for Goshawk, reducing wildfire risk, and enhancing pollinator habitat. Work must commence within seven calendar days of notice to proceed and be completed by November 31, 2026. During fire season (June 1 through September 30), contractors must comply with the Manti La Sal Project Activity Levels Fire Plan and maintain fire protection equipment including 8-ounce fire extinguishers and firefighting tools. Work is limited to daylight hours between one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset unless approved otherwise. The contractor must provide all equipment, including GPS capable of ±5 meter accuracy and loading project shapefiles, hand crew chainsaws or brush saws, transportation, tools, fuel, and safety support.

The contract will be awarded to the lowest cost responsive and responsible vendor on a per-acre price basis, with final contract price calculated by extending the per-acre bid by actual acres completed. All labor, equipment, materials, mobilization, and operating costs must be included in the per-acre price with no fuel surcharges or adjustments permitted. The vendor must guarantee pricing through project completion. Payment will be made as a lump-sum final payment following final inspection based on actual acres completed. The state reserves the right to stop work due to frozen soil or winter conditions and may cancel remaining contract portions or issue a resumption order when spring weather permits. Change orders are limited to minor modifications of up to 10 percent of original acreage. No site visit will be held prior to bidding; potential bidders are strongly encouraged to inspect the site independently.