BD27-120 Cherry Fire Rehabilitation, Cultural Resources Inventory, TLA and Private Lands, WRI 8058(1)

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing is requesting bids for an archaeological survey of lands affected by the June 2026 Cherry Fire in Juab County under IFB BD27-120, with proposals due October 22, 2026. This is an invitation-only procurement restricted to vendors on the State of Utah approved vendor list (AVL) for archaeology — the central eligibility gate. Vendors must guarantee pricing for the entirety of the project.

The scope comprises a cultural resources inventory across approximately 4,556 acres of BLM land and private lands in the Cherry Creek area. Work includes a literature review and background research for the Area of Potential Effect plus a one-mile buffer, pedestrian archaeological surveys at mixed intensities (approximately 2,098 acres at 15-meter transects and 1,997 acres at 30-meter transects), and revisits to previously recorded sites. All work must be led by a principal investigator holding a Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO) permit, with qualified field directors supervising field staff. Fieldwork must commence within two weeks of award with an expected completion date of February 1, 2027. Rolling consultation reporting is due within seven working days of each field session; draft deliverables are due April 1, 2027; final deliverables are due June 1, 2027. Deliverables must include Utah Archaeological Site Forms with National Register eligibility assessments, GIS data, and site documentation complying with Utah State Historic Preservation Office and BLM guidance.

The contract operates on a lump-sum model with no cost modifications or change orders. Payment follows a milestone schedule: 10 percent upon completion of pre-field literature review, 50 percent upon fieldwork completion with preliminary results, 30 percent upon delivery of draft deliverables, and 10 percent upon final acceptance. Award combines the Best Value score from prior RFP AS24-114 (out of 300 points) with a new SOW Cost Point Award (out of 700 points); the highest combined score at the submitted bid rate receives the contract. The project is funded through state sources including the Trust Lands Administration, Division of Forestry, Fire, & State Lands, and potentially the Utah Watershed Restoration Initiative.