BD27-9 River Rafts USFS Fuel Break Mowing - Box Elder County

The State of Utah Division of Purchasing, conducting on behalf of Wildlife Resources, is requesting bids on mechanical mowing of fuel breaks on 337 acres of the Sawtooth National Forest in Box Elder County northwest of Park Valley, with bids due September 8, 2026, and project completion required by November 15, 2026.

The scope is mechanical mowing of sagebrush, mountain brush, and other vegetation to a maximum height of eight inches within 275-foot fuel breaks on both sides of designated forest roads spanning 7 miles across two units at elevations ranging from 6,200 to 7,800 feet. The contractor must furnish all equipment, including four-wheel-drive tractors with rollover protection structures and pull-behind or push rotary-style mowers, plus all fuel, lubricants, mobilization, and operating costs. An English-literate supervisor must be present on-site during all operating hours. Work is restricted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, with extension into darkness only by mutual written agreement and with adequate lighting. Environmental compliance includes adherence to state and federal hazardous materials regulations and preservation of cultural and archeological resources.

The contract is awarded to the lowest cost responsive and responsible pre-qualified bidder on a per-acre basis, with the total project price fixed across all 337 acres. Vendors must guarantee pricing through project completion with no fuel surcharges or adjustments permitted. The project performance period is 60 calendar days from the official Notice to Proceed, with weather-based extensions permitted. Payment is made as a lump-sum final payment following final inspection and acceptance. Minor change orders may adjust acreage by up to 10 percent without price adjustment.

No mandatory site visit is required prior to bidding; however, potential bidders are strongly encouraged to inspect the site at their own discretion. The contractor must maintain workers' compensation insurance and commercial general liability coverage of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate, plus commercial automobile liability of $1 million per occurrence if vehicles are used. All pricing is public information. Award notification does not constitute a contract; only an executed purchase order or signed contract creates binding obligation. Vendors have seven days from award notification to submit written protests.