Deer Springs Ranch Mastication

The State of Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands issued Solicitation #KL22-70 for mastication services in Kane County, specifically targeting approximately 30 acres of USFS lands near the Deer Springs Ranch community, located 11 miles east of Alton, Utah. The project area spans elevations between 7,500 and 8,700 feet with slopes ranging from 20% to 45%, requiring contractors to remove and masticate Pinion Pine and Juniper trees according to specific diameter guidelines. Contractors were required to provide their own equipment, ensure vehicles are washed to prevent noxious weed transfer, and use GPS or smartphone mapping to identify project boundaries. The solicitation was open from November 30, 2021, to December 7, 2021, with the bid closing and award occurring on December 8, 2021. Evaluation criteria focused on selecting the lowest cost responsive and responsible bidder, with the contract requiring completion by April 30th, 2022.

Participation in this procurement was strictly limited to prequalified contractors on the State of Utah Rangeland Prequalification List. Bidders were required to meet specific certification requirements, including having no financial ties to OFAC sanctions lists and no ongoing boycotts of the State of Israel. The contract was ultimately awarded to Kolob Mountain Construction, with no government property being furnished to the contractor. Contractors were obligated to follow detailed specifications for tree removal, mastication depth, and maintaining clear areas around roadways, streams, and improvements. While specific budget details were not explicitly stated, the procurement process emphasized cost-effectiveness and technical compliance as key selection criteria.